Why microbit is best for children to learn robotics?
Robotics is a fascinating field that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics can help children develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, as well as inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields. But how can children get started with robotics? What are the best tools and resources for learning robotics?
One of the best options for children to learn robotics is microbit, a tiny programmable computer that can be used to create amazing projects. Microbit was developed by the BBC and other partners to encourage children to get creative with technology and coding. Microbit is designed to be easy to use, fun to play with, and powerful enough to make a variety of robotics projects.
What is microbit?
Microbit is a tiny computer that you can code, customize, and control. It has 25 red LED lights that can display messages and animations, two buttons that can be used as inputs, an accelerometer that can detect motion and tilt, a compass that can sense direction, a radio that can communicate with other microbits, and a Bluetooth module that can connect to smartphones and tablets. You can also attach external devices such as speakers, buzzers, lights, servos, and sensors to the microbit using crocodile clips or a breakout board.
What makes microbit so great for learning robotics?
Here are some of the reasons:
Full of onboard Input and Output
Microbit has many onboard inputs and outputs that can be used to control robots. For example, microbit has buttons, a 5×5 LED array, a speaker, a microphone, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a compass, and a radio. These features allow children to interact with their robots in different ways, such as making sounds, displaying messages, sensing movement, and communicating wirelessly.
Cross-platform
Microbit can be programmed using different languages and platforms that suit different levels of experience and preferences. For example, children can use MakeCode, a graphical programming environment that lets them drag and drop blocks of code. They can also use Python, a text-based programming language that is widely used in the real world. Microbit also supports other languages and platforms, such as Scratch, JavaScript, and Arduino.
Extendible
Microbit can be connected to other devices and components that can extend its capabilities and functionalities. For example, microbit can be connected to motors, servos, sensors, LEDs, buzzers, and other electronic components that can make robots move, sense, and react. Microbit can also be connected to other microcontrollers, such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, that can add more features and power to the robots.
Supportive community
Microbit has a large and supportive community of educators, makers, and enthusiasts who create and share resources for learning robotics. For example, there are many online tutorials, videos, books, courses, and blogs that teach how to use microbit for robotics. There are also many online platforms, forums, and social media groups where children can ask questions, get feedback, and showcase their projects.
Low cost
Microbit is affordable and accessible for children of different ages and backgrounds. Microbit costs around $15 USD and can be purchased from various online retailers. Microbit also has a simulator that allows children to try out their code without having a physical device. Microbit is suitable for children aged 7 and up who want to learn robotics.
In conclusion, microbit is one of the best tools for children to learn robotics because it is easy to use, fun to play with, powerful enough to make amazing projects, compatible with other devices and components, supported by a large and helpful community, and affordable and accessible for everyone. If you are looking for a way to introduce your child to robotics or to enhance their robotics skills, you should definitely consider microbit as an option.
How to use microbit for robotic?
You can use microbit for robotic by connecting it to various components that can make your robot move, sense, and interact. For example, you can use a motor driver board to control motors that can drive wheels or propellers. You can use a servo board to control servos that can move arms or legs. You can use sensors such as ultrasonic, light, sound, or touch to detect the environment and trigger actions. You can also use LEDs, buzzers, or speakers to add lights and sounds to your robot.
Some of the projects you can make with microbit and robotic are:
– A line follower robot that can follow a black line on a white surface using light sensors.
– A remote control car that can be controlled by another microbit using radio communication.
– A smart plant pot that can water your plant automatically when the soil is dry using a moisture sensor and a water pump.
– A security alarm that can detect motion and sound an alarm using an ultrasonic sensor and a buzzer.
– A musical instrument that can play different notes when you touch different conductive materials using crocodile clips.
These are just some of the examples of what you can do with microbit and robotic. You can find more ideas and tutorials at https://microbit.org/projects/robotics/ or https://makecode.microbit.org/projects.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to learn robotic using microbit. Robotic is a fun and rewarding hobby that can also teach you valuable skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and coding. Have fun and happy making!
