*New* Programming 2: BBC micro:bit
Exploring how to program the BBC micro:bit, creating interactive projects with sensors, variables and conditional statements.
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*New* Programming 2: BBC micro:bit
Please note
This unit uses the BBC micro:bit, which is supported by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and MakeCode, an online coding platform developed by Microsoft.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Explore and test simple programs on the micro:bit.
- Predict and describe how code will work before running it.
- Plan and create animations using LED displays.
- Use inputs, variables and conditions to build interactive programs.
- Create programs that react to sensor data, such as pedometers and weather checkers.
- Create a program that responds to real-time sensor readings.
- Test, debug and evaluate programs by identifying and fixing problems.
Suggested prior learning
*New* Programming 1: Music
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Tinkering with BBC micro:bit
- To explore the micro:bit and understand how to connect and test simple programs on a physical device.
Lesson 2: Programming an animation
- To plan and create a simple animation.
Lesson 3: Programming a pedometer
- To create a program for the micro:bit using input, variables and conditions.
Lesson 4: Using the temperature sensor
- To create a real-world program using a sensor, input and a conditional statement.
Lesson 5: Debug and evaluate
- To evaluate and improve a program through testing and debugging.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Resources
Unit resources

Computing
Knowledge organiser – Computing Y5: *New* Programming 2: BBC micro:bit
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit ‘BBC micro:bit’.

Computing
Vocabulary display – Computing Y5: *New* BBC micro:bit
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'BBC micro:bit'.
Teacher coding skills videos
A comprehensive range of coding skills videos which explain and demonstrate key coding concepts. These videos are designed to both guide and support teachers who find the programming component of the computing curriculum challenging, whilst also acting as a refresher for those more confident in their subject knowledge.
Cross-curricular opportunities
English: Spoken language.
Physical education.
Mathematics: Measurement.
Science: Working scientifically.