Year 4 - Design and technology
Microcontrollers
Simple programming and control: data loggers
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit develops pupils' knowledge of simple circuits, programming and control. Fault finding of circuits will be introduced. Pupils will learn how to integrate a BBC Micro:bit in a simple circuit and use sensors to program a light display.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to interact with the Tinkercad circuits workspace to create simple programs.
Key Notes
- Micro:bits are microcontrollers which can be programmed.
- Tinkercad circuits can be used to create programs for micro:bits.
- Tinkercad circuits can be used to simulate programs for micro:bits.
- Coding blocks can be used to create and simulate programs.
Vocabulary To Learn
- LED: Light Emitting Diode
- tinkercad: an online computer aided design application
- workspace: area where objects are created and changed
- code editor: area where coding blocks are created and changed
- coding bocks: language used to write instructions to a computer
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- To test simple circuits, you need to create a physical representation of the circuits.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Micro:bits are microcontrollers which can be programmed. Tinkercad circuits can be used to create programs for micro:bits.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'LED'
Light Emitting Diode.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: To test simple circuits, you need to create a physical representation of the circuits. Correction: Like many CAD applications, Tinkercad can simulate circuit operation within the circuit workspace.
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