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Year 9

Lesson 3 Connections

Curriculum > KS3 > Unit > Lesson

This lesson provides learners with examples of using the micro:bit’s General-Purpose Input Output (GPIO) pins to connect it to external hardware components, such as switches, speakers, and LEDs. The ability to connect the micro:bit to additional components enhances the built-in capabilities for input and output, which extends the range of projects the learners will be able to build. The lesson also demonstrates the use of the micro:bit’s radio antenna in order to transmit and receive messages wirelessly. This is one of its most versatile capabilities and opens the way for projects that involve multiple micro:bits working together. At the end of the lesson, learners will again be asked about their project ideas. This time, they will also be asked to put their ideas on paper as homework, as they will find themselves taking their first creative design steps in the next lesson.

Learning objectives

  • Write programs that use GPIO pins to generate output and receive input
  • Write programs that communicate with other devices by sending and receiving messages wirelessly

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