Microbit Sensors & Circuits

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60 mins

Teacher/Student led

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Learning Outcomes

Lesson Files

+190 XP

What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC
Microbit
LED Strip with crocodile clips

LED Stacking

In this step-by-step lesson, you'll create an interactive LED stack using a Microbit project. You'll add the neopixel extension, set up the LED strip, create variables, and develop functions to control the LED stack. By programming buttons, you'll be able to increase or decrease the stack. Finally, you'll download your code and test your LED stack.

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1 Create a new Microbit project
2 Add the neopixel extension
3 Setup the LED Strip
4 Create an amount variable
5 Create a function to show the stack
6 Create a range and light it up
7 Increase the stack
8 Decrease the stack
9 Download your code
Challenge
Quiz

1 - Create a new Microbit project

To get started create a new Microbit project.

makecode.microbit.org

Microbit: How to create a new Microbit project

Go to the Makecode.com Microbit website using the link below and click on the 'New Project' button underneath the 'My Projects' heading.

https://makecode.microbit.org/

Install the micro:bit app on your iPad or tablet.

Open the app, tap 'Create code' and then create a new project.

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+10 XP

2 - Add the neopixel extension

To access the blocks we need to program the LED strip, you need to add the neopixel extension to your project.

Microbit: How to add an extension

To add an extension follow these steps:

Click on 'Advanced' in the toolbox
Click 'Extensions'
Type the name of the extension in the search box
Click on the extension in the search results
The extension and all it's blocks will be added to your toolbox

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+15 XP

3 - Setup the LED Strip

To be able to interact and program the LED strip we will need a variable that stores the strip.

Add the following code to your project. We set the value to be 30 as there are 30 LEDs on the strip.

+20 XP

4 - Create an amount variable

We need a variable to store the amount of LEDs in our stack.

Create a variable called amount.

Microbit: How to create a variable

In the Variables toolbox, create a new variable by clicking the 'Make a Variable' button.

Once you click this button a box will appear asking what you want to call your variable. Give it a name that reminds you what you will be using it for. For example, if you wanted to keep track of your score in a game, you would create a variable called 'score'.

+10 XP

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This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2026. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

LED Stacking

Teacher Class Feed

1 - Create a new Microbit project

Using the makecode website

Using the micro:bit app

2 - Add the neopixel extension

3 - Setup the LED Strip

4 - Create an amount variable

Unlock the full learning experience

XP