Students explore and work to improve aircraft wind tower warning lights and simulate the effects of these lights using micro:bits, Microsoft MakeCode software, and LEDs.
The Details
Grades
6th - 8th Grade
9th - 12th Grade
Time Required
30-60 minutes per activity, split between 2 to 4 class periods
Downloads
Materials
- Mcro:bit – preferably version 2 (V2)
- Note: This project can also be done with the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express (CPX) and MakeCode for the CPX
- USB cable (USB type-A to USB micro-B)
- Battery pack for micro:bit (2 AAA batteries with JST plug) [optional]
- Red LED with built-in resistor
- Jumbo 10mm Diffused LEDs (example at right)
- Laptop with Edge or Chrome browser, or MakeCode offline app
- Model wind turbine and model aircraft, or make them yourself, using:
- Cardboard tube for a tower
- Scrap cardboard and/or small cardboard boxes for the base and nacelle
- Paper or cardboard for the aircraft
- Tape (clear, masking, duct)
- MakeCode and micro:bit Beginner’s Guide