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Notes for teachers

This lesson integrates technology (microbits), engineering design, and career exploration for middle school students. It encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking through the creation of cardboard robots programmed to represent their desired careers.

List of Materials

Cardboard
Scissors
Markers
Glue guns/glue sticks
Microbits
Computers or tablets for programming

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Standards

MS-ETS1 Engineering Design

MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Standards

6.L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

7.SL.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner

8.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

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Objectives:

Students will utilize the engineering design process to design, build, and program a cardboard robot representing their chosen career using microbits.

Students will program microbits to simulate tasks related to their chosen career using block-based coding.

Students will present their robot and explain how it represents their chosen career.

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Microbit

How to use it……and more

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What is it?

https://microbit.org/get-started/what-is-the-microbit/

Steps to program your microbit

Step 1:

1. Gather Materials

BBC micro:bit: The microcontroller board.
USB Cable: To connect the micro:bit to your computer.
Computer: With internet access for downloading software and resources.

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Step 2: Option 1

2. Set Up the Development Environment

You can program the micro:bit using are Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython. Option 1: Microsoft MakeCode

Go to the MakeCode website: MakeCode for micro:bit.
Start a New Project: Click on “New Project” and give it a name.
Drag and Drop Coding Blocks: Use the block-based interface to create your program.

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Option 2

Option 2: MicroPython

Go to the MicroPython website: MicroPython for micro:bit.
Write Python Code: Use the editor to write your Python code.
3. Write a Basic Program

Example with MakeCode (Blinking LED)

Create a New Project: Open MakeCode and start a new project.
Drag Blocks:

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Option 2 continues …..

Go to the “Basic” category.
Drag the “show icon” block into the workspace. Choose an icon (e.g., a heart).
Add a “pause (ms)” block from the “Basic” category and set it to 500 milliseconds.
Add another “show icon” block, this time choosing the blank icon.
Add another “pause (ms)” block and set it to 500 milliseconds.

Download the Code: Click on the “Download” button to get the .hex file.

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Step 3

3. Upload the Code to the micro:bit

Connect the micro:bit to Your Computer: Use the USB cable.
Copy the .hex File to the micro:bit:

The micro:bit will appear as a USB drive on your computer.
Drag and drop the .hex file onto the micro:bit drive.

Wait for the Code to Upload: The micro:bit will reset and start running the new program.

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Step 4:

4. Test and Debug

Observe the micro:bit: The LED display should start blinking if you followed the examples.
Debug if Necessary: If the program doesn’t work as expected, go back to the code, make corrections, and re-upload the .hex file.

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Step 5:

5. Expand Your Knowledge

Explore More Examples: Both MakeCode and MicroPython have extensive libraries of examples and tutorials.
Use Sensors and Inputs: Experiment with the buttons, accelerometer, compass, and other features of the micro:bit.
Join the Community: Participate in forums, follow tutorials, and collaborate on projects to further your understanding and skills.

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Show this video to students (introduction)

Student’s video:

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Link to start programing the microbit

https://makecode.microbit.org/

Include:

Students’ name

Name of the career they choose

Information about their robots

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Examples of cardboard robots

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Examples of cardboard robots

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Agenda (lesson time)

Introduction (10-15 minutes)

Hands on Activity (30 -60minutes)

Assessment (10 minutes)

Differentiation and extension (15 minutes)

Journal notes or presentations (20 minutes)

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Teacher may start with a brief discussion about careers students like and how important it is to explore different options as soon as possible.

Teacher may introduce or review the Engineering Design Process steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.

An opening question might be to ask students their favorite career and share either with whole class or their team members. Another questions ple that teachers might ask how can engineering and technology may represent their dream career

At the end teacher may encourage students by sharing examples of careers learned

Start with a brief discussion about careers and the importance of exploring different options.
Introduce the engineering design process and explain its steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.
Present the driving question: "How can we use engineering and technology to represent our dream careers?"
Engage students by sharing examples of career-themed robots or discussing how technology is used in various professions.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Teacher will explain the activity to everyone including the constraints for the activity
Students will brainstorm their dream careers individually or in small groups.
Teacher will guide students through the Engineer Design Process
Teacher will provide materials and support as students work on building and programming their robots using the microbit device
Teachers will encourage students to collaborate with their team members and to help each other.
At the end of the activity, students may present their creations to the class and they may explain how their robot represent their chosen career.

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Assessment

Assessment may be based on student’s ability to follow the Engineering Design Process, creativity in designing their robots and or explaining how their robots represent their chosen career.

An informal assessment might be if students use Engineering Journals where they can reflect on what they learned about their chosen career, how all the steps in the engineering process help them in creating their robots, and or what challenges they face.

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Differentiation

If students need additional support, provide specific instructions and additional guidance during the process.
The teacher may also provide examples or pictures of different robots made by other students.
For advanced students, encourage them to incorporate more complex tasks into their cardboard robots especially when they program their robots using the microbit.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

As an extension to this activity, students may explore multiple career options
At the end of this activity, students may be able to make a presentation of their microbit robot and explain more about their chosen career