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Utah Exploring Computer Science

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Intro to micro:bit
Description

In this first lesson, students will be introduced to their micro:bit device and the MakeCode editor, where they will build and test programs throughout the course. They will also be guided through the process to download programs from the editor to their device and will learn a few basic commands to get started writing micro:bit programs.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Articulate what physical computing is
  • Download and run programs on their micro:bit device in order to physically view programs as they create them throughout the course
  • Use the showNumber and showString commands in micro:bit programs
Description

In this lesson, students will take a deeper look at developing, testing, and running programs on the micro:bit simulator and on their devices. They will learn how the 5x5 grid system is laid out and will utilize more commands to light specific LEDs on the screen.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Develop, test, and run programs both on the micro:bit simulator and on physical devices
  • Use the MakeCode grid numbering system to light specific LEDs on the 5x5 LED screen
  • Use the led.plot, led.unplot, and basic.pause commands in micro:bit programs
Description

In this lesson, students will learn about comments and pseudocode, why they are important, and how they help organize and plan programs. They will also learn the basic difference between analog and digital components and how to use the plotBrightness and clearScreen commands in their programs.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Use comments to write more readable programs
  • Develop pseudocode in order to properly plan and organize their programs
  • Use the plotBrightness and clearScreen commands in micro:bit programs
Description

In this lesson, students will build their first physical circuit using their micro:bit devices. They will learn to use variables to control components, along with the analogWritePin and digitalWritePin commands.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Articulate what a variable is and why they are used
  • Assign and utilize variable in their programs
  • Create a simple circuit using micro:bit pins
  • Control an external LED by using the analogWritePin and digitalWritePin commands in micro:bit programs
Description

In this lesson, students will connect a speaker to their physical circuit to play music using their micro:bit! They will learn to use for loops to control components, along with the playNote command.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Use for loops to control the flow of their programs
  • Control an external speaker by using the playNote command in micro:bit programs
  • Understand the correlation between frequency values and the pitch of a tone
Description

In this lesson, students will learn how to use the built-in buttons to control their programs and will learn to use while loops to control components.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Use while loops to control the flow of their programs
  • Use buttons to control their programs
Description

In this lesson, students will research, develop, and present a lesson to their peers on the use of a new sensor with their micro:bit devices.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Research how to use a new sensor with their micro:bit devices
  • Work effectively and harmoniously in a group.
  • Develop and present a lesson to their peers instructing them on how to use a new sensor in their programs
Description

In this lesson, students review content with a 15 question Unit Quiz.

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Prove their knowledge of basic coding concepts through a multiple choice quiz