Year 4 - Design and technology
Using Micro:bit inputs and outputs
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 identify and use inputs and outputs on a Micro:bit.
Key Notes
- A Micro:bit has inputs such as buttons, a compass, sensors and a microphone.
- A Micro:bit has outputs such as an LED display and a speaker.
- Designers make choices over which inputs and outputs to use.
Vocabulary To Learn
- input: something that goes into a system
- output: something that comes out of a system
- program: a sequence of instructions that can be used to control electrical components
- coding blocks: language used to write instructions to a computer
- components: different parts of a product
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Micro:bits are not computers.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
A Micro:bit has inputs such as buttons, a compass, sensors and a microphone. A Micro:bit has outputs such as an LED display and a speaker.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'input'
something that goes into a system.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Micro:bits are not computers. Correction: Micro:bits are small computers that have many different functions.
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