Engage Your Students via Physical Computing!

Abstract

Physical computing consists of the design and realization of interactive objects, installations and support student’s creativity to develop tangible and concrete products of the real world. This paper describes the basics and benefits of integrating physical computing with block-based language MakeCode or Micropython using microcontroller BBC micro:bit. It provides cross-curricular hands-on learning opportunities. We used the microcontroller during the lessons with pupils at a different age. After the first use of the programming with hardware concept, we noticed the rise of the motivation to learn programming even among the ‘non-informatics’ pupils, among the girls and the in-service teacher. The great benefit of “getting physical” is a holistic view of computer science which encourages creativity, promotes learning by doing and engaging the whole mind and body learning. The paper shows a set of tasks how to present the concept of sequence, variable, random number generator and conditions in such way that pupils need to change the sitting activity by playing activity or hands-on activity realized besides. We conclude that using BBC micro:bit is the right decision for those who want the powerful device to learn programming and to understand the principles of how the hardware works at the same time.