Micro:bit traffic light project

Creating a pedestrian crossing system

This activity tasks students with creating a scale model and working prototype for a pedestrian crossing system for a school, using the BBC micro:bit.

This micro:bit traffic light project is an ideal activity for teaching students how to integrate a programmable system into a product design. It’s one 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).

Hundreds of people are killed in accidents on roads in the United Kingdom every year. When schools are situated close to roads there is particular danger to children crossing them. A good, well programmed pedestrian control system can minimise risk and enable people to cross the road safely.

The engineering context
Designing and prototyping are essential processes used by engineers for research and development in manufacturing and product design. Students will how learn how elements of electrical, software and systems engineering can come together to create one final product that can be used by society.

Suggested learning outcomes
This activity will teach students to integrate a programmable system into a prototype scale model. It will help students develop modelling and prototyping skills, allowing them to show creativity and the ability to avoid stereotypical responses when creating design solutions.

Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources for free!
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 below.

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