Micro:bit Setup
Objectives:
- Connect the Micro:bit to a computer via USB
- Navigate the MakeCode editor and import a program from a URL
- Download and run a program on the Micro:bit
Materials:
- 1 Micro:bit per student
- 1 short USB cable per student
- 1 computer with Chrome or Chromium browser per student
Timing:
- 2 min: Students gather their Micro:bit and short USB cable
- 3 min: Plug in the Micro:bit and open the MakeCode website
- 5 min: Create an account and import the flashing-heart program
- 5 min: Download the program to the Micro:bit and verify it works
- 5 min: Students explore the program for easter eggs
Key Concepts:
- The Micro:bit is programmed through a web-based editor called MakeCode
- Programs are downloaded to the Micro:bit over USB
- MakeCode programs can be shared and imported via GitHub URLs
Common Mistakes:
- Using a browser other than Chrome, which can cause download issues
- Forgetting to click “Auto” or “Pair” when the browser prompts for USB connection
- Plugging the USB cable into the battery port instead of the micro-USB programming port on the Micro:bit
Assessment Cues:
- The Micro:bit displays a flashing heart animation
- Students can explain the basic layout of the MakeCode editor (blocks area, simulator, download button)
- Students discovered the easter egg in the program
Differentiation:
- Struggling: Pair with a neighbor who has successfully downloaded; walk through each step together
- Advanced: Modify the flashing-heart program to display a different pattern or animation
Connecting Your Micro:bit
Start with your computer, the short USB cable, and your Micro:bit.
Plug the Micro:bit into your computer using the short USB cable:
Opening the MakeCode Editor
Using the Chrome or Chromium browser, visit the Micro:bit MakeCode project website:
https://makecode.microbit.org
First, click on the 
button in the upper-right corner to create an account.
Importing Your First Program
To load your first program, click on the Import button: 
In the import window, click on the middle box, “Import URL….”
Then, enter this URL:
https://github.com/League-Microbit/flashing-heart
You should see the Micro:bit editor screen with a simple program:
Warning
For the next step, downloading, you should be running the Chrome browser, although Firefox or Edge might also work. Chrome is best supported. If you have a Chromebook, you are already running Chrome.
Downloading to Your Micro:bit
Click on the purple Download button at the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions for downloading the program to your Micro:bit.
You should now see a flashing heart on your Micro:bit:
Congratulations! You have created your first Micro:bit program.
Tip
Before you move on, read the Micro:bit program carefully and see if there is anything else the program does besides flash a heart. There might be an easter egg hiding in there!
Troubleshooting
- Micro:bit not recognized: Try a different USB cable or USB port. Make sure you are using the data cable, not a charge-only cable.
- Download not working: Make sure you are using Chrome. Click the “…” next to the Download button and try “Connect device” first.
- Nothing appears on the Micro:bit: Unplug and re-plug the USB cable, then try downloading again.
Challenge
Modify the flashing-heart program to display your initials instead of a heart. Use the LED grid blocks in the MakeCode editor to design your own pattern.