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Activity

Heart

Beginner | MakeCode, Python | LED display | Input/output

Step 1: Make it

What is it?

Light up your micro:bit with love by showing a heart.

These two videos show you what you'll make and how to code it:

Introduction

Coding guide

How it works

  • This is a great first project to learn how to program your micro:bit!
  • When the program is transferred (flashed) to your micro:bit, the processor steps through the instructions you gave it.
  • The program shows a heart picture on the micro:bit’s LED display output.
  • The heart stays on the display as long as it has power because you haven’t given it any further instructions to show anything else.
  • The micro:bit has a set of other built-in images you can use in your projects.
  • Pictures on computers, phones and tablet screens are made using dots called ‘pixels’. The micro:bit’s display has 25 LED pixels arranged in a 5 x 5 grid.

What you need

  • micro:bit (or MakeCode simulator)
  • MakeCode or Python editor
  • USB cable if using a computer
  • battery pack (if using a phone or tablet).

Step 2: Code it

1from microbit import *
2display.show(Image.HEART)

Step 3: Improve it

  • Try choosing other built-in pictures like HAPPY, DUCK or GHOST.
  • Can you show more than one image?
  • See if you can make your own pictures by exploring the other projects below.