OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Use the micro:bit as a step counter to measure and mark the planets’ relative distances from the Sun.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Science
• Grade Level : 6-8
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Data Analysis, Algorithms and Programming
• Computer Science Principles: +
• Materials:
  • Micro:bit
• Considerations: +

Lesson Plan

Overview

Use the micro:bit as a step counter to measure and mark the planets’ relative distances from the Sun.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

What is an astronomical unit? What event causes the Microbit to count steps?

OBJECTIVES

Program the Microbit to record steps. Describe the meaning astronomical unit. Move and mark planets’ relative distances from the Sun.

CATCH/HOOK

It would take 12 years to travel to Neptune in a spaceship.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Code Micro:bit to use the On Shake input to record each step. Use the Show String Block to announce when a milestone is reached. See attached document for detailed procedure.

Supplements

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REVIEW

What surprised you? Were planets closer or further away than you expected?

STANDARDS