Lab: Building a Fidget Device with BBC micro:bit

Lab: Building a Fidget Device with BBC micro:bit#

Objective:#

In this lab, you will design and build a fidget device using the BBC micro:bit. Your device should have at least five different input/output reactions.

Materials:#

  • a PC or Laptop

  • a BBC micro:bit

  • a Micro USB cable

Inputs:#

  • Buttons

  • Capacitive touch logo

  • Accelerometer

  • Temperature sensor

  • Light sensor

  • Sound sensor

  • Compass

Outputs:#

  • 5x5 LED matrix

  • Buzzer

Instructions:#

  1. Setup: Connect your BBC micro:bit to your PC or laptop using the Micro USB cable.

  2. Programming Environment: Open the BBC micro:bit programming environment on your PC or laptop.

  3. Design your fidget device: Sketch out a design for your fidget device. Think about how you can incorporate the inputs and outputs in an interactive and fun way.

  4. Code your device: Using the MakeCode editor or Python editor for micro:bit, write code to control your device. Here are some ideas for input/output reactions:

    • When a button is pressed, display a pattern on the LED matrix.

    • When the device is shaken, make the buzzer sound.

    • When the light level changes, change the display on the LED matrix.

    • When a loud sound is detected, make the buzzer sound.

    • When the device is tilted, change the display on the LED matrix.

  5. Test your device: After you’ve written your code, download it to your micro:bit and test your device. Make sure all the inputs and outputs are working as expected.

  6. Document your work: Take pictures or videos of your device in action. Write a brief report explaining your design process, how you coded your device, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

  7. Present your work: Prepare a short presentation to share your fidget device with the class. Demonstrate each input/output reaction and explain how you created it.

  8. Reflection: Write a brief report explaining the logic behind your code and how it results in a fidget device with at least five input/output reactions.