LESSON 2

• Computer


  A device that processes information and performs a variety of tasks
• Main components of a computer

  • Processor
  • Memory
  • Input
  • Output
• Processor


  Responsible for the main processing of information
• Memory


  Stores information so that it can be accessed again at a later time
• Random Access Memory (RAM)


  Short-term memory, any data stored inside the RAM will be cleared when the computer is rebooted
• Storage


  Houses large amounts of data that is persistent when the computer reboots
• Input


  Data processed from the real world to the computer
• Output


  Data processed from the computer to the real world
• Micro:bit


  A small pocket-sized computer with LED light display, buttons, sensors, and 10 features to make an interactive device
• External parts of the Micro:bit

  • LED screen
  • User buttons
  • Microphone
  • Digital I/O
  • Power indicator
  • USB activity indicator
  • Reset button
• LED screen


  A 5x5 grid that can show output
• User buttons


  Two buttons (A and B) that can be programmed separately
• Microphone

  Used for getting sound input
• Digital I/O


  Can be used for input and output by creating an electrical connection
• Power indicator


  Tells you if there is power on the Micro:bit
• USB activity indicator


  Blinks whenever programs are being copied from the computer to the Micro:bit
• Reset button


  Allows resetting the Micro:bit
• on start


  Code added inside this block will run whenever the Micro:bit starts
• forever


  Code added inside this block will run forever in the background
• pause


  Pauses for a certain amount of milliseconds before continuing to the next block
• show leds


  Shows a pattern on the 5x5 LED screen
• show number


  Shows a number on the 5x5 LED screen
• show string


  Shows text on the 5x5 LED screen
• clear screen


  Turns off all LEDs on the screen
• on button A pressed


  Runs code when the A button is pressed
• on shake


  Runs code when the Micro:bit is shaken
• button A is pressed


  A Boolean block that checks whether the A button is pressed
• is shake


  A Boolean block that checks if a particular gesture (shake) has been made
• on loud sound


  Runs code when the surrounding sound is loud
• on logo pressed

  Runs code when the logo on the Micro:bit is pressed
• sound level


  A variable block that returns the value of the sound (0 to 255)
• set index to


  Used for setting a value of a variable
• change index by


  Used for changing a value of a variable by a value (positive for increment, negative for decrement)
• if-then


  Allows to use conditional statements in code
• while


  Repeats the code inside the block until the condition inside is satisfied
• for index from to

  Repeats the code inside for a set number of times, the index variable can be used to get the current loop, starting from 0
• set List to


  Used to create arrays (lists) in MakeCode
• list insert at


  Inserts a value in the specified list at the beginning, end, or a specified index
• remove first value from list


  Removes the first value from the list
• remove last value from list


  Removes the last value from the list