Curriculum Overview Booklet - Intro To CS MakeCode Microbit
Curriculum Overview Booklet - Intro To CS MakeCode Microbit
Curriculum Overview Booklet - Intro To CS MakeCode Microbit
Curriculum overview
http://aka.ms/introCSedu
COURSE OVERVIEW
This twelve-unit course provides an introduction to coding and computer science by way of making and
design, using the revolutionary new micro:bit microcontroller board, and Microsoft’s easy and powerful
MakeCode block-based coding environment. The course is a project-based curriculum, with a maker
philosophy at its core, that provides a context for learning coding and computer science concepts
through the act of making physical objects.
The course is comprised of twelve units with each focusing on specific computer science concepts and
programming skills. Each unit includes three lessons that combine unplugged activities to introduce the
concepts, guided or “birdhouse” activities to gain hands-on coding experience, self-directed independent
projects to apply their new skills in creative ways, and assessments to test their knowledge and skill
development. Teaching all twelve units and their included lessons will total approximately 22-30 hours of
educator instruction/facilitation time and approximately 16-27 hours of student independent project-
based activity time.
When students complete this course, they will have a good understanding of more than ten computer
science concepts that can serve as the foundation for future study. They will develop powerful design
skills that they can use in future projects of all types, whether they are designing 3D printed prototypes or
creating apps that serve a real world purpose.
Educators without a computer science background or who have never taught computer science before are
encouraged to incorporate this course into their curriculum, regardless of their subject area, and should
feel free to customize the curriculum to meet individual school or district resources and timeframe.
About micro:bit
The BBC micro:bit is a handheld, programmable micro-computer with a 5x5 display of 25 LEDs, Bluetooth
and sensors that can be programmed by anyone. It can be coded from any web browser in Blocks,
JavaScript, Python, Scratch and more; no software required. It provides an easy and fun introduction to
programming and making—switch on, program it to do something fun—wear it, customize it. With the
ability to connect to and interact with sensors, displays, and other devices, it can be used for all sorts of
cool creations, from robots to musical instruments—the possibilities are endless. Micro:bit is widely used
in schools around the world, from Finland and Iceland to Singapore and Sri Lanka.
For more information: https://microbit.org/
Audience
This course targets students ages 11 to 14 and can also be used by more advanced students at ages 9 and
10. It is designed to accommodate participants without any coding experience.
Goals
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Describe and apply the following programming concepts:
Algorithms
Variables
Conditionals
Iteration
Coordinate grid system
Booleans
Bits, bytes, and binary
Radio
Arrays
1B-AP-13
Use an iterative process to plan the development of a program by Algorithms &
including others' perspectives and considering user preferences. Programming
1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to Algorithms &
ensure it runs as intended. Programming
1B-AP-16
Take on varying roles, with teacher guidance, when collaborating
Algorithms &
with peers during the design, implementation, and review stages
Programming
of program development.
1B-AP-17 Describe choices made during program development using code Algorithms &
comments, presentations, and demonstrations. Programming
1B-CS-01 Describe how internal and external parts of computing devices
function to form a system. Computing Systems
1B-CS-02
Model how computer hardware and software work together as a
Computing Systems
system to accomplish tasks.
1B-IC-20
Seek diverse perspectives for the purpose of improving Impacts of
computational artifacts. Computing
1B-NI-04 Networks & the
Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces,
transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks Internet
UNIT SEQUENCE
Students will:
1: Making with micro:bit
Learn functionality of the MakeCode programming environment and micro:bit platform
Utilize the design thinking process to develop an understanding of a problem or user need, and
design an optimal solution
Exercise creativity, engineering and resourcefulness to create, test, and iterate a micro:pet project for
their partner
2: Algorithms
Understand the four components that make up a computer and their functions
Learn the variety of inputs that the micro:bit can take in and process to produce outputs
Apply this knowledge and create a micro:bit program that takes input and produces an output
3: Variables
Understand what variables are, and when to use them in a program
Learn how to create a variable, set it to an initial value, and change it
Learn how to create meaningful variable names
Learn how to use the basic mathematical blocks for variable values
Create a unique program that uses variables
4: Conditionals
Understand what conditional statements are, and how to use them in a program.
Learn how to use the Logic blocks ‘If…then’ and ‘If…then…else’ to yield specified outcomes
Create a micro:bit game that correctly and effectively uses conditionals