OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Sharing and receiving kindness is a good way to support your well-being and that of your friends. In this activity you will use the radio function of the micro:bit to send a smile to a friend.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Science, Social Studies, Technology, SEL
• Grade Level : K-2, 3-5
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Computing Systems, Networks and The Internet, Algorithms and Programming, Impacts of Computing
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture, Collaborating Around Computing, Communicating About Computing
• Materials:
  • Micro:bit
• Considerations:
  • How to set the radio channels. (See attached hex file for example program).

Lesson Plan

Overview

Sharing and receiving kindness is a good way to support your well-being and that of your friends. In this activity you will use the radio function of the micro:bit to send a smile to a friend.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

How can you code a micro:bit to display a smile (or other symbol of kindness)? How can you code a micro:bit to send your symbol to one other classmate? What impact does this technology have on well being and how does sending positive messages impact our community?

OBJECTIVES

Students will code their micro:bit to display a smile (or other symbol of kindness). Students will code their micro:bit to send their symbol to one other classmate. Students will discuss the impact of computing on well being and how positive messages can impact our community.

CATCH/HOOK

Imagine if you could send an encouraging message to a friend using a micro:bit!

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

This program uses the micro:bit’s radio feature to share a smile. You can use it in the MakeCode simulator or flash the code on to 2 or more micro:bits.

First, set the radio group to 2. Groups are like channels, so any micro:bit using the same group will get the smile. You can use any group number you like from 0-255.

When you press button A, it sends a radio text message ‘smile’. It also clears the screen so you can send another smile.

When it receives a radio message, it shows a smile emoji on the LED display.

The combination of radio group and the text of the radio message sent make up a protocol: a set of rules for how two devices communicate.

Supplements

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REVIEW

How does radio communication between electronic devices use protocols to ensure messages are routed correctly? How can technology and electronic communication be used for good?

STANDARDS