Blocks v Python

 

Assembling the mBot

 We took apart the mBots into all the pieces that make it. We are doing this to understand how to fix it if it goes wrong while we are using it.

These are all the parts of the mBot.

We then put the mBot back together.

We then needed to test the movement of the mBot to make sure we had put it together properly.

This is the mBot running correctly using this code. If the left and right were wrong when we tested it, we would have had to switch the two power cables around to the motors.

Playing with the Microbits

Learning Intention: To learn how to code with simple blocks and to transfer the code from the Chromebook to the Microbit.

First of all, we coded the microbit to show a flashing heart.

We put two show led blocks inside a forever block. The microbit shows the leds that are lit on the block. They will flash between one block and the other forever as both blocks are inside a forever block.

We then coded the buttons on the microbit to do different actions according to which button has been pressed.

When we use the blocks for coding the buttons, they have a drop down to choose which button. This is called a variable.

Making the mBot Move in a Square Shape

 

We used a move forward block and a turn left block. We had to adjust the power and time on the turn left block until we got it to move to 90 degrees. This is called ITERATION, when you make small changes to your code to improve it.

When it was correct, we put it in a repeat block to do the same actions 4 times to make a square.

Coding with Python

 Learning Intention

To see and understand the connection between the written code, the block code and the flow chart.

This is the comparison between the Python coding, the blocks and the flowchart for making the Microbit act like a dice.

Flow Charts and Radio Chat

 Learning Intentions

To understand how flowcharts relate to coding blocks.

To understand how to get the microbit to talk to another microbit using radio signals.

Here is my flowchart practice document.

Link to DLO

The next activity today was coding the microbit to send a radio signal to another microbit. We had to make sure that both microbits were on the same group number so we didn't accidentally get a message from another group.

Robotics in the Stars

 Learning Intention

To try and get the mBot to draw a star shape for Matariki.