Physical Computing

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A complete beginner’s guide to creating inventions with LEDS, sensors and other components – focused on the user-friendly BBC:Microbit platform.

Physical computing involves interactive systems that can sense and respond to the world around them. This introductory intensive covers suitable starting equipment and teaching approaches to suit beginners starting to explore this area. This course is aimed at adults but many of the techniques used may be suitable for educators working with children.

Intensive Content

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Jumping Right In – Using Physical Computing and Hardware 5 Sprints

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Introduction

Start Programming a Micro Bit

Creating an Interactive Project

Adding Audio to Your Projects

Set Yourself some Starting Micro Bit Challenges

Contextualising Physical Computing 5 Sprints

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Introduction

What is Physical Computing and Why Does it Matter?

Exploring Areas of Physical Computing

Physical Computing Case Studies

Your Reaction to Physical Computing in Context

Scratch and Micro Bit for Multimedia Projects 4 Sprints

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Scratch and How it Enhances Micro Bits

Connecting to and Controlling Scratch

Using the Accelerometer with Scratch

Exploring other Creative Uses of the Micro Bit with Scratch

Creating More Interactive Systems with MakeCode 6 Sprints

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Introduction to Creating More Interactive Systems with MakeCode

Deeper Dive into Physical Computing Components

Make the Most of Micro Bit Inputs

Working with External LEDS

Make a Moisture Detector and Plant Watering Machine

Expanding the Scope of your Physical Computing Projects

Your Final Design Challenge 2 Sprints

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Your Final Design Challenge

Claiming Rise Points

Key InformationPoints50Effort16 hoursPrerequisitesnoneRelease Date02/10/2020

Author Info

Mick Chesterman is a Tutor at the Manchester Metropolitan University. His background is in teaching languages, communications and technology. Mick is an advocate of using technology in an appropriate way to help the aims of community and campaign groups and creates accessible learning resources for technology tools.