Micro:bit - Using the accelerometer - Barclays Code Playground

Resource overview

Lots of modern devices are able to tell what position they are in using built in accelerometers to measure their precise orientation. The Micro:bit's accelerometer can be used in the same way so you can use it as a controller or a sensor to start or interrupt your program. Use these resources to help your class learn the basics of how to use the accelerometer.

Lesson plan (PDF - 259KB) 

Teacher guide (PDF - 285KB) 

Key resource information
- You will need: Laptops or desktop computers, BBC micro:bits (one per computer), https://microbit.org
Teaching assessment opportunities
- Try the first activity again – or use the step counters during a PE lesson.
- Did the micro:bits work?
- Who had the most steps on their counter after the activity?

Lesson length
- 45 minutes
Pupil objectives
- "I can explain what an accelerometer measures, and can code my micro:bit to use the accelerometer in a meaningful way”
- “I can design and construct models and explain my solutions.”
- “I can demonstrate a range of basic problem solving skills by building simple programs to carry out a given task, using an appropriate language.”

Extension activities

Activity book

Micro:bit tools

This was our first workbook for the BBC micro:bit and has a selection of simple projects to help you get started.

Make it

Activity video

Noughts and crosses challenge

Help us finish off our noughts and crosses game - we need you to add the code to let the game know who has won.

View video

Building your curriculum

Using the radio function - Micro:bit

One of the Micro:bit's features allows the devices to communicate with each other through radio signals. Use these resources to introduce this function to the class and challenge them to find creative ways of using the radio.

View resources

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