Overview

Science concept

The micro:bit can measure movement through an accelerometer located on the back of the micro:bit - allowing it to detect if you shake, tilt or move the micro:bit in any direction. Many modern electronic devices have accelerometers built-in - including mobile phones, game controllers, and car sensors.

micro:bit accelerometer

Acceleration is the change in speed over a given amount of time - for example, it may take a sports car 3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour. The micro:bit can measure acceleration in any direction using a capacitor which stores and measures electrical energy.

The micro:bit measures Acceleration along 3 dimensions:

  • X-axis (tilting left and right)
  • Y-axis (tilting forward and backward)
  • Z-axis (moving up and down)

micro:bit axis diagram

The acceleration is measured in MakeCode with values between -1023 and +1023. When the micro:bit is laying flat:

  • X = 0
  • Y = 0
  • Z = -1023

Simulator with XYZ forces

Move your mouse cursor over the micro:bit simulator to see how the X, Y and Z values change.

Project Goal

Provide a fun way for students to learn about motion sensing, data collection and analysis using MakeCode’s block programming and a micro:bit with sensors.

Prior Knowledge

Students need to have a basic knowledge of how to code using block style programming and download a program to a micro:bit using MakeCode.

Student Outcomes

The objective of the spoon race is to carry an object quickly but with minimal movement. Students will measure the amount of movement of their micro:bits during the race. The student with the fastest time and the least amount of movement wins the race.

Students will:

  • Understand what acceleration is, and how accelerometers are used to measure motion.
  • Code a micro:bit to measure acceleration values.
  • Run a micro:bit spoon race to collect data.
  • Analyze the results of the data to determine a winner.

Materials Needed

  • A micro:bit v2, micro-USB cable and battery pack
  • A computer with internet access
  • A spoon
  • Optional - tape or empty plastic egg shell to enclose micro:bit during race

NEXT: Setup an Procedure

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