Part 1: Getting Started with micro:bit & AI Basics
Activity 1-micro:bit Orientation
STEP 1 (Training): Connect your micro:bit to your computer with a USB cable and heading to makecode.microbit.org. Once you’re there, create a simple program that shows your name whenever you press button A. When your program is ready, download it to your micro:bit and give it a test. If you need help at any point, use the video below as a guide.
STEP 2 (Challenge): Create a program that reacts to your micro:bit in different ways: have it show one image when you press button A, another when you press button B, a third when you shake it, and a fourth when you tilt it forward. Experiment with each action and see how the micro:bit responds as you test it out.
STEP 3 (Invention): Create your own interactive micro:bit idea. Choose any inputs you want, such as pressing buttons, shaking the micro:bit, or tilting it. Then decide what you want the micro:bit to do in response. It can show patterns, animations, messages, sounds, or anything you imagine. Build it, try it out, and see what your invention can do.
Activity 2-Your First AI Model
STEP 1 (Training): Go to createai.microbit.org and follow the on-screen steps to connect your micro:bit to the computer. Create two actions called “waving” and “clapping.” Record at least five samples of each action. Each sample is one full second, so try to keep your movements steady while recording. When you are done collecting data, click Train Model and test it to see how well it recognizes your motions. If you need help at any point, skim the video below as a guide.
STEP 2 (Challenge): Now download your trained model to your micro:bit and test it without the computer. Try waving, then clapping, and see how accurately the micro:bit responds using only the model you created. If something feels off, return to the website and collect a few more samples before retraining. Keep adjusting until your model works the way you want.
STEP 3 (Invention): Now create your own idea using your AI model. Choose any new action you want, such as spinning, tapping the table, lifting the micro:bit upward, or moving it in a small circle. Record at least five samples of that new action, retrain your model, and then decide what you want the micro:bit to do when it detects it. You might show an animation, play a sound, flash a message, or change patterns on the screen. Download your updated program and test your new invention to see what you can make your model do. If you need help at any point, skim the below video below as a guide.