Micro:bit KS3 curriculum links

KS3 computing curriculum linked to micro:bit activities

Teacher examples of how micro:bit activities in Block and Python link to the KS3 Programmes of Study for Computing.

KS3 Programme Of Study Computing concept and example
  • Learn to design a program to show images on the microbit, write an algorithm to achieve a specific goal: Beautiful Image
  • Design a program with use of decisions to achieve different goals: Smiley
  • Create a compass to be used in the real world: Compass
Understand several key algorithms that reflect computational thinking (for example, ones for sorting and searching); use logical reasoning to compare the utility of alternative algorithms for the same problem
  • Write an algorithm that gives different outputs, define random number variable: Rock Paper Scissors
  • Understand the algorithm including logic and stored data: Magic 8 (blocky)
  • Compare alternative programming languages to solve the same problem: Magic 8 (Python)
Understand simple Boolean logic (for example, AND, OR and NOT) and some of its uses in circuits and programming; understand how numbers can be represented in binary, and be able to carry out simple operations on binary numbers (for example, binary addition, and conversion between binary and decimal)
  • Use if, then, else, elseif to show simple boolean logic: Compass
  • Use Boolean logic of several conditions, shake and a number rolled: Die Roll
  • Create flashing lights within a made pencil case (the design can be modified once pupils understand the project): Rocket Pencil Case
  • Create a device to improve health - based on movement and user requirements. Think about how a "step" is decided, tracking the user moving up a hill or the distance the user has moved: Pedometer