“What’s a Microcontroller with Python and micro:bit” is a series of web lessons (in progress) designed to get anyone—from the casual maker to pre-engineering student—started with building circuits and designing their own micro:bit-based inventions.
This kit has all the parts you need to add to your classroom’s existing set of micro:bit GO or CLUB bundles.
Your micro:bit module connects to the kit’s breadboard with the included Edge I/O Adapter. A variety of electronic parts support hands-on building with circuits common in many devices: including: indicator lights (binary output), pushbuttons (binary inputs), servo position motors (analog output), potentiometer rotation and phototransistor light sensors (analog inputs), RGB LEDs (parallel input to analog output), and infrared object detectors, transistors, and amplifiers (integrated circuits).
Breadboard circuits paired with the micro:bit module’s built-in radio, accelerometer, compass, mic, buttons, display, and all its other features take the learning and invention possibilities to an entirely new level. Students using these kits will not only learn about the circuits, but how to test and measure them with the CYBERscope web app that uses the micro:bit as a multimeter, oscilloscope, and more.
This kit and tutorial series is the next generation of the original BASIC Stamp based “What’s a Microcontroller” developed by Parallax engineer and author Andy Lindsay. With over a hundred thousand of the original text and kits sent around the world, it inspired a generation of inventors, technicians and engineers.
Andy is bringing his years of experience equipping and training educators to “What’s a Microcontroller with Python and micro:bit”, a joint project with CYBER.ORG, the academic initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center.
Features:
- Use your classroom’s micro:bit GO or CLUB bundles to teach circuit-building, electronics, and pre-engineering skills
- The Edge I/O Adapter makes it easy to extend micro:bit I/O pads to a breadboard for prototyping
- Alligator clip probes and a web app turn the micro:bit into a multimeter and even an oscilloscope for exploring electricity
Project Ideas:
- Detect and log if motion is detected in a room
- Create a mechanical pointer that shows you which way is North
- Control light in terrarium
- Create model stop light and traffic sensors
- Create games with new sensor inputs for your LED display
Kit Contents:
- (1) – Edge I/O Adapter compatible with BBC micro:bit (#32710)
- (1) – Breadboard Set (#700-32023)
- (1) – FT90B 3.3V Digi Mini Standard Servo (#900-00031)
- (1) – What’s a Microcontroller with Python – Electronics Pack
- (1) – USB A to MicroB Cable (#805-00016)
- (5) – Alligator Clip Test Leads (#800-00042, 1/2 pack)
NOTE: micro:bit GO bundle is NOT included. You will need to supply a micro:bit v1.5 or v2 module, a 2AAA battery pack with JST connector, 2 AAA 1.5 V alkaline batteries, and USB A to microB cable.
