Enhance mathematics lessons with coding and the BBC micro:bit
Integrating mathematics and coding - unleash the potential of the micro:bit in your mathematics lessons
Both coding and mathematics involve logical thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition. When students learn coding, they naturally apply mathematical concepts, and when they study mathematics, they develop skills that are essential for programming. Through simple and interactive projects, the BBC micro:bit offers a practical way to explore mathematical ideas. Its versatility allows for a myriad of activities that seamlessly blend mathematics and coding because it makes abstract concepts tangible, interactive, visual, and engaging.
Supports a wide range of mathematical topics
Pupils from Pittencrieff Primary School used their micro:bits to make a times tables tester
The micro:bit can be used in the following ways:
- Algebra: Solve for unknowns, explore patterns and sequences
- Arithmetic: Perform basic operations, build counters, test multiplication
- Geometry: Work with angles, distances, and coordinates
- Handling data: Collect data using the micro:bits sensors to analyse and make predictions or solve problems
- Measurement: Code step counters, record temperatures, measure distance
- Number and place value: Create dice, test odd / even and prime numbers
- Probability and statistics: Generate random numbers, track frequency, and visualise data
Encourages problem-solving and computational thinking
Coding with the micro:bit teaches students to break down problems, create algorithms, and test solutions through coding and real-world applications by:
- Encouraging step-by-step problem-solving (decomposition)
- Teaching how to find and reuse patterns (pattern recognition)
- Developing logical, structured thinking (algorithm design)
- Making debugging and testing easier (iteration and debugging)
- Applying coding to real-world problems (engaging learning)
Brings mathematics to life with real-world applications
Instead of just solving equations on paper, students can see mathematics in action through coding and digital experiments. They can create counters and timers, simulate probability, measure time, distance and temperatures, as well as collect and analyse data, then take the micro:bit away from the classroom to test real-world applications.
For example, the BBC micro:bit playground survey challenged primary schools to learn more about their playgrounds through a series of activities with strong links to mathematics.
Pupils from Thornliebank Primary collected temperatures around their playground using their micro:bits
Data collection and analysis
You can turn the micro:bit into a data logger, by utilising its sensors (accelerometer, temperature, light, compass) to collect real-world data, and program it to send the data to your computer. This allows you to visualise the data through graphs and charts for analysis and interpretation.
Using our new tool, micro:bit CreateAI, students can take this one step further to train a machine learning model on their own movement data, which is then displayed as a graph that they can interpret and analyse.
Gamification of learning
Students can create mathematical-based games, like quizzes, multiplication testers or reaction timers, which make learning fun and engaging. It brings a whole host of mathematical and computational thinking concepts to life in a simple but powerful and physical way. We love how Christine Dixon’s students created games to help teach their peers a maths concept.
Christine Dixon’s students created games to help teach their peers a maths concept.
1, 2, 3 - Have a go!
The BBC micro:bit is a powerful tool for teaching mathematics and makes learning both interactive and meaningful. By incorporating this versatile device into the classroom, educators can inspire students to explore mathematics in a way that is dynamic, practical, and fun.
micro:bit Champion, Lisa Moe, used micro:bits to help her students learn more about ratio
Be inspired by these popular Make it: code it projects:
- Odd and even numbers: check if a number is odd or even
- Graphical dice: simulate dice rolls and track outcomes
- Step counter: measure distances using the accelerometer
- Dice: teach statistics and probability
- Environment exploration: measure temperature, light and sound and analyse
If you’re looking for units of work then check out these lesson plans:
- Data handling: students explore data and the sensors on the BBC micro:bit through a variety of unplugged and programming activities.
- Energy awareness: gather data about energy use around you using the BBC micro:bit as a simple data logger, then process and analyse the data to make informed decisions about reducing energy usage
We’d love to see how you are using micro:bits in your mathematics lessons or activities, so remember to tag us on social and use #microbit too!
