Hey there! Have you ever wanted to make your computer projects come alive? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re going to explore how you can connect Scratch, a fun programming language, to the real world using something called a micro:bit. Let’s dive in and see how you can create amazing projects!
Julie and Craig are researchers at the MIT Media Lab, a place where people come up with cool new ideas and inventions. They’re super excited to show you how to use Scratch with a micro:bit to make your projects even more awesome. Imagine being able to control things in the real world with your computer code!
Scratch is a programming language that’s perfect for beginners. It’s like building with blocks, but instead of making a tower, you’re creating a computer program. You can make games, animations, and even interactive stories. It’s a great way to learn how to code while having lots of fun!
A micro:bit is a tiny computer that you can program to do all sorts of things. It has buttons, lights, and sensors that can detect movement and temperature. You can use it to create cool projects like a digital pet, a step counter, or even a musical instrument!
In this exciting workshop, you’ll learn how to connect Scratch to physical objects using the micro:bit. This means you can take things like craft materials or everyday items and make them interactive. For example, you could create a game where you use a real-life button to control a character on your screen!
The best part about using Scratch and micro:bit together is that you can let your imagination run wild. Want to make a robot that dances when you clap your hands? Or maybe a light that changes color when you press a button? With Scratch and micro:bit, the possibilities are endless!
Julie and Craig are excited to share this new way of learning with you. They hope to see you in Austin, where you can join them in a hands-on workshop and start creating your own amazing projects. So get ready to have fun and learn something new!
Did you know that the micro:bit was originally created to help kids learn about technology and programming? It’s used in schools all around the world to inspire young inventors just like you!
We hope you’re as excited as we are to start this adventure. Happy coding!
Use Scratch to design a simple game where you control a character using the arrow keys. Once your game is ready, connect your micro:bit and program it to control the character with its buttons. This will help you understand how Scratch and micro:bit can work together to bring your game to life!
Design a digital pet in Scratch that responds to different inputs from your micro:bit. For example, you can program the pet to “eat” when you press a button or “jump” when you shake the micro:bit. This activity will teach you how to use sensors and inputs creatively.
Create an interactive story in Scratch where the plot changes based on inputs from the micro:bit. Use the micro:bit’s buttons to make decisions in the story, and explore how different choices lead to different endings. This will enhance your storytelling and programming skills.
Program your micro:bit to count steps and display the count on its LED screen. Use Scratch to create a visual representation of your step count, like a character that moves across the screen as you walk. This activity will help you learn about sensors and data visualization.
Transform your micro:bit into a musical instrument by programming it to play different notes when you press its buttons. Use Scratch to create a visual music player that shows the notes being played. This will introduce you to the basics of sound programming and creativity.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hi, I’m Julie, and I’m Craig. We are researchers at the MIT Media Lab, and we’re excited to introduce you to a brand new way of connecting Scratch to the physical world with the Microvia. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to take physical objects, such as craft materials and everyday items, and connect them to Scratch using code. We’re thrilled to share this new experience with you and hope to see you in Austin!
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Scratch – A visual programming language that lets you create stories, games, and animations by snapping blocks together. – Example sentence: In Scratch, I made a fun game where a cat chases a mouse around the screen.
Micro:bit – A small programmable device that helps you learn coding by creating projects with lights, sensors, and buttons. – Example sentence: We used the micro:bit to make a simple step counter for our school project.
Programming – The process of writing instructions for a computer to follow, using a special language. – Example sentence: Programming can be fun because you get to tell the computer exactly what to do.
Code – A set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer what to do. – Example sentence: I wrote some code to make my robot move forward and turn left.
Projects – Activities or assignments where you create something using coding and technology. – Example sentence: Our class worked on projects where we designed our own video games using Scratch.
Computer – An electronic device that can store and process information, and run programs. – Example sentence: I use my computer to do homework, play games, and learn new things online.
Games – Interactive activities or challenges created using code, often for fun or learning. – Example sentence: We learned how to make simple games in our coding club at school.
Sensors – Devices that detect changes in the environment and send information to a computer or micro:bit. – Example sentence: The micro:bit has sensors that can measure temperature and light levels.
Creative – Using imagination to make something new or solve problems in interesting ways. – Example sentence: Coding lets you be creative by designing your own animations and stories.
Learn – To gain knowledge or skills in a subject, such as coding, through study or experience. – Example sentence: I want to learn how to build my own website using HTML and CSS.
