Teach computing: Introducing physical computing

Course description

On this accessible course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you'll be introduced to the exciting world of physical computing.

In the first module, you'll think about how physical computing can help learners. You'll try out both the BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Pico using web-based emulators, and choose one of those two devices.

In your next module, you'll develop your understanding of your chosen device, and program it to use a selection of inputs and outputs, including GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) pins. You'll also think about some teaching approaches to help your learners get started with your chosen device.

In the final module, you'll use the 'levels of abstraction' approach to plan and work through a physical computing project using your chosen device, moving from defining a problem to designing a solution, before you turn your designs into code and test them. You'll also make a plan for how you'll bring physical computing into your setting, whether that's computing lessons, cross-curricular activities, or a club outside of formal lessons.

Required knowledge or skills

• You will need some experience of teaching computing and specifically programming using blocks, text, or both

  • In particular, you will need to understand the key programming concepts of sequencing, repetition, selection, and variables

• You should also have some knowledge of the curriculum that you are expected to teach, or know where to find this

What you will learn

After completing three modules, you will be able to:

• Identify the potential benefits of teaching with physical computing activities

• Compare general-purpose computers and microcontrollers

• Choose from the BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Pico, according to which best fits your situation

• Create physical computing projects with your chosen device, and test out emulators for both devices

• Evaluate the Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify and Make (PRIMM) approach (if you take the micro:bit path) or worked examples (if you take the Pico path) for use with your learners

• Develop your own physical computing project using the levels of abstraction approach

• Plan how you can implement physical computing in your curriculum, either as discrete (separate) computing lessons, or with other subjects (a cross-curricular approach)

What you will need

Hardware

In this course, you have the option of using two different microcontrollers: the BBC micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi Pico. The hardware and software you will need are different for each microcontroller.

• If you want to use the micro:bit, you will need:

  • A BBC micro:bit (version 2 will give you more options)
  • A USB cable (with a micro-USB connector to connect to the micro:bit, and a USB-A or USB-C connector to connect to your computer)
  • A battery pack with charged batteries
  • 2 or 3 cables with crocodile clips

• If you want to use the Raspberry Pi Pico, you will need:

  • A Raspberry Pi Pico with headers attached:
  • 'H' versions already have headers attached
  • You will need to solder headers onto other versions
  • A USB cable (with a micro-USB connector to connect to the Pico, and a USB-A or USB-C connector to connect to your computer)
  • External components
  • A breadboard
  • In the UK, you can purchase a Pico parts pack from:
    • Kitronik Pico Parts Pack
    • Pimoroni Pico Intro Kit
  • If you don't have a Pico parts pack, you will need:
    • A potentiometer
    • An LED
    • An RGB LED
    • At least 3 resistors to protect the LEDs — it is better to have spares (if your LEDs do not come with resistors, use 330Ω (ohm) resistors)
    • A piezo buzzer
    • A push button switch
    • 10 pin-to-pin jumper wires
  • Any other input or output devices you would like to use in your physical computing project

Software

You'll need a computer with a modern web browser to use micro:bit MakeCode and the Wokwi Raspberry Pi Pico emulator. If you want to be able to sign in and save your projects remotely, you'll need either a Google, Microsoft, or Clever account.

If you want to use the Raspberry Pi Pico, you'll need a computer on which you can install the Thonny Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE).