In our project we are using the BBC Micro:bit to introduce the 5 big ideas of AI in STEM education through experimentation and programming. Let’s see what we are talking about and what we aim to achieve.  

What is the BBC micro:bit?

The BBC micro:bit is a compact, programmable microcontroller designed to make learning coding and electronics accessible and engaging for students. Equipped with features like LEDs, buttons, sensors, and communication modules, it serves as a versatile tool in STEM education. Students can program the micro:bit using various languages, including block-based coding and Python, allowing them to create interactive projects that blend hardware and software concepts. 

Incorporating micro:bit into STEM curricula

Hands-on Learning: Students engage in practical projects, reinforcing theoretical knowledge through tangible applications.

Creativity and Innovation: The device encourages creative problem-solving, enabling students to design unique solutions to real-world challenges.

Collaboration: Group projects with the micro:bit foster teamwork and communication skills.

Early Exposure to Technology: Introducing students to programming and electronics at a young age prepares them for future technological advancements.

Educators have access to a wealth of resources and lesson plans tailored for the micro:bit, covering topics from basic programming to complex systems integration. For example, students can explore cyber security by creating strong password generators or developing sensory learning aids to enhance classroom environments. 

BBC micro:bit and the 5 big Ideas in AI

The micro:bit also serves as an excellent platform for introducing students to the Five Big Ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI), as outlined by the AI4K12 initiative:

1. Perception: Computers perceive the world using sensors. With the micro:bit's built-in sensors, students can program the device to respond to environmental inputs like light and temperature, understanding how machines interpret sensory data. 
2. Representation & Reasoning: Agents maintain representations of the world and use them for reasoning. Students can create programs where the micro:bit makes decisions based on stored data, such as navigating a maze, illustrating how AI systems process information to make informed choices. 
3. Learning: Computers can learn from data. By collecting data through the micro:bit's sensors, students can analyze patterns and adjust the device's behaviour accordingly, demonstrating fundamental machine learning principles. 
4. Natural Interaction: Intelligent agents require many kinds of knowledge to interact naturally with humans. Students can program the micro:bit to recognize simple gestures or respond to button presses, exploring human-computer interaction concepts. 
5. Societal Impact: AI influences society and is influenced by society. Discussions on how AI technologies, like those simulated with the micro:bit, affect daily life and ethical considerations can be integrated into lessons, fostering critical thinking about technology's role in society. 

By leveraging the micro:bit in educational settings, educators can provide students with a foundational understanding of AI concepts, preparing them for a future where technology and AI play pivotal roles.

You can find out more in the following sources:

https://microbit.org 

https://pattan.net