Physical computing: Engineering

Builds on micro:bit Foundations (Code). Circuits on the micro:bit in Tinkercad, then the same circuits on an Arduino Uno in blocks, then in C++, then on a breadboard. Common parts (buttons, sensors, servos, displays) get Reference cards. Power, motor drivers and batteries are a Years 9–10 extension. A Raspberry Pi Pico nod shows the same ideas in MicroPython.

Foundations

Circuits with the micro:bitWire an LED, a button and a sensor.Wire parts to a micro:bit's pins: a complete loop, a resistor to protect an LED, a button as an input, and a sensor that gives a number. Each idea is tried on a board first, then built for real in Tinkercad Circuits. Builds on micro:bit Foundations.ArduinoFrom blocks to C++ on a real board.The same circuits on an Arduino Uno, now in C++: pins by number, setup() and loop(), variables and decisions, the serial monitor and PWM. Each sketch runs on a board in the lesson, and each lesson has a step to build it in Tinkercad Circuits. The last unit moves to a real breadboard and a project tested against a brief.After: Circuits with the micro:bit

Extensions

Power and motorsMake it move.Make things move. Why a pin can't run a motor, motor drivers and the H-bridge, two supplies with one ground, and choosing a battery, then LiPo safety before any LiPo is used. Years 9–10, after Arduino.After: Arduino Capstone projectsDesign, build and prove it.Design projects that bring the Engineering pathways together. Pick one: each follows the design cycle (Inquire, Develop, Create, Test, Evaluate), starts from a brief with criteria and constraints, prototypes the logic on a board where it can, builds in a simulator and then for real, and is evaluated against the brief with test evidence.After: Arduino