Microbit

Beginner

60 mins

Teacher/Student led

+85 XP

What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC

Exploring the MakeCode Microbit Interface

In this lesson, you will explore the interface of MakeCode Microbit, understand its features, and how to navigate it. You'll write simple code and see the results in action on the simulator.

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1 Creating a new project
2 Exploring the interface
3 Writing your first code
4 Running your code
5 Exploring more features
Quiz

1 - Creating a new project

Start by creating a new project. To do this, open the following URL in a new tab: https://makecode.microbit.org/. Click on 'New Project', give it a name, and then click 'Create'.

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+5 XP

2 - Exploring the interface

Take a moment to explore the interface. On the left, you have the simulator where you can test your code. On the right, you have the code editor where you will write your code. Notice the different categories of code blocks available for you to use.

👇 Mark your steps as done as you complete them.

+10 XP

3 - Writing your first code

You're now going to write some simple code to make an LED on your Microbit light up. Add the following code in the code editor:

basic.forever(function () {
led.plot(2, 2)
})

This code will continuously light up the LED at the center of your Microbit's 5x5 grid.

+15 XP

4 - Running your code

After writing your code, click on the 'Play' button located below the simulator to run your code. You should see an LED light up in the center of the simulated Microbit on the left.

+10 XP

5 - Exploring more features

Explore other features of the MakeCode Microbit interface. Try out different blocks of code, observe their effect in the simulator, and get comfortable with the environment. Remember, the best way to learn is by doing!

+20 XP

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Copyright Notice
This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

Your Answer or Description of Your Work

Project URL This can be a link to your project (e.g. a Scratch, Microbit, Arcade or CodePen URL link).

Upload File

You must be logged into Scratch to share your project, otherwise the link will not work.

To get the URL link of your Scratch project:

Make sure you're logged into Scratch.
Click on the Share button in the project editor.
Click on the Copy Link button.
Click on the Copy Link link. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Microbit project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Arcade project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your CodePen project:

Make sure you're logged into CodePen.
Open your project in the editor.
Click on the Save button at the top of the editor.
Copy the link from the address bar in your web browser (e.g. https://codepen.io/Jane-Smith/pen/gOVXxBQ)