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Design challenge

Being active

Computational thinking, Computer systems, Design & technology, Digital arts, Global Goals, Physical education, Programming | MakeCode | 7-11 yrs, 11-14 yrs

Lessons summary

In the Fitness friend activity students create a simple wearable device to give regular reminders to do some exercise.

In the Heart rate monitor activity students learn how to measure their heart rate and create a prototype of a heart rate monitor.

In the Walking for water activity students learn how some children have a daily walk for water and create a step counter to track their steps.

Learning objectives

  • To understand the importance of regular exercise to help prevent heart disease
  • To consider how wearable devices can support people to exercise and track their activity level
  • To design, code and test a prototype of a wearable device to remind people to exercise using the BBC micro:bit
  • can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
  • can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
  • are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology

Additional skills

Creative thinking, prototyping, testing, debugging, collaboration, evaluation.

You will need

Downloadable resources:

  • Lesson plan
  • Lesson slides
  • HEX files

Other resources:

  • elastic bands (optional)
  • MakeCode editor
  • micro:bit battery packs
  • micro:bits
  • paper - large sheets
  • paper - rough
  • sticky tape (optional)