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Year 7 - Computing

Connecting micro:bits to other hardware

Physical computing using the micro:bit

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils will plan, develop, and evaluate a physical computing project. They will break down the project into smaller, easier-to-solve tasks. They will put these plans into action to create a working prototype that they use to evaluate their successes and identify future improvements.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write programs that enable physical computing devices to interact with external hardware and communicate wirelessly with other devices.

Key Notes

  • Use external components to extend functionality.
  • Control external hardware components using programs and GPIO pins.
  • Use wireless communication to send and receive messages.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • GPIO pins: General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices
  • circuits: is a complete path that electricity can travel through. It's like a loop that lets electric current flow
  • wireless: the transmission of data between devices without using physical cables or wires

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Sending and receiving radio signals broadcasts to all devices that have radio capability.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Use external components to extend functionality. Control external hardware components using programs and GPIO pins.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'GPIO pins'

General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pin, is a programmable pin found on microcontrollers and other digital devices. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: Sending and receiving radio signals broadcasts to all devices that have radio capability. Correction: A radio channel can be set which means that only devices on that same channel will receive those broadcasts.

More Lessons In This Unit

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