Just like Arduino and RaspberryPi, Microbit is a microcontroller that is designed by the BBC to specifically introduce STEM education and programming to kids. Microbit is denoted as micro:bit. Microbit runs a special version of the Python programming language called MicroPython, but mosty – it is programmed through the online block-style interface of the Make Code website. 

What is the micro:bit exactly?

The micro:bit is a small, programmable computer that has been designed to inspire children and young people to learn about programming and electronics in a practical and fun way.

The size of this microcontroller is smaller than a credit card, and it is the simplest among all the microcontrollers available for children to easily learn, program, and build. You can use the Mu Python Editor to write programs in MicroPython, and then upload into the controller. What I use 95% of the time is the MakeCode coding environment where you program using simple blocks.

But, what is a Microcontroller?

As someone with a Computer Science bachelor’s degree, I must say that a microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system (an embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function, like ATMs, slot machines, POS terminals, etc.). A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip. Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in vehicles, robots, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines and home appliances, among other devices. They are essentially simple miniature personal computers (PCs) designed to control small features of a larger component, without a complex front-end operating system (OS). Examples of microcontrollers are: Arduino, RaspberryPi, and Micro:Bit. 

A brief visual description of the micro:bit chip:

There are endless amounts of microbit projects, lesson plans, ideas and activities to try when you start searching the Internet. I have also created so many lessons, games and activities for the microbit circuit board (that I use at my computer lab every day with my students). You can click here to go see those.

Micro:bit Chip Features

The device has connectors on the board, including five inputs and outputs (I/O). These features allow you to connect the micro: bit to other sensors or devices. I’ve connected many interesting things like LEDs, speakers, paper circuits, buttons, etc. Also, you can power the microcontroller with double AA batteries using a battery cage. 

So, here are the physical components of the micro: bit: 

• USB interface
• Connection pins
• Wireless communication (radio and Bluetooth)
• Reset button
• Twenty-five programmable LEDs
• Light and temperature sensors
• Two buttons you can easily program with A and B labels
• Motion sensors, including a compass and an accelerometer

It supports four programming languages in total, which are:

• MicroPython: text-based, a smaller version of the Python language
• Javascript
• Block Editor: a block-based visual system that students use with ease

Don’t know where to begin? Here are some ideas:

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