Track - Electronics Fundamentals Using the BBC micro:bit

Track - Electronics Fundamentals Using the BBC micro:bit

This section lists the content covered under the Electronics Fundamentals using the BBC micro:bit track.

This course is designed to run through two entire terms (10-12 weeks each term) assuming that one lesson is worked upon at every class.

About the BBC micro:bit - The Micro Bit (also referred to as BBC Micro Bit, stylised as micro:bit) is an ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the UK. The board is 4 cm × 5 cm and has an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack. The device inputs and outputs are through five ring connectors that are part of the 23-pin edge connector at the bottom of the board. The micro:bit can be programmed using the Microsoft Block code program editor which is similar to the block based language Scratch ideal for 7-12 year olds. The micro:bit can also be programmed using the Makecode editor in Javascript and Python which allows for older kids to learn the Javascript and Python programming language using the micro:bit.

This course provides an introduction to the basics of various electronics concepts through interacting and programming the bbc micro:bit. Some aspects of this course are complex and it is advised that the parent reads through the relevant tutorial before working with the child in class. The volunteer instructors/mentors will be around to guide and provide input.

  • Lesson 1 : Series circuit
    • LED, Resistor
    • LED, Resistor + Resistor (Series)
  • Lesson 2 : Parallel circuit
    • LED, Resistor
    • LED, Resistor + Resistor (Parallel)
  • Lesson 3 : Introduction to Transistors – NPN (& PNP)
    • Simple NPN circuit – Turn LED on/off
  • Lesson 4 : Blinking an LED
    • Single LED
    • Multiple LED’s
    • Increasing value of resistors
    • Introduce a transistor
  • Lesson 5 : Color control with a Tricolor (RGB) LED
    • Single RGB LED
    • RGB LED, Potentiometer
    • RGB LED, Potentiometer, Switch
  • Lesson 6 : Using an LDR and measuring analog inputs
    • LDR, Potentiometer
  • Lesson 7 : Breadboard switches in parallel with the main switches
    • Switch 1, Switch 2
    • Switch 1, Switch 2, LED 1, LED 2
  • Lesson 8 : Dimming an LED using a potentiometer
    • LED, Potentiometer, Switch
  • Lesson 9 : Using a transistor to drive a motor
    • NPN Transistor, Resistor, Motor
  • Lesson 10 : Using the accelerometer to control motor speed
    • Single speed / Duty Cycle
    • Set button A to increase speed
    • Set button A to increase speed and button B to decrease speed
  • Lesson 11 : Setting the tone with a piezo buzzer
    • Play music with the buzzer
    • Detect input on button A an play a melody
    • Detect input on button B and play a different melody
    • Detect input on button A + B and play a different melody
  • Lesson 12 : Wind power in action
  • Lesson 13 : Making a game using the compass
  • Lesson 14 : Creating a capacitor charge circuit
  • Lesson 15 : Making a pedestrian crossing using LED
  • Lesson 16 : Making a random dice
  • Lesson 17 : Exploring transistors
    • Darlington Pair for high current gain
    • H-Bridge using 4 transistors to drive a motor
  • Lesson 18 : Displaying temperature using the on-board sensor
  • Lesson 19 : Building a soil moisture sensor
  • Lesson 20 : Measuring humidity using the DHT11
    • Measuring temperature using the DHT11
  • Lesson 21 : Using a solid state relay to turn on LED, motor
  • Lesson 22 : Create a Traffic Light Using 3 LEDs and a HC SR04 (Distance Sensor)
  • Lesson 23 : Measuring algae in water using an LDR and an LED to determine if the water needs to be refreshed

Access to all the course content at CoderDojo Altona North is offered through our Learning Management System i.e. KidzCanCode LMS. We use the Learning Management system to give you access to the tutorials and also track your childs progress through the term. Please ask your course volunteers/mentors for the course access code which you will need to be able to access the above content.