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Microbit KS2 Touch Develop Resources

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Last edit: 18 August 2022

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English Key Stage 7-11 year (KS2), 11-14 year (KS3)
Resource Type Teaching Resources, Example Programs and Live Lessons
Curriculum Topic Physical Computing, Programming

The BBC micro:bit is a wonderful little device. It is capable of teaching students how to program using a physical device that has a variety of different sensors to use as inputs, as well as being able to be controlled via buttons and has a LED array for output without having to connect it with other peripherals.

One of the particular strengths of the BBC microbit is its ease of interaction. We have successfully used the microbit with KS2, KS3 and KS4; so it has a low floor and a high ceiling of possible uses.

One difficulty that students have when first using the micro:bit is understanding how to program it TouchDevelop, which for most students is a new language, how to access this web-based language, how to save .hex files and how to load their .hex files back into the browser to be able to continue at a later date.

These resources should help you and your students from the initial stages of never having touched a micro:bit, to being able to create their first program (a name badge) and progressing on to making a Rock, Paper Scissors game.

The two program tutorials are made up of three parts: A PDF of the guide, a Word Document for editing and the Hex file for you to import and run on a micro:bit/online simulated micro:bit.

We are working on creating a OneNote to share the resources and practices that have worked well for us. We would love teachers from other schools to use these resources too, or comment on them or share their own. Our intention is to try and create a OneNote where schools can collaborate with each other and share great ideas and lessons. Please have a look: http://goo.gl/KI5qX8

The progression we made with our students is graduating from TouchDevelop into PXT to allow students to get two microbits to communicate with one another, and these resources are available on the CAS site here: They are also suitable for KS2/KS3/KS4

Resources Required:

  • BBC micro:bit
  • Micro USB Cable
  • Internet Connection
  • Computer with USB port
  • A battery pack with a JRT Connector (if moving away from the PC USB power) - not necessary