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Design challenge

Night safety

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

Lessons summary

In the Night sensor activity students create a wearable device to give a visual and audio reminder when it is time to “Be Safe: Be Seen!’ at nightfall.

In the Flashing wheels project students design a prototype of a flashing wheel light to help improve road safety for a wheelchair user.

In the Bag for Juliane project students learn about Juliane, a girl from Zimbabwe, and create a light-up bag for her journey to school.

Learning objectives

  • to understand the issues around road safety for children at night
  • to consider how technology can help children to ‘Be Safe: Be Seen!’
  • to design, program, test and present working prototypes using the BBC micro:bit to help children 'Be Safe: Be Seen!'
  • 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, presenting.

You will need

Downloadable resources:

  • Lesson plan
  • Lesson slides
  • HEX files

Other resources:

  • art materials (optional)
  • MakeCode editor
  • micro:bit battery packs
  • micro:bits
  • paper - large sheets