A learning resource from Spread Robotics Education Foundation
Start with micro:bit

Beginner path · MakeCode blocks · Ages 8–13

Small computer.
Big first steps.

Ten calm, hands-on sessions for learners using a computer and writing code for the first time. Work with a partner, add one idea at a time, and see your code come alive.

Begin the introduction Open MakeCode

25 lights. One clear instruction.

Your learning path

Go slowly. Make it work.

Each session is designed for 45–60 minutes, including setup and sharing time.

Start with the basics

  1. 00 Start here · 55 min

    Meet the micro:bit

    See how an idea travels from MakeCode, through a USB cable, to the tiny computer.

    Explore the connection
  2. 01 First program · 55 min

    Light up a heart

    Drag one block, test it in the simulator, and send your program to the micro:bit.

    Build your first program
  3. 02 Simple animation · 55 min

    Make the heart beat

    Show two pictures in order, pause between them, and repeat the sequence.

    Create an animation

Create and communicate

  1. 03Text strings · 55 min

    Name badge

    Scroll a name or short message and learn how programs store and show text.

    Create a badge
  2. 04Custom pictures · 55 min

    Animated animals

    Design a second picture and use familiar sequence and loop ideas to make it move.

    Animate an animal
  3. 05Events and input · 55 min

    Emotion badge

    Press A or B and make the micro:bit respond with a different face.

    Make it respond

Sense and decide

  1. 06Motion sensor · 55 min

    Get silly

    Use the accelerometer to sense a shake and show a silly face.

    Explore sensors
  2. 07If / else · 60 min

    Sunlight sensor

    Measure light and use a decision to show the sun only when the room is bright.

    Teach it to decide
  3. 08Random numbers · 55 min

    Digital dice

    Shake to choose and display a random number from 1 to 6.

    Build a dice
  4. 09Variables and choices · 60 min

    Magic 8-ball

    Save a random number, test it, and choose one of three answers.

    Ask a question

Built for shared computers

Code as a team

One computer can become a small coding team. Change roles halfway through so every learner gets a turn with the mouse and the micro:bit.

The whole beginner path

One new idea at a time

Every lesson begins by naming and explaining a new programming concept before students use it. Familiar ideas return in later projects so learners build confidence through repetition.

Start at the beginning