micro:bit and Science

Using computing across the curriculum – using the micro:bit as a data-logger

I am sure some of you reading this will have a plethora of ways to use and code the micro:bit as a data-logging device in science. Involving additional sensors, the ‘new’ data-logging command, serial connections and other additional components. I will deal with those ideas in future posts, increasing the complexity and learning curve as we go. But, here I am starting at the very basic level. For teachers who have only their micro:bits, no additional equipment and don’t consider themselves confident in coding and computing.

The micro:bit has a number of built in sensors that can measure the following:-
– Temperature
– Light
– Acceleration
– Magnetism
If you are using the micro:bit V2, it has a sound sensor (microphone).
Temperature and light are the simplest and most useful to start with I find.

Let’s start with the MakeCode website ( I am assuming that you are familiar with the use of the MakeCode Editor – http://makecode.microbit.org . If not check out tutorials on the MakeCode home page.

https://makecode.microbit.org/_PcL81cazWW8x – Access code directly

Simply, place a Show number block inside the Forever block and drag from the Input commands the Temperature/Light block.

The micro:bit will now continually scroll the current temperature and light level. Students have now created their own digital measuring device.

In the second part of this post I will look at how Students can use their newly created device in science investigations.