Course overview booklet

makecode.microbit.org

Introduction to Computer Science: Standards alignment guide | 1

 Table of Contents
Course overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
About micro:bit ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
About block coding and Microsoft MakeCode ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Audience ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Learning goals ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Resources and tech requirements ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Hardware and devices for the educator and each student ................................................................................................................. 6
Software for all devices ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Standards ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Assessments ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Unit sequence .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Unit 1: Making with micro:bit ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Unit 2: Algorithms .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Unit 3: Variables .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Unit 4: Conditionals ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Unit 5: Iteration ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Unit 6: Mini project ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Unit 7: Coordinates ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Unit 8: Booleans .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Unit 9: Bits, bytes, and binary.................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Unit 10: Radio communication ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Unit 11: Arrays ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Unit 12: Accelerometer ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Final Independent Project .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Ready to get started? ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

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Course overview
This twelve-unit course introduces coding and computer science by way of making and design, using the revolutionary
new micro:bit microcontroller board, and Microsoft’s easy and powerful MakeCode block-based coding environment. The
course is a project-based curriculum, with a maker philosophy at its core that provides a context for learning coding and
computer science concepts through the act of making physical objects.

The course is comprised of twelve units plus a final project, with each unit focusing on specific computer science concepts
and programming skills. Each unit includes three lessons that combine unplugged activities to introduce the concepts,
guided or “birdhouse” activities to gain hands-on coding experience, self-directed independent projects to apply their new
skills in creative ways, and assessments to test their knowledge and skill development. Teaching all twelve units and their
included lessons will total approximately 22-30 hours of educator instruction/facilitation time and approximately 16-27
hours of student independent project-based activity time.

When students complete this course, they will have a good understanding of more than ten computer science concepts
that can serve as a foundation for future study. They will develop powerful design skills that they can use in future projects
of all types, whether that be designing 3D-printed prototypes or creating apps that serve a real-world purpose.

Educators without a computer science background or who have never taught computer science before are encouraged to
incorporate this course into their curriculum regardless of their subject area and should feel free to customize the
curriculum to meet individual school or district resources and timeframes.

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About micro:bit

The BBC micro:bit is a handheld, programmable micro-computer with a 5x5 display of 25 LEDs, Bluetooth, and sensors that
can be programmed by anyone. It can be coded from any web browser in Blocks, JavaScript, Python, Scratch, and more—
no software required. The micro:bit provides an easy and fun introduction to programming and making—switch on,
program it to do something fun, wear it, customize it. With the ability to connect to and interact with sensors, displays,
and other devices, the micro:bit can be used for all sorts of cool creations from robots to musical instruments—the
possibilities are endless. Micro:bit is widely used in schools around the world, from Finland and Iceland to Singapore and
Sri Lanka.

For more information: microbit.org.

About block coding and Microsoft MakeCode

In 1975, Seymour Papert of the MIT Media Lab created a beginners’ programming language called LOGO. He developed it
based on research that showed that playing with blocks of code was a particularly effective way to teach programming
concepts. Papert coined the term "constructionism" to describe the way that learners construct new knowledge by
building on established knowledge. The blocks in MakeCode are themselves models for the way that new learning
happens through the application of concepts in an open-ended learning environment. Block-based programming
languages such as Scratch and MakeCode build on Papert’s research and are a great way for students to start learning
about coding concepts without having to worry about syntax.

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Audience
This course targets students aged 11–14 and can also engage more advanced students at aged 9–10. It is designed to
accommodate participants without any coding experience.

Learning goals
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

▪ Describe and apply the following programming concepts:

▪ Algorithms

▪ Variables

▪ Conditionals

▪ Iteration

▪ Coordinate grid system

▪ Booleans

▪ Bits, bytes, and binary

▪ Radio

▪ Arrays

▪ Accelerometer

▪ Synthesize the concepts in new, creative ways through

self-directed coding projects.

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Resources and tech requirements
Hardware and devices for the educator and each student

▪ Computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet

connection, modern browser, and USB port

▪ micro:bit
▪ Micro-USB cable
▪ Battery pack (with two AAA batteries)

For the project design aspects of the micro:bit, the following optional accessories are recommended:

▪ Alligator/crocodile clip cables

▪ Headphone/earbuds (for audio)
▪ Croc clip-to-headphone jack adapter
▪ Micro servo motor 9g SG90 (for movement)
▪ Croc clip-to-male connector (for connecting to Servo motor)
▪ Copper tape

Note: For technical and compliance information, see microbit.org/guide/hardware.

Software for all devices

No special software is required. All coding can be completed in the online version of the MakeCode editor at
makecode.microbit.org.

Note: A free MakeCode for micro:bit Windows app is also available if your school devices use the Windows operating
system. It will download MakeCode programs directly to the micro:bit without having to drag and drop your program files
to the USB drive. This is optional software is found at
aka.ms/microbitapphttps://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9PJC7SV48LCX.

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Standards
The course aligns to the following U.S. CSTA 2017-Revised computer science standards:

CSTA K–12 computer science standards

Identifier Standard

1B-AP-09 Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.

1B-AP-10 Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.

Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems to facilitate the program
1B-AP-11
development process.
Modify, remix, or incorporate portions of an existing program into one’s own work, to develop
1B-AP-12
something new or add more advanced features.
Use an iterative process to plan the development of a program by including others’ perspectives and
1B-AP-13
considering user preferences.

