Workshop 3: Programming Edge/IoT Systems with AI
BBC micro:bit + LLM-assisted coding to bridge abstract programming and physical science standards.
Date: April 25, 2026 · 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST · Virtual (with mailed hardware kits)
Focus: NGSS/CTE alignment, hardware sensors, real-world data processing
Talk:Do Ratio: 25 min facilitator / 165 min participant activities (1:6.6)
Hardware: BBC micro:bit V2 — mailed in advance, yours to keep!
Take computing out of the browser and into the physical world. This session uses the BBC micro:bit and LLM-assisted coding to bridge abstract programming concepts and physical science standards.
Learning Objectives
- Explain what Edge Computing and IoT are and why they matter for the modern STEM workforce
- Program a BBC micro:bit to collect data from 2+ onboard sensors using MakeCode
- Use an LLM to assist with writing, debugging, and extending micro:bit code
- Optionally level-up from MakeCode (blocks) to MicroPython (text-based)
- Align a sensor-based activity to specific NGSS performance expectations and CTE pathways
- Identify CRAFT phases in the session and plan how to replicate the structure
Session Resources
- 📋 Live Agenda — participant-facing timeline with activity links and print view
- 🖥 Web Slides — keyboard-navigable presentation (← → arrows, F for fullscreen)
- ⬇ Download Slides (PPTX) — import to Google Slides
Pre-Session Requirements
- BBC micro:bit V2 kit received by mail and connected via USB
- MakeCode editor open in browser
- LLM of choice open in a second tab
- Hardware check email sent 3 days prior with setup instructions
Key Activities
| CRAFT Phase | Activity | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Hardware Check: Is Your micro:bit Alive? | 10 min | You Do |
| Contextualize | Brainstorm: IoT in Your Subject | 8 min | You Do |
| Reframe | Breakout: Barriers to Hardware Teaching | 9 min | You Do |
| Assemble | Guided: Build Your First Sensor Program | 15 min | You Do |
| Assemble | Breakout: Multi-Sensor Challenge | 30 min | You Do |
| Assemble | Level Up: Track A (MakeCode+) or Track B (MicroPython) | 25 min | You Do |
| Fortify | Experiment: Verify Your Sensor Data | 15 min | You Do |
| Transfer | Build: Your IoT Lesson for Monday | 18 min | You Do |
Level-Up Tracks
Track A — MakeCode+: Extend your project with LED visualization, radio communication between micro:bits, or complex sensor logic. Push MakeCode to its limits.
Track B — MicroPython: Convert your MakeCode project to Python using the micro:bit Python editor. Ask an LLM to translate your blocks, then verify it actually runs on your device.
Focus Tags
BBC micro:bit · Physical Computing · LLM-Assisted Coding
Reframe Theme
“Coding is PHYSICAL, not just screens.” — The micro:bit costs ~$15, runs on USB with no WiFi needed. LLMs help you write the code — the skill is knowing WHAT to ask and HOW to verify.