STEAM with Micro:bits!

Funded Dec 12, 2022

During the last few weeks of our Coding Unit, 100% of our fifth graders participated in programming the Microbits we received! They were able to use the Makecode Block and Text editor to write their programs. Then they learned how to download these programs as .hex files and transfer the codes to the Microbits using a USB cable. They engaged in paired programming and collaborated to engineer prototypes of simple games, compasses, and step-counters! They also explored how technology can offer solutions to real world problems as they created digital calming LEDs to promote health and well-being!

Our students were very excited when they first saw the materials! Throughout all of the lessons, they were fully engaged and now better understand how software and hardware work together. Comments were frequently made regarding how fun the projects were and how they were looking forward to the next sessions in order to learn and create more!

Our current fifth grade students will continue to use the Microbits to complete additional projects that are related to curriculum content. We also plan to use the Microbits with subsequent fifth grade classes in years to come! We truly feel that because of the generosity of our Donors, we were able to deliver an unforgettable experience to our graduating fifth graders. We hope that this experience will lead them to pursue courses at the middle, high school, or college levels. We also hope that we have ignited a passion in our students to become future computer programmers in technology-based careers.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Capurro