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Barefoot - wildlife animations

Unit of work

2 lessons

MakeCode

7-11 yrs

These lessons are aimed at students aged 7-9. Students familiarise themselves with the BBC micro:bit. They also create icons and animations by programming the micro:bit's LED display and using the forever block and count-controlled loops. You will ideally use physical micro:bits for these lessons, although you can also use the simulator.

Computer systems:

Input/output

Programming:

Iteration

Sequence

Barefoot logo

These lessons are contributed by Barefoot. If you wish to download the videos for this lesson, please visit the Barefoot website.

Overall key learning

  • I can explain what the micro:bit's components do
  • I can sequence code within the micro:bit MakeCode editor
  • I can design and code images using the micro:bit's LEDs
  • I can use repetition within the micro:bit MakeCode editor
  • I can design and code an animation using the micro:bit’s LEDs
  • I can evaluate my work and suggest improvements

Additional skills

Creative thinking, evaluation.

Lesson 1: Barefoot - wildlife animations, lesson 1

In this lesson, pupils familiarise themselves with the micro:bit and identify various components on the device. Pupils examine how to transfer programs to the device and undertake a related unplugged activity. Pupils create their own programs using the predefined images, then go on to create their own images by programming individual LEDs.

Key learning:

  • I can explain what the micro:bit's components do
  • I can sequence code within the micro:bit MakeCode editor
  • I can design and code images using the micro:bit’s LEDs
Lesson 1 details

Lesson 2: Barefoot - wildlife animations, lesson 2

In this lesson, pupils produce further programs with the micro:bit. Pupils produce an animation away from the device by creating a thaumatrope (an animation based on quickly moving between two images), which they share with the class. They then write a program containing their animation and a forever loop using MakeCode, before transferring it to the micro:bit. Pupils go on to use count controlled loops by producing a second animation, which they include within a program.

Key learning:

  • I can use repetition within the micro:bit MakeCode editor
  • I can design and code an animation using the micro:bit’s LEDs
  • I can evaluate my work and suggest improvements
Lesson 2 details

This content is published under an Open Government licence.

These lessons are mapped to the following learning objectives and standards: