Course Overview
As part of this development track we will explore the world of robotics using the DFR Micro:Maqueen. As you follow through the tutorials in this development track you will learn how to –
This is an advanced micro:bit track with a focus on exploring robotics using the Micro:Maqueen robot. We would highly recommend that you complete the following tracks before you start off with this track.
Prerequisites –
About the Micro:Maqueen
The Micro:Maqueen offers educators, parents and kids a great opportunity to build on their existing coding skills and take the knowledge of coding, robotics and electronics to a higher level. If you are just starting with coding and robotics then you might want to program the Micro:Maqueen using the BBC micro:bit Makecode Block based programming language. If you are an experienced developer and have some prior experience working with electronics, robotics then you can program Micro:Maqueen using Javascript or even using MicroPython. The Micro:Maqueen STEM education robot is recommended for kids 8+ years and older. Here are some of the salient features of the robot –
The Micro:Maqueen is really easy to assemble and can be put together in less than 15 minutes by a 10 year old child. You can use the Micro:Maqueen to introduce you child to the world of STEM and get them going with coding introducing them to the world of robotics using the micro:bit. The Micro:Maqueen is a great way to get started with the basics of coding and robotics using a flexible, affordable and easy to work with robotic platform.
You will need a Micro:Maqueen to be able to work on this development track. You can pick up the Micro:Maqueen from OzToyLib.
About BBC micro:bit
The Micro Bit (also referred to as BBC Micro Bit, stylised as micro:bit) is an ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the UK. The board is 4 cm × 5 cm and has an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack. The device inputs and outputs are through five ring connectors that are part of the 23-pin edge connector at the bottom of the board. The micro:bit can be programmed using the Microsoft Block code program editor which is similar to the block based language Scratch ideal for 7-12 year olds. The micro:bit can also be programmed using the Makecode editor in Javascript and Python which allows for older kids to learn the Javascript and Python programming language using the micro:bit.
You can read more about the BBC micro:bit at the microbit website. Also see Kitronik’s resources here – Parents Complete Guide To The BBC micro:bit.