Integrate a heart monitor into an item of clothing This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. There are many reasons to monitor heart rate. For example: There are 2.7 million people in the UK currently suffering from heart problems. The quicker these problems can be found and treated the better the chance of a full recovery. Athletes measure their heart rate during training to ensure that they are training in their optimum physical range. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a personal heart monitoring system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will design a fully integrated product. They will investigate and apply methods of attaching their device to a piece of clothing. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Develop a programmable information system for users of the London Underground The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. This could be used as a main lesson activity with ‘Transport displays designed for users’ as the starter. It is an ideal exercise for learners to develop programming skills, make use of programmable components and embed intelligence into a product design. In this engaging activity students will use the BBC micro:bit to create a prototype for a travel information system that could be used by passengers on the underground. The system must provide both service (how well the network is running) and timetable information when different buttons are pressed. When writing the program those who have not done programming before may benefit from writing, experimenting with and downloading the example program shown on the Teacher PowerPoint (also provided as a PDF handout). They can use this as a base for their own program. This is provided as JavaScript Blocks Editor Powered by Microsoft MakeCode (microbit-transport-jsb.hex) and Python Editor (transport.py) code. Teachers will need to decide which programming editor is the most suitable for their learners. Code Kingdom can also be used. This activity will take approximately 60-120 minutes depending on the ability and prior experience of learners. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard BBC micro:bit system and online programming software Internet (to access programming software) Suitable sensor inputs and sound outputs The engineering context Transport is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the 2014 programme of study for Design and Technology at KS3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will understand a block systems diagram of an information system, they will be able to successfully program the BBC micro:bit so that the system meets the design criteria and they will be able to understand and apply the use of a moving text on an LED display. All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Investigate what information travellers on the London Underground need This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a programmable information system for users of the London Underground. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will investigate the needs of users of the London Underground, the information that they require and how programmable systems may help to provide solutions. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Create design ideas for a display stand for your information system This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a programmable information system for users of the London Underground. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will design and develop ideas for a stand for the transport information display. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Discuss the design of a step counter from the perspective of the engineer and the customer In this unit learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a complete and commercially viable step counter product that will aid people aiming to walk a certain amount per day. What is the BBC micro:bit? This activity is one of a series of resources to support using the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. The BBC micro:bit is a compact, pocket-sized programmable device designed to introduce coding and digital creativity to young learners. Packed with sensors, buttons, and a LED display, the micro:bit enables hands-on exploration of coding concepts through its user-friendly interface. Created as part of the BBC’s “Make It Digital” initiative, the micro:bit empowers students to bring their ideas to life by programming animations, games, and interactive projects. Its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable tool for teaching computational thinking and fostering innovation among beginners, encouraging them to engage with technology and develop essential digital skills. The engineering context This subject serves as an excellent focal point for instructing students about programmable components and the incorporation of embedded intelligence within products. These aspects align with the core elements outlined in the 2014 curriculum for Design and Technology at key stage 3. Furthermore, it presents a valuable opportunity to leverage the BBC micro:bit within the classroom environment, enhancing learners’ product integration abilities. Suggested learning outcomes Upon completing this task, students will be able to analyse and deliberate upon current products from the standpoint of the product engineer and the customer. Additionally, they will comprehend the distinct roles of individuals engaged in the design and production processes. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

**Use the BBC micro:bit programmable system to create a working prototype of a motion detector alarm. ** This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Schools are busy environments and it is easy for learner’s bags to be left unattended, taken by mistake or even stolen. Alarm systems using embedded electronics and programmable components can be developed to protect the property of learners during the school day. In this unit of learning, learners will research, program and develop a working school bag alarm system using the BBC micro:bit. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will develop their programmable system using the BBC micro:bit and the device’s inbuilt accelerometer to detect movement. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Guess the device from a series of clues This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. People are always looking for ways to save energy. It is estimated that the average UK homeowner could save up to £240 a year alone on the cost of lighting their home. In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for an LED based automatic home lighting system, designed to save energy. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This is an engaging starter activity where learners will extend their understanding of input and output devices used in the system and consolidate their learning. They will be able to develop their knowledge of components and both test themselves and their peers. