Identify all components in the Micro:bit and motors kits
Understand the purpose of each component before using it in later lessons
Organize materials for easy access during future activities
Materials:
1 Micro:bit microcontroller per student
1 short USB cable (from Micro:bit box) per student
1 long USB cable (from motors box) per student
1 motors kit box per student containing: breakout board, mini breadboard, stepper motor driver, small stepper motor, Dupont wires, H-Bridge motor controller, hobby motor, servo tester, hobby servo
Digital oscilloscopes (shared among students)
Timing:
5 min: Distribute kits and have students open them
10 min: Walk through each component, holding it up and explaining its purpose
5 min: Students verify they have all components and organize their workspace
Key Concepts:
A microcontroller is a small computer that can control electronic devices
Motors need separate controllers because they require more power than a microcontroller can supply directly
Each component in the kit has a specific role in the motor control system
Common Mistakes:
Students mixing up the short and long USB cables (short is for Micro:bit, long is for breakout board power)
Confusing the stepper motor driver with the H-Bridge motor controller
Losing small Dupont wires; have students keep them in the box when not in use
Assessment Cues:
Students can name each component when pointed to
Students can explain in simple terms what the breakout board is for (expanding the Micro:bit pins and providing extra power)
Differentiation:
Struggling: Provide a printed checklist of components with images for reference
Advanced: Have students research what “H-Bridge” means and why it is named that way
Micro:bit Kit
To complete these lessons, you will need a Micro:bit microcontroller, USB cables, and a selection of motors and motor controllers.
Your Micro:bit kit should contain these items:
A Micro:bit microcontroller
A short USB cable (from the Micro:bit box)
A long USB cable (from a motors box)
The battery case is optional
Motors Kit
Your motors kit should contain these items:
A Micro:bit breakout board
A mini breadboard
A stepper motor driver
A small stepper motor
Dupont wires
An H-Bridge motor controller
A hobby motor
A servo tester
A hobby servo
Oscilloscopes
We will also be using digital oscilloscopes. There probably are not enough for each student to have one, so do not get one yet. You will share them when the time comes.
Tip
Keep your components organized in the box when you are not using them. Small parts like Dupont wires are easy to lose.
Challenge
Look at each component in your kit. Can you guess what each one does based on its shape and labels? Write down your guesses and compare them with a partner.
