KS2 micro:bit digital flashcards

In this unit of 5 lessons pupils design sequenced algorithms for flashcards to help them learn a foreign language, developing their understanding of computational thinking. Aimed at KS2 Year 3 in England (ages 7-8) and builds on the ‘Nature art’ unit. Pupils then write programs to create digital flashcards using the micro:bit and test and evaluate their work.

The lesson sequence comprises:

1. Unplugged lesson discovering how flashcards work through algorithms
2. Programming abstracted images on the micro:bit LED display to make digital flashcards
3. Improving programs by introducing delays and spotting patterns
4. Experimenting (tinkering) with the MakeCode editor to discover more ways of using the display
5. Debugging, evaluating and consolidating computing concepts used in this unit.
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Learning objectives

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
• have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve problems
• can evaluate and apply information technology
• are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
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Additional skills
Creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving.
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Included resources

• Lesson plan Word documents
• Lesson slides PowerPoints
• Student handouts
• micro:bit code files
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England KS2 computing curriculum links

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals
• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
• Use sequence in programs; work with outputs
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England KS2 foreign languages curriculum links
explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases
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Code.org CS Fundamentals links
Courses A and B
Concepts included:

• computational thinking
• algorithms & programming
• sequencing
• events
• debugging