Using Microbits to measure conductivity of metallic, ionic and covalent bonds.

• Observe the conductivity strength between different types of bonds, metallic, ionic and covalent. • Program a Microbit to test the electrical conductivity of different materials.

Author: Samantha Schwessinger

Subjects: Computer Science, Reading/Language Arts, Science

Grade Level: 9-12

CS Domain: Impacts of Computing

CS Principles: Collaborating Around Computing, Developing and Using Abstractions

Standards Framework: CCSS ELA, CCSS Math, NGSS

Materials: Micro:bit, gator clips and different materials that conduct and don't

Tag: micro:bit

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

• Observe the conductivity strength between different types of bonds, metallic, ionic and covalent. • Program a Microbit to test the electrical conductivity of different materials.

Meta description

Subject Area: Computer Science, Science, Reading/Language Arts
Grade Level : 9-12
Computer Science Domains:
- Impacts of Computing
Computer Science Principles:
- Collaborating Around Computing, Developing and Using Abstractions
Materials:
- Micro:bit, gator clips and different materials that conduct and don’t
Considerations:
- This lesson can be conducted in the classroom or at home for students who are unable to be at school. Students conducting this activity can use materials in their home to identify the type of chemical bond of different materials.

Lesson Plan

Overview

• Observe the conductivity strength between different types of bonds, metallic, ionic and covalent. • Program a Microbit to test the electrical conductivity of different materials.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

Pre and Post Assessment Questions:

In your own words, explain why some materials conduct and other don’t.
If more material is used, will this cause the Microbit to show that this material conducts?
Explain why water conducts sometime and not others.
Explain if your diet should consist of all three types of chemical bonds, metallic, covalent and ionic bonds?

OBJECTIVES

Students will investigate and design an experiment that explores the natural world using microprocessors. They will study the phenomenon of conductivity. Students will create an experiment that uses Microbit, probes and different material that do or don’t conduct. They will program a Microbit to either light up for strong, low or no conductivity. Students can then evaluate the difference between metallic, ionic and covalent bonds.

CATCH/HOOK

Can a microbit cause a piece of aluminum to conduct electricity?

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Students will program a Microbit to either light up for strong, low or no conductivity. They can then evaluate the difference between metallic, ionic and covalent bonds using a Microbit.

Supplements

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REVIEW

This activity is used to help re-enforce how different chemical bonds conduct electricity. Another teachable concept is dissociation of ionic bonds.

STANDARDS

Type	Listing
CS Domains	Impacts of Computing
CS Principles	Collaborating Around Computing, Developing and Using Abstractions
Other Content Standards	WYCSTA Standards: CS.T, DA.CVT, DA.IM, and AP.A WYScience Standards HS- PS1-3 WYELA Standard WHST.9.12 WY Mathematics Standard 6.SP.A.2 NGSS HS-PS2-4.