Learning objective
- To create a real-world program using a sensor, input and a conditional statement.
Success criteria
- I can use the temperature sensor input on
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National curriculum
Computing
Pupils should be taught to:
- Design,
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Cross-curricular links
Science
Working scientifically
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will talk with a partner to recall what they remember about programming using MakeCode. Display the Presentation: Speak like an expert and arrange the children into pairs. Allow time for them to share their ideas using key vocabulary.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
How to extend your display to view the lesson page and preseantion mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video
If you need further support with extending your display,
please contact [email protected].
Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Should use the Download: Weather checker .hex file or the link: Microsoft MakeCode - Weather checker and remix the code to personalise it (for example, change the temperature and the icons); could re-watch the Pupil Video: Weather checker during programming to reinforce the purpose and sequence of blocks.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should add a variable that resets the temperature back to zero and explain how this improves the program’s usefulness; should add more than one condition to display different messages depending on the temperature range; could include an extra condition for a custom message (for example, ‘Wrap up warm!’ between 5–10 °C or ‘Keep hydrated!’ above 25 °C).
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: using the temperature sensor block and
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Vocabulary definitions
-
conditional statement
A rule in code that makes something happen only if a specific condition is true.
-
input
An action that gives the micro:bit information, such as pressing a button or shaking it.
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In this unit
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 25th September, 2025
Digital world: Monitoring devices
Applying computing skills to program a Micro:bit animal monitor and using 3D CAD tools in...
Lesson 4: Reversible changes
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Lesson 4: Condensing and evaporating
Exploring the changes of state, condensing and evaporating, and investigating evaporation rates.
Lesson 4: What is the weather like today?
Observing daily weather patterns by investigating weather in the school grounds.
