The Nature Explorer with MicroChat
Grades3, 4, 5Science
What it is
This activity has students turn a micro:bit into a nature explorer that measures temperature and light level.
Students describe what they want in plain English to an artificial intelligence coding tool that writes the program, then predict, run, investigate, and modify the code before taking their sensor on a sensor safari to compare readings in three different spots.
Teaching tips
Preparation:
Students will need a BBC micro:bit for this activity.
Prerequisites:
Consider providing background knowledge about weather, instruments, and light levels.
Materials:
BBC micro:bit
USB cable
Computer with MicroChat open
Notebook and pencil
Battery pack (optional)
Classroom Implementation:
Connect this activity to a weather unit by discussing how meteorologists use instruments to record conditions in different places and at different times.
Climate Change Connections:
This activity builds towards students' understanding of how weather and temperature data are collected. This knowledge can later be applied to understand how temperature and weather data are used to understand changes in climate.
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