STEM Courses & Lessons

Students plan, develop and create a story using Scratch. Develop a solid understanding of basic coding concepts and the Scratch platform, as well as an animated story they can share with their loved ones.

Download the Course as a Google Doc or PDF.

Download suggested schedules as a Google Doc or PDF.

Download the ELA standards.

Coders are challenged to use Scratch to design and build an animated story. Students will learn the essential components of good storytelling, the basics of the Scratch platform, and how to translate creative ideas from brainstorming to coding. Students will leave with an understanding of fundamental computer science concepts like sequencing, loops, and events.

Download the Course here.

Coders will use Scratch to design and build a platform video game. Students will learn the essential components of platform games, master the Scratch platform, and exercise their creativity through game design. Students will leave with a deep understanding of fundamental game making concepts like player movement, visual design, and level-building.

Download the Course here.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in existence. In this course, you will learn the basics of coding in Python while making a unique and creative virtual painting. Here you will learn important coding concepts like loops, variables, lists, and libraries. By the end of the course, you will be a Python programmer and you will be able to show off your own work of art! Uses the Turtle Library. 

Course Materials (in a Google Drive)

Improve your understanding of Python, one of the most popular programming languages in the world, by building a classic Code Your Own Adventure program an interactive adventure where the program’s user chooses what happens along the way and impacts how the adventure ends.

Course Materials (in a Google Drive)

A how to booklet that provides wire instructions and code examples for a variety of sensors and actuators that can be connected to the micro:bit with an Edge connector. Cookbook Slides

Slides decks for use in the classroom to introduce the micro:bit kit, do some basic coding and some easy work with accessory components.

Looking for something more basic? Try this course from microbit.org. 

A set of lessons that align with 5th grade science learning about electricity and circuits. These lessons do not use a micro:bit but use components from the kits to create circuits with lights and buttons. 

These lessons are good preparation work for many of the lessons below. 

These lessons are used in DC Public Schools  as part of their Build Day art projects. A true STEAM effort to add STEM to Art. 

Coding Instructions: PDF 

Students code the virtual pet as described on the microbit.org page.  Then they bring their pet to life adding motors and lights to and customise it to make it their own. 

Coding Instructions: Google Doc or PDF

Students build a parachute, attach the micro:bit and drop it.  The micro:bit records flight data for analysis in math or science class.  Based on an actual project related to the European Mars Rover. 

All the classroom materials are in this Google Drive.

The coding for this can only be done in JavaScript so the code is provided to load on the micro:bits.

Original Code (The Improved Code works better in a test with the small parachute.)

Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Unit 1

Driving Question/Discovery Problem: How can we use our understanding of area calculations to create a functional classroom space using dimensions generated by micro:bit dice?

Real World Connections: Utilization of area calculations to create a functional classroom in which there is enough workspace for all students to complete assignments.   

Lesson Plan       WorkSheet       Coding Guide         Data Sheet        

Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Units 2/3

Driving Question/Discovery Problem: How can we apply our understanding of ratios and unit rates, combined with the use of a micro:bit step counter, to calculate walking speed?

Real World Connections: Calculation of unit rates and speed without the ability to measure total distance traveled directly. Students can measure their step length, utilize the micro:bit as a step counter, record data for a given period of time, and complete calculations utilizing this data.

Lesson Plan       WorkSheet       Coding Guide         Data Sheet        

Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Units 4 / 5

Driving Question/Discovery Problem: How can we quantify and compare the amount of light that is available in a variety of locations?

Real World Connections: Students discover that data we may be able to approximate using our senses (in this case, sight) may also be able to be quantified. Quantified data allows a level of specificity that can be very useful.

Lesson Plan       WorkSheet

 Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Unit 6

Driving Question/Discovery Problem: What is the relationship between distance and the strength of radio frequency as measured by a pair of micro:bits?

Real World Connections: The ability to examine data with more than 1 variable allows us to learn a great deal about causation and/or correlation, and to make predictions based on the relationships we have studied.   

Lesson Plan       WorkSheet

 Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Unit 8

Driving Question/Discovery Problem: How can we use our understanding of area calculations to create a functional classroom space using dimensions generated by micro:bit dice?

Real World Connections: Utilization of area calculations to create a functional classroom in which there is enough workspace for all students to complete assignments.   

Lesson Plan       WorkSheet       Instructions      Coding Guide

 Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Unit 8

A multi day summer camp or after school curriculum. Use the micro:bit to create robotic inventions of your own design. First work individually to build a robo pet then with the skills learned to invent a robot. 

Lesson Plan

 Aligned with DCPS 6th grade Math, Unit 8

A multi day summer camp or after school curriculum. Use the micro:bit to create wearable projects like the step counter then add a wrist worn gadget that tells you how many steps you walked. First work individually to build a step counter then work with a team using the skills learned to invent a wearable device of your own design.  

Lesson Plan