Exploring Electronics and Light

This module explores the exciting world of electronics and light, using Microbit and LED strips. Teachers will guide students through creating colourful displays, sound-activated lights, visual thermometers, and even a precision game. The module encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, with students brainstorming and implementing their own Microbit projects. Teachers should ensure students understand each step and concept before progressing, and provide assistance during the project creation stages.

Explore the Course

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This module offers a comprehensive exploration of programming with Microbits, focusing on LED strip projects. Students will learn to create diverse effects like rainbow patterns, temperature displays, and interactive games. Through hands-on lessons, they will develop coding skills, experiment with the Neopixel toolbox, and showcase creativity in individual and group activities.

Microbit LED Strip	Quiz	Challenge
Microbit LED Strip Thermometer	Quiz	Challenge
Shooting Stars	Quiz	Challenge
LED Flags	Quiz	Challenge
LED Stacking	Quiz	Challenge
LED Strip Precision Game	Quiz	Challenge
Microbit Lab

Microbit LED Strip	Quiz	Challenge
Microbit LED Strip Thermometer	Quiz	Challenge
Shooting Stars	Quiz	Challenge
LED Flags	Quiz	Challenge
LED Stacking	Quiz	Challenge
LED Strip Precision Game	Quiz	Challenge
Microbit Lab

Curriculum Mapping

See exactly how this course maps to official curriculum specifications

NCCA STE Education Specification (2025)

Curriculum Area

Outcomes

Nature of STEM

S1.4.1

Living things

S2.4.1 S2.4.2 S2.4.3

Materials

S3.4.1 S3.4.2 S3.4.3

Energy and forces

S4.4.1 S4.4.2 S4.4.3

Technology

S5.4.1 S5.4.2 S5.4.3

Engineering

S6.4.1

The curriculum does not include official reference codes for individual learning outcomes, so we have assigned a code scheme to make it easier to identify and track coverage.

What Students Will Learn

Learning Goals

Understand and apply the principles of programming LED strips using Microbit projects.
Develop skills to create interactive LED displays that respond to sound and temperature changes.
Design and implement a game using LED strip and Microbit programming.
Enhance creativity and problem-solving skills through the design of LED flags and stacking effects.
Apply teamwork and project management skills in brainstorming and executing a group Microbit project.

Learning Outcomes

Programme a strip of LEDs to display colourful patterns using Microbit.
Design and implement an LED Strip Clapper that responds to sound, specifically a clap, to turn on and off.
Convert an LED strip into a visual thermometer that lights up and changes colour according to the current temperature.
Create a voice-activated 'Shooting Stars' display using an LED strip and Microbit.
Design and code tricolour flags using LED strips.
Create a stacking effect on an LED strip, controlled by Microbit, with the ability to increase and decrease the size of the stack.
Develop an LED Strip Precision Game that involves timing and accuracy.
Brainstorm, design, and implement a simple Microbit project in a team, demonstrating creativity and teamwork.

What You'll Need

Student Devices

Students will need one of these devices. Students can share in groups of 2-3 if necessary.

Chromebook/Laptop/PC

Required Equipment

Equipment used in some of the lessons in this course. Items can be shared among students.

LED Strip with crocodile clips

Microbit