Program Overview
Join CodeJoy for the Micro:bit in the Wild program. The goal of the program is to use micro:bit to teach educators about Environmental Literacy through hands-on activities with Computer Science. This program integrates CS and E Lit into any class, subject, or discipline. Each activity is aligned to standards across the curriculum. Participants will learn to code, build, and teach with these tools, and will have time to collaborate with fellow educators.
Activities in the program are inspired by historical figures, naturalists, explorers, and science communicators. Each activity prompts learners to create a code, using MakeCode (block-based programming language), to solve a problem, then use the micro:bit to explore and play.
Program Information
Grades: 3-12
Duration: 3 three-hour sessions
Times: Mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends available
Location: LIVE, Virtual
What is the BBC micro:bit?
The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of coding and physical computing. It features an LED display, buttons, sensors, and connectivity options, allowing students to create interactive projects that respond to their environment. This versatile tool encourages hands-on learning, enabling students to see the direct impact of their code on real-world applications, making it an excellent resource for engaging young learners in technology and programming. Click here to learn more.
Iowa STEM Scale Up teacher participants will receive a classroom set of 30 micro:bits, plus battery packs, batteries, and USB cords. It's everything a teacher needs to start physical computing in any classroom!
Professional Development with CodeJoy
CodeJoy is a proven professional development delivery partner in Iowa. As a past Iowa STEM Scale Up program delivery partner, through partnerships with Iowa AEAs and school districts, and as the highest rated PD partner during Iowa CS PD week in 2023, CodeJoy has deep relationships with Iowa teachers.
Professional development is delivered in three 3-hour live, virtual sessions (A, B, C), offered multiple times, giving teachers flexible options. (Check out the video to see what live, virtual learning with CodeJoy feels like!) There is also an asynchronous option for those unable to attend live sessions. This hybrid model has achieved 100% completion from CodeJoy’s past 424 Iowa STEM Scale Up participants. Teachers receive a portion of the hardware before the sessions, with the remainder sent to their schools after completion.
Feature One
Adapt these three columns to fit your design need. To duplicate, delete or move columns, select the column and use the top icons to perform your action.
Feature Two
To add a fourth column, reduce the size of these three columns using the right icon of each block. Then, duplicate one of the columns to create a new one as a copy.
Feature Three
Delete the above image or replace it with a picture that illustrates your message. Click on the picture to change its rounded corner style.
Sample Program Activities
Step Counter
Participants will program the micro:bit to keep track of their steps as they walk.
Computing Concepts: conditional statements, events, variables, types of data, loops.
Data Collection
Participants will use the micro:bit to collect and store data, then access that data as both a table and a graph.
Computing Concepts: data collection, inputs and outputs, debugging, power supply
iSpy
Participants will code an iSpy game using the micro:bit compass. Then they will use craft supplies to make a prototype.
Computing Concepts: inputs and outupts, radio frequency, commenting