KS3: Move (BBC Microbit & Kitronik's :Move - Electronics, Micro controllers, Modelling, Smart Home)

A KS3 project for either year 8 or year 9, with all presentations, booklet and scheme of learning mapped to PoS.

In this unit, students will be looking to evolve their existing electronics knowledge from year 8 (PCBs, transistors, capacitors etc.) into microprocessors, their associated systems (specifically the BBC Microbit), and their control. Students will progress beyond controlling prebuilt projects into the creation of their own mechanical systems capable of being controlled under a ‘smart home’ agenda. The development of these ideas will be contextually driven. This module should equip students with the necessary tools to fully engage with the rest of their KS3 Design & Technology curriculum.

This unit will be covered during year 9. It is designed to boost consideration of structures and mechanical elements within design. The module will be taken during a carousel of other modules in year 9, all of which approach design and technology from core areas of the program of study, collectively building GCSE readiness. The module is stand alone in nature, but builds upon the skills gained throughout KS3.

It is helpful if the student’s have been:
 Exposed to the idea of thinking ‘outside the box’
 Experience with block and script programming.
 Had experience of designing to a brief and specification.
 Worked with a variety of materials, mechanisms and structures, being aware of the limitations of certain types.
 Prior learning in CAD and card modelling.