1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.

Take on varying roles, with teacher guidance, when collaborating with peers during the design,
1B-AP-16
implementation, and review stages of program development.
Describe choices made during program development using code comments, presentations, and
1B-AP-17
demonstrations.

1B-CS-01 Describe how internal and external parts of computing devices function to form a system.

1B-CS-02 Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks.

1B-IC-20 Seek diverse perspectives for the purpose of improving computational artifacts.

Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple
1B-NI-04
devices over networks and the Internet, and reassembled at the destination.

2-AP-10 Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to address complex problems as algorithms.

Create clearly named variables that represent different data types and perform operations on their
2-AP-11
values.
Design and iteratively develop programs that combine control structures, including nested loops and
2-AP-12
compound conditionals.
Decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review
2-AP-13
of programs.
Seek and incorporate feedback from team members and users to refine a solution that meets user
2-AP-15
needs.

2-AP-17 Systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases.

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Identifier Standard

2-AP-19 Document programs in order to make them easier to follow, test, and debug.

Recommend improvements to the design of computing devices based on an analysis of how users
2-CS-01
interact with the devices.

2-CS-02 Design projects that combine hardware and software components to collect and exchange data.

2-DA-07 Represent data using multiple encoding schemes.

2-DA-08 Collect data using computational tools and transform the data to make it more useful and reliable.

Create prototypes that use algorithms to solve computational problems by leveraging prior student
3A-AP-13
knowledge and personal interests.
Use lists to simplify solutions, generalizing computational problems instead of repeatedly using simple
3A-AP-14
variables.
Design and iteratively develop computational artifacts for practical intent, personal expression, or to
3A-AP-16
address a societal issue by using events to initiate instructions.

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Assessments
Learning assessment opportunities are provided for each unit and its associated lessons. For more details
about the assessment approach and printer-friendly versions, see the assessment guide.
▪ Lesson assessments: “Do now,” knowledge check questions, and exit ticket
▪ Unit assessments: Quiz, independent project diary and rubric
▪ Course assessment: Final project

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Unit sequence
Unit 1: Making with micro:bit

▪ Learn functionality of the MakeCode programming environment and micro:bit platform

▪ Utilize the design thinking process to develop an understanding of a problem or user need, and design an optimal
solution

▪ Exercise creativity, engineering and resourcefulness to create, test, and iterate a micro:pet project for their partner

Unit 2: Algorithms

▪ Understand the four components that make up a computer and their functions
▪ Learn the variety of inputs that the micro:bit can take in and process to produce outputs
▪ Apply this knowledge and create a micro:bit program that takes input and produces an output

Unit 3: Variables

▪ Understand what variables are, and when to use them in a program

▪ Learn how to create a variable, set it to an initial value, and change it
▪ Learn how to create meaningful variable names
▪ Learn how to use the basic mathematical blocks for variable values
▪ Create a unique program that uses variables

Unit 4: Conditionals

▪ Understand what conditional statements are, and how to use them in a program.
▪ Learn how to use the Logic blocks ‘If…then’ and ‘If…then…else’ to yield specified outcomes
▪ Create a micro:bit game that correctly and effectively uses conditionals

Unit 5: Iteration

▪ Understand the value of iteration in programming

▪ Learn how and when to use the looping blocks ‘repeat’, ‘while’, and ‘for’ as forms of iteration
▪ Create a program that uses iteration and looping

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Unit 6: Mini project

▪ Demonstrate an understanding of previous units’ concepts

▪ Code a micro:bit program; design and build a physical maker component that uses it

Unit 7: Coordinates

▪ Understand the correlation between coordinates and the LED grid on the micro:bit
▪ Understand that the values of the x and y coordinates, how to refer to, plot, unplot, and toggle them
▪ Create a program that uses coordinates

Unit 8: Booleans

▪ Understand what Booleans and Boolean operators are, and why and when to use them
▪ Learn how to create a Boolean, set and change its value
▪ Learn how to use the random true or false block
▪ Create a program that uses Booleans and Boolean operators

Unit 9: Bits, bytes, and binary

▪ Understand what bits and bytes are and how they relate to computers
▪ Learn to count in base-2 (binary) and translate numbers from base-10 (decimal) to binary and decimal
▪ Create a program that uses binary counting

Unit 10: Radio communication

▪ Understand how to use the Radio blocks to send and receive data between micro:bits
▪ Understand the specific types of data that can be sent over the radio
▪ Work in pairs to design a program using radio communication between two micro:bits

Unit 11: Arrays

▪ Recognize and demonstrate three common sorting algorithms

▪ Learn common array operations and practice creating, storing, and retrieving their values
▪ Create a musical instrument that uses a micro:bit and program it, using arrays

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Unit 12: Accelerometer

▪ Understand how to use the Accelerometer blocks to sense the micro:bit’s position and movement in three-
dimensional space

▪ Understand the x, y, and z axes and measurement of gravitational force

▪ Apply the above knowledge and skills to design a unique program using the accelerometer

Final Independent Project

▪ Code a unique, original micro:bit program, and design and build a physical maker component that uses the
micro:bit in its construction

Ready to get started?

Go to aka.ms/introCSedu to download the free curriculum materials that contain
educator guides, videos, presentations, student worksheets and assessments.

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