Bring engineering into the classroom with the micro:bit
Thinking about how to bring engineering into your micro:bit lessons? Helping young people realise that engineering is about using creativity and scientific knowledge to solve real world problems is a great place to start.
micro:bit + engineering
The World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development was started by UNESCO in 2019 as a celebration of engineers and engineering and highlights how engineering and technology are central to modern life and for sustainable development. We’ve signed up to the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code as a commitment to supporting the engineers of the future with the BBC micro:bit.
The micro:bit provides a fun gateway to learn about coding, apply it to something physical, and use that to design digital and technological solutions. Here’s what you can try.
micro:bit lessons
Take a look at our ‘Healthy Oceans’ set of lessons for a great example of how to incorporate engineering into micro:bit lessons. Learn about wireless networks and smart materials whilst also using engineering skills like design thinking and prototyping.
Other similar micro:bit lesson series include: Helping plants grow, Health tech, Night safety and Being Active. Just use the ‘Product Design’ filter to search.
micro:bit projects
What do saving sea turtles, creating a step counter or creating a micro:bit guitar have in common? They can all get students practicing engineering skills. Focus on the process - exploring, ideating, creating, testing and iterating - to take this learning further.
do your :bit
The do your :bit challenge is such a great way for young people to hone their engineering skills: using creativity and knowledge to find solutions to the UN’s Global Goals. Check out our resources for inspiration.
Real world solutions with the micro:bit
Watch how a Spacecraft Structures Engineer at Airbus Defence and Space used the micro:bit to test the parachute design for the ExoMars Rover.
You can find more fantastic examples of how the micro:bit has been used in real engineering solutions on the IET’s case studies page.
Inspire future engineers with the micro:bit
We know from our research that real world context helps engage young people with learning to code so it’s a win-win to incorporate engineering into your classes with the micro:bit. Students learn coding and real-world creative problem solving, and are more able to consider a future in engineering: another career, like coding, that is in high demand.
