Making Music with Micro:Bits in Year 3

Over the past few weeks Year 3 have been learning to code on our Micro:Bit computers.  These tiny devices are a great way to get hands-on with Computing and enable our students to write programs that they can run on real hardware in their hands.

To start with we explored the concept of Input and Output by using buttons, sensors and the LED displays on the Micro:Bits.  It was interesting to see the range of programs that could be created with just two buttons.

Once the children felt confident with this aspect of the device then took things a step further by using some LED light strips which connected to the pins at the bottom of the Micro:Bits.  

Suddenly the Mac Suite was transformed into a disco! We had colour changing, flashing and rainbow coloured lights everywhere.  

When we finished having a mini party we used the opportunity to learn about using loops and repeat blocks to create colour changing light patterns.

And that brings us on to today, where the children have been using the Micro:Bits in an entirely different way.  

By using three crocodile clips and some nifty external speaker modules, our Year 3s have been creating music!  From individual notes to complete melodies, the Mac Suite was the place to be on Monday morning if you wanted some music. 

(I must stress the word ‘music’ is used loosely here – it sounded less like Taylor Swift and more like an old fairground where the rides were breaking down and the normally happy music had started to sadly fade away into a sea of 8-bit beeps and bloops…)

As part of this activity the children embarked on some challenge based learning, where they were required to problem solve and troubleshoot both the code and the physical connection between the devices to get their music working.  This proved to be a lot of fun and certainly got their brains thinking!

We love using Computing in hands-on ways at Penpol – why should we be confined to a screen when we can have colour changing lights and music coming out of our Micro:Bits?!  

I dare say Year 3 would certainly agree.

Here are some more photos from our 'Musical Micro:Bits' lesson:

Also in the news:

Amanda Aspden

Being Kind

The reception classes were lucky to be invited into assembly to see an amazing speaker called Bereford Lee with the local Tri Service Safety Officer Adrian Hart. Beresford has formed a group called Rice and Peas

Read More »
Amanda Aspden

Barbara Hepworth Inspiration

The reception classes were thrilled to be joined by Steph and Helen, two local artists from the Tate Gallery in St.Ives. We learnt about who Barbara Hepworth was, what she created and the types of materials

Read More »
Amanda Aspden

Scavenger Hunts in Tehidy Woods

The reception classes had a great time at Tehidy Woods. We loved foraging for different treasures and found most of the things on our scavenger hunt list, including snails, slugs, woodlice, leaves of all different colours,

Read More »
Jack Emery

Roman Invasion in Year 4!

Year 4 have been learning about the Romans this year and held a special day to celebrate. Everyone dressed up in their finest Roman attire, including the Year 4 teachers! To begin with, the Year group

Read More »
Jono Peck

Surf’s up with Y5/6 Surf Club

Surf’s up – During June and July, the Y5/6  went surfing with Hayle based surf school Shore Surf to learn to surf or improve surfing skills and also learn about key water safety messages and what

Read More »

Also in the news:

Emily Bodmer

Year 2 Visit Church for the Easter Story

This morning (Monday 4th April), Year 2 visited St. Elwyn’s Church to learn about the Easter Story before the holidays. We got ready first thing; wrapped up warm in our coats and waterproof trousers to keep

Read More »
Linda Ruffell

Year 2 Den Building Fun!

Year 2 had a great morning today den building. Both class 5 and 6 worked together to show how sharing ideas and  team work can help you to achieve an amazing outcome! As you can see, from

Read More »
Elizabeth Nidds

Reception Visit Marazion

Classes 1 and 2 had a lovely time last week on our trips to  Marazion beach! I love the beach! We made sandcastles and I wore my hat to keep my head protected – Zachary Recently,

Read More »
Nic Stanlake

Penpol Swim to Success

The swimmers from Penpol enjoyed success in the pool at the Penwith School’s Gala a fortnight ago. After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic it was wonderful to see a return to competitive swimming

Read More »