Session 4

Day 4: The Connected Harbor (IoT & Radio)

Local Career Spotlight: Marine Traffic Dispatchers. The Marine Exchange of Southern California (in nearby San Pedro) acts like “Air Traffic Control” for the water. They use radio frequencies and IoT (Internet of Things) to communicate with ships, cranes, and trucks, coordinating the status of the entire port in real-time. Link to Marine Exchange of SoCal.

Instructions (Part I): Today you are building a status communication network. Navigate to the MakeCode Mood Radio Tutorial.

Instructions (Part II): Grab a second micro:bit (unattached to a bot). Follow the tutorial to set up a Radio Group so your two micro:bits can talk to each other wirelessly. Program them to send and receive “moods” (icons) across the room.

Instructions (Part III): Modify the “Moods” into Port Statuses! Change the icons to represent port updates (e.g., a checkmark = “Ready for Cargo”, an X = “Traffic Delay”). Trade statuses wirelessly with another team.

Instructions (Part IV): Prepare a quick presentation with your team that shares the following with the class:

• What worked well with your robot design and code?

• What was the hardest part to troubleshoot?

• What would you like to do next in Series 2?

Instructions (Part V): Return your kits, ensure all parts are in the bags, and double-check that your batteries are unplugged!