Part 3: Creative AI Applications
Activity 1-AI Gesture-Controlled Rock Paper Scissors
STEP 1 (Training): Go to createai.microbit.org and connect your micro:bit by following the on-screen instructions. Train your AI model to recognize three different gestures. For rock, hold the micro:bit still and flat. For paper, wave the micro:bit side to side. For scissors, shake the micro:bit up and down. Collect at least eight clear samples for each gesture, making sure your movements are consistent each time. Train your model and test it until the micro:bit can reliably recognize all three gestures. If you need help at any point, use the video below as a guide.
STEP 2 (Challenge): Open makecode.microbit.org and create a Rock Paper Scissors game using your trained AI model. Program the micro:bit so that when each gesture is detected, it shows the correct icon on the LED screen. Rock should show a square or stone-like image, paper should show lines or a sheet pattern, and scissors should show an X. Program button A so the micro:bit randomly chooses its own move, then add logic to compare the player’s gesture to the computer’s choice and display who wins the round.
STEP 3 (Invention): Take the game further by turning it into a two-player experience using radio. Give each player a micro:bit and program both devices to send their gesture choice using radio communication. When both players have made a move, display who won on each screen and update a score counter. Continue playing rounds until one player reaches five wins, then show a final winner message.
Activity 2-Motion-Controlled LED Art or Sound Maker
STEP 1 (Training): Go to createai.microbit.org and connect your micro:bit by following the on-screen instructions. Train your AI model to recognize four different movements by tilting the micro:bit forward, tilting it back, tilting it left, and tilting it right. Record multiple clear samples for each movement and train your model. Test and refine your model until the micro:bit can reliably recognize all four directions. If you need help at any point, use the video below as a guide.
STEP 2 (Challenge): Open makecode.microbit.org and create a motion-controlled LED art program using your trained model. Program each movement to light up a specific part of the LED grid so that tilting forward lights up the top row, tilting back lights up the bottom row, tilting left lights up the left column, and tilting right lights up the right column. Make the LEDs stay on until a new movement is detected so you can combine movements and use your micro:bit like a drawing tool.
STEP 3 (Invention): Take your project further by creating Movement Paint or a sound-based variation. You may use movements to control a single dot that moves up, down, left, or right on the LED screen, then program button A to stamp and leave an LED on and button B to clear the screen. Or, replace LEDs with sound and assign different movements to different tones or beats. Test your idea while moving and refine it to make the controls clear, responsive, and expressive.