Making music with the BBC micro:bit
In this introduction to programming using the BBC micro:bit, students will learn how to create music with their BBC micro:bit.
Suggested time: 50 mins
Learning Objectives:
Curriculum Mapping:
KS2:
KS3:
What you will need:
In this introduction to programming using the BBC micro:bit, students will learn how to create music with their BBC micro:bit.
Suggested time: 50 mins
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and use sequence in an algorithm
- Understand and use iteration in an algorithm (FOR and WHILE loops
Curriculum Mapping:
KS2:
- Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals; solve problems by breaking them into smaller parts. Select, use and combine a variety of software on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs.
- Use sequence, selection and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work; detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
KS3:
- Use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems.
- Make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions
What you will need:
- Web enabled device (PC, Tablet, Phone) with an up-to-date browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome)
- BBC micro:bit simulator (www.microbit.co.uk/)
- BBC micro:bit (Optional)
- Speaker or headphones & two crocodile clips (Optional)
Starter:
Load the following script and run the program:
https://www.microbit.co.uk/jmmgyn
Explain to students that they will be creating their very own music using the BBC micro:bit.
Load the following script and run the program:
https://www.microbit.co.uk/jmmgyn
Explain to students that they will be creating their very own music using the BBC micro:bit.
Main:
Direct students to the link below and ask students to follow the instructions.
Tutorial:
Step-by-step tutorial (Opens directly inside the micro:bit simulator):
https://www.microbit.co.uk/u/nuntfu
Explain to students that they will be creating their very own music using the BBC micro:bit.
Direct students to the link below and ask students to follow the instructions.
Tutorial:
Step-by-step tutorial (Opens directly inside the micro:bit simulator):
https://www.microbit.co.uk/u/nuntfu
Explain to students that they will be creating their very own music using the BBC micro:bit.
Worksheet:
making_music_tutorial.docx |
Extension:
- Students to complete Frere Jaques by adding the missing notes.
- Students to create their own music.
- Students to create a ringtone which plays when they shake their BBC micro:bit
Plenary:
Direct students to swap places with a partner or person next to them and play each other's compositions. Instruct the students to suggest at least one improvement. After a few minutes, ask the students to return to their seats and make any suggested improvements.
Resources:
Transcribing sheet music with Touch Develop and the BBC micro:bit
Transcribing sheet music with Touch Develop and the BBC micro:bit
making_music_with_touchdevelop.docx |
Transcribing sheet music with MicroPython and the BBC micro:bit
making_music_with_micro_python.docx |
Sample sheet music
sheet_music.docx |
Useful links:
Micro:bit Music Fest - All the tools you need to make your own micro:bit band.
MicroPython - MicroPython music reference guide
Play Tone - Reference guide for making music with Touch Develop and Microsoft Block editor.
Somebody to You: The Vamps - Learn how to play 'Somebody to You' by the Vamps on your BBC micro:bit using MicroPython
Licence:
Unless otherwise specified, everything in this repository is covered by the following licence:
BBC micro:bit "Magic 8-Ball" lesson is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.