Micro: Bits in Science

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces students to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that can be programmed.

Micro:bit In Science Lessons

  1. I can use appropriate measuring instruments to make accurate measurements of volume, time, length, mass, and temperature, and express the reading using appropriate units.
  2.  I can use digital technology to take measurements.

Example Project:

Temperature Reader Project

  1. I can name basic electrical components and identify their symbols
  2. I can identify safety issues when handling electricity

Example Project:

Light Sensor Project

  1. I can identify different forms of energy such as stored, movement, heat, electrical, light, and sound
  2. I can use energy transfer diagrams to show how forms of energy change in different situations.
  3. I can ask simple scientific questions which I can investigate in practice.

Example Project:

Bottle Rocket Project

Tape a Micro:bit (with appropriate protection) to the rocket to measure speed and upwards force.

  1. I can use electrical components to construct basic electrical circuits
  2. I can identify and draw series and parallel circuits
  3. I can set up simple series and parallel circuits

Example Project:

Light Sensor Project

Lesson must include drawing the circuits and then building them, in series and in parallel, before testing the light levels.

  1. I can identify some common diseases and link some diseases with corresponding microbes
  2. I can describe how some common diseases are spread
  3. I can assess basic hygiene procedures as a way of preventing spread of microbes
  4. I can discuss the importance of vaccines to prevent the disease and slow the spread of the disease

Example Project:

Keep Your Distance Project

  1. I can show that light travels in a straight line and thus describe the formation of shadows.
  2. I can draw rays to show how objects can be seen.

Example Project:

Morse Code Project

Use Morse Code from across the room to send a message

4 students can wave a sheet between the sender and receiver to simulate waves, and the receiver has to try and work out the message anyway

1 button flashes light in a dot signal, the other sends a dash signal, pressing both begins sending SOS

Possible Morse code through time: First have students send messages with light while waves are in between them, then to show technological advancements have them send the Morse code with radio waves. Then if possible they can use walkie talkies and the phonetic alphabet.

Light Sensor Project

Put a sharp light over the light sensor to create stark shadows.

Automatic Door Opener

  1. I can evaluate the effect of friction on different surfaces and its use in everyday life.
  2. I can describe what friction is
  3. I can identify applications and implications of friction in everyday life.
  4. I can recognize that science can be used to test evidence and solve problems.

Example Project:

Car Friction Project

Use Micro:bits to measure the effects on speed on a car with/without tires trying to get up hill / drive down a track. Students can also test different car models/shapes. 

  1. I can describe sustainable practices to reduce pollution.

Example Project:

Light Sensor Project

3 lights in parallel, depending on the light level the Micro:bit will turn on 1, 2, 3, or none of the lights.

Temperature Reader Project

Can possibly adjust the room’s AC temperature by detecting the temperature outside.

  1. I can carry out observations during fieldwork activities.
  2. I can collect data during fieldwork activities.
  3. I can analyze data during a fieldwork.

Example Project:

Anemometer Project

The objective of the lesson is to use the Micro-bit to create an anemometer to measure the wind speed, which would reinforce their understanding on wind measurement.

  1. I can link the downward movement of objects to gravity.
  2. I can describe weight as the downwards force caused by gravity.
  3. I can describe what happens to the gravitational pull as the distance between the objects increases.
  4. I can describe what happens to the gravitational pull as the mass of the objects increases (decreases?).

Example Project:

Car Friction Project

Bottle Rocket Project

  1. I can explain some benefits of space exploration such as the use of GPS, weather forecasting, and communication.

Example Project:

Temperature Reader Project

Link to Thermometer Project Example