On November 20th 2021, we hosted a micro:bit event at the Thomas House Family Shelter.
The Thomas House Shelter aids and supports homeless families with children by providing rent-free, transitional shelter, food, supplies, and a full range of supportive services and programs. They give homeless and at-risk families the potential for long-term sustainability.
Here are some pictures from the event. Only a few students had photo release so many who attended are not shown.
IEEE OC Section Support
This event was sponsored by the IEEE OC Section. All of the micro:bits, accessories, and circuit parts that we used during the event were provided by them. Additionally, the kids got to keep their very own micro:bits and circuits just in time for the holiday season!
We would like to thank the IEEE OC Section for being very supportive of STEM Extreme and making this event possible!
Event Schedule
Here was the schedule for the event:
10:00 A.M. -10:30 A.M. – Intro
10:30 A.M. -12:30 P.M. – Program ”Catch the Apple”
12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. – Lunch
1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. – Circuits
3:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. – Conclusion
We started off with a quick introduction. Then, the students opened up their micro:bit kits.
Soon after, we started programming. The students created a “Catch the apple Game” on their micro:bits.
Micro:bits are mini-computers that can be programmed using MakeCode (block programming). The students learned the fundamentals of programming and game design in MakeCode.
Here is the code for the game:
After programming, the students ate a pizza lunch. After lunch, we created the circuits. The students learned how to create a simple led circuit. Additionally, they learned about GPIO pins and how software and hardware can work together to create powerful applications.
Here is a video of Ja’Miyah and Symiyah explaining the “Catch the Apple” game and how the circuits are integrated.
Conclusion
The students at the event had a blast learning how to program the “Catch the Apple” game and creating circuits. (They also had a blast playing the game.)
We would like to thank the IEEE OC Section again for making this event possible and look forward to working with them again in the future!
