The Invent to Learn: Guide to the micro:bit

Description

The most comprehensive micro:bit and MakeCode book to date!
Get ready to ignite your creativity and explore the world of physical computing with The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit! This full-color book teaches learners of all ages how to code and build interactive gadgets using the popular BBC micro:bit microcontroller. The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit invites learners to create dozens of simple-to-complex, open-ended, hands-on projects using one or more micro:bits, upcycled junk, and craft supplies. Learn to extend the power of the micro:bit by adding LEDs, sound, motors, and sensors to your inventions.

With clear instructions and step-by-step explanations, The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit is perfect for beginners and experienced makers and coders alike. The book features more than 30 projects with full-color step-by-step building instructions and code, catering to a wide range of interests.

The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit takes a comprehensive approach to coding, craft, and creativity to teach physical computing, engineering, computer science, and electronics to young people ages 8-16.

Millions of the BBC micro:bit, a miraculous low-cost microcontroller development board, are in use across the globe. This book teaches children to make and code exciting interactive projects using the micro:bit as its “brain board”– expanding the range of what was previously possible.

The Microsoft MakeCode block-based programming environment is used to bring interactive inventions to life. Powerful computer science skills are developed via whimsical programming projects that appeal to girls and boys. The code used in each project is fully explained and young inventors are challenged to build upon their emerging computational fluency in increasingly complex projects.

The book includes robust resources for expanding your micro:bit adventures. Explore Python and Scratch, use expansion boards, and learn to create online micro:bit lessons.

Coding, craft, and creativity

Each project features both making and coding with at least one micro:bit
Open-ended challenges encourage long-term use and support project-based learning goals
Most projects use the popular micro:bit V1, while many projects include adaptations for the new V2 micro:bit
Projects are open-ended, personal, & customizable
Students learn computing principles by programming
Debugging strategies teach valuable problem-solving skills
Computational thinking is nurtured by thorough and developmentally appropriate explanations of block-based programs

Teacher resources

Creative teachers may use the book as a source of inspiration for classroom projects or as the basis for a semester-long course of study. Bring STEM/STEAM to life by making and coding with the BBC micro:bit in classrooms, makerspaces, libraries, or at home.

How to stream lessons and track student projects
Sample unit lesson plans
Teaching tips for MakeCode and Scratch with the micro:bit
Downloadable project-planning template
Afterword for educators by Gary S. Stager, “Why This Book Matters”

Over 30 Projects

The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit offers more than 30 projects with full color step-by-step building instructions and code. Projects progress from simple to complex and cater to a wide range of interests. Projects can be built with easy to find materials, such as cardboard, craft supplies, and simple no-soldering-needed connections to LEDs and other basic electronics.