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this engineering activity, students will work in groups to share their knowledge of the use of technology in sport. They will each give a 60 second presentation about the topic to their group. This task is aimed at secondary school students and could be used as a starter activity with ‘Create a portable beep tester’ as the main activity. It is an ideal exercise for learners to both demonstrate and develop their knowledge of the topic of technology in sport, and share with their peers. Activity introduction This activity encourages learners to recall information, helps learners develop their oral presentation skills and encourages learners to work together to develop their knowledge. The teacher will first state to students that they will be demonstrating their existing knowledge of the use of technology in sport. They will also be developing their knowledge further by working with other learners in this group and listening to their presentations. Learners will be expected to work in teams of four. Their topic to talk about will be ‘the use of technology in sport’. Each learner in the group will, in turn, speak about this topic to their team for 60 seconds. They must try not to hesitate, deviate or repeat any information! Each group of four will write a summary of the main points learnt and read it out the class. This can be both in terms of knowledge of the topic and oral presentation techniques used. The engineering context Sports Technology is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the 2014 programme of study for Design and Technology at key stage 3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the product integration skills of learners. Technology in sport This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Technology can be used in sports to enhance performance and help participants to improve their fitness and stamina. For example, automated beep tests can be used to monitor fitness levels during training sessions and set targets for future improvement. In this unit of learning, students will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for an electronic beep test that can be used to help people monitor and improve their fitness levels. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to describe how technology can be used in sport, present an oral presentation on the topic of technology in sport and they will be able to work as part of a team to develop their knowledge of technology in sport. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Understand the relationship between energy transferred, power and time This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Reducing energy usage in the home saves money, increases energy security and reduces the need to burn unsustainable fossil fuels. The first step in doing this is monitoring how much energy is used each day. In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a home energy usage monitoring system that will inform people how long they leave their lights and/or heating on during the day. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will calculate the amount of electrical energy used by one or more of their appliances in the home. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Use the BBC micro:bit programmable system to create a working prototype This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Home security is increasingly important as homeowners look to ensure that their properties and possessions are protected from potential burglary. Alarm systems are being developed with increasingly complex embedded electronics and programmable components. In this unit of learning, learners will research, program and develop a working door access and alarm system using the BBC micro:bit. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will program a working door access and alarm system using the BBC micro:bit. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons to create a working prototype of a step counter. Walking is an excellent form of exercise that most people can take part in. The average person walks 3000-4000 steps per day. The National Health Service in the UK has set a challenge for each person to walk 10,000 steps per day. This can be counted using a step counter or stepometer. In this unit of learning, learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a complete and commercially viable step counter product, that will aid people taking part in this challenge. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a working product prototype. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Create a digital painting Using IT to create art might seem like a very new idea, but actually it has been happening for many years! Using this resource created with Archives of IT learners can turn some famous artwork into digital art. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity learners will develop an understanding of Piet Mondrian’s abstract geometric art then use paint software to create their own art, inspired by Mondrian’s work. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of the creative approaches of different artists. Alternatively, it could be used to introduce or reinforce how to use software to create images. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Downloadable content • Digital painting activity • Digital painting presentation Tools/resources required Computers / laptops / tablets Paint image manipulation software The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. To view the videos, please visit the IET Education website

Develop a prototype step counter into a commercially viable product This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Walking is an excellent form of exercise that most people can take part in. The average person walks 3000-4000 steps per day. The National Health Service in the UK has set a challenge for each person to walk 10,000 steps per day. This can be counted using a step counter or stepometer. In this unit of learning, learners will integrate a BBC micro:bit based programmable system into a complete and commercially viable step counter product, that will aid people taking part in this challenge. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will develop their prototype stepometer into a completed, commercially viable product. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this activity, learners will design a new robot that could help people in the future. Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in design and technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly. As such, this lesson asks students to explore how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products like a robot. This lesson can be followed by Programming the robot buggy with the BBC micro:bit, where learners use the micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path. These resources are part of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in computing and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Designing a new robot that could help people in the future Students will first look at existing robots that are used to help people in our Future Robots presentation and then brainstorm how robots could further assist people in the future. Learners are tasked with designing a robot that’s unique. Their robot must include both electronic (e.g., programmable circuit board) and mechanical (e.g., motors for movement) parts and they students must explain how these systems work together. They can use our Future Robot Design handout to draw their robots, adding notes explaining how the electronic and mechanical systems function. Students should use technical language and justify their design decisions (explaining input/output placement, materials, construction methods, etc.). Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on how to design a robot. The engineering context Robotics is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the programme of study for Design and Technology at key stage 3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to design a robot that can help people in the future. They’ll also improve their understanding of how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation for free. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Alert homeowners to the risk of flooding with your prototype In this free resource, learners will identify the design problems presented by flooding. They will then develop a working flood warning system using the BBC micro:bit. By engaging in this activity, students will gain valuable knowledge about computing and design principles while having fun at the same time. This could be used as a main lesson activity. It is an ideal exercise for learners to improve their understanding of basic electronics, develop programming skills, make use of programmable components, and embed intelligence into a product design. **Tools/resources required ** Projector/Whiteboard BBC micro:bit system and online programming software Internet (to access programming software) PCB development software Moisture sensors and LEDs Crocodile clips or other wiring options (to attach input and output devices) PCB or strip board to create homemade moisture sensors and/or potential divider circuits PCB production facilities (etch tank or CAM router) What is the BBC micro:bit? The BBC micro:bit is a great way to get kids interested in computing. It is a small, programmable computer that can be used to create a wide variety of activities and projects. It is a powerful teaching and learning tool that helps learners develop their own systems and learn the basics of coding. It is an ideal tool for introducing children to programming concepts in a fun and engaging way. The engineering context This is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the 2014 programme of study for Design and Technology at KS3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners. Suggested Learning Outcomes By the end of this activity students will understand a block systems diagram of the flood warning system and they will understand the use of a moisture sensor as an input sensor. They will also be able to design a moisture sensor and/or potential divider circuit. Lastly, they will be able to successfully program the BBC micro:bit so that the system meets the design criteria. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Programme the system using the accelerometer and LED display This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. There are many reasons to monitor heart rate. For example: There are 2.7 million people in the UK currently suffering from heart problems. The quicker these problems can be found and treated the better the chance of a full recovery. Athletes measure their heart rate during training to ensure that they are training in their optimum physical range. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a personal heart monitoring system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will develop their programmable system using the BBC micro:bit’s inbuilt accelerometer to detect motion created by the pumping of the heart. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Use the BBC micro:bit programmable system to create a working prototype of a automatic lighting system This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. People are always looking for ways to save energy. It is estimated that the average UK homeowner could save up to £240 a year alone on the cost of lighting their home. In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for an LED based automatic home lighting system, designed to save energy. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will develop their programmable lighting system using the BBC micro:bit. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Analyse an existing personal alarm system This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Schools are busy environments and it is easy for learner’s bags to be left unattended, taken by mistake or even stolen. Alarm systems using embedded electronics and programmable components can be developed to protect the property of learners during the school day. In this unit of learning, learners will research, program and develop a working school bag alarm system using the BBC micro:bit. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will carry out an analysis of an existing, commercially available personal alarm system. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Use technology to create animation Learners can make their own thaumatrope in this engaging resource developed with assistance from Archives of IT. Thaumatropes are one of the earliest forms of animations, first created in Paris in 1824 by John Ayrton. They work by creating an optical illusion of motion, as the drawings appear to blend into one another when spun. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity learners will develop an understanding of animation and produce two different forms of animation. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of methods of animation. Alternatively it could be used to introduce or reinforce graphics skills or, by selecting an appropriate topic to address as a class, to reinforce learning of a science topic. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Downloadable content • Animation activity • Animation presentation • Animation storyboard handout • Animation thaumatrope handout Tools/resources required Paper and colouring implements Scissors Straws or craft sticks Glue sticks Laptop / tablet with access to appropriate stop motion software. Modelling clay or plastic construction bricks (optional, for extension activity) Digital cameras or image capture equipment (optional, for extension activity) The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. MP4 videos can be viewed on the IET education website

Create a set of clear instructions to navigate a maze path This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in Design and Technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly. In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will create a set of clear instructions to help their partner navigate a maze path. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation