BBC Micro:bit project

This task can be used for formative assessment purposes or as a summative assessment to assess what students have learned as a result of programming a BBC micro:bit to create a digital solution. It would be expected that the task be undertaken over at least 3-5 one-hour sessions.

The task requires students to create a digital solution incorporating the use of the BBC micro:bit. This is an open-ended task allowing students to select a project that is within their skills and capabilities.

Prior to implementing their programming, students develop a design that shows an algorithm of the program. Students use a portfolio to document the process undertaken. The portfolio will include, a description of the project; a record of the steps taken on each day; challenges along the way and a reflection of the process. Students also complete a set of 'I can…' statements relating to particular programming skills.

At the completion of the project students record a ‘think aloud’ and complete a self-reflection task. (Limit the video recording to a maximum of 2 min).

Formative assessment

Prior to commencing the task, discuss the Self-reflection handout and associated rubric so students are aware of what is being assessed.

Prior to implementing the programming element of the task, use the portfolio to ascertain how students are progressing. Focus on the following aspects to promote a discussion:

Consider the design and algorithm.

Is it logical?

Does it show how users interact with it?

Does it include any decisions (branching)?

Are parts of the code repeated? If so, can loops be included within the program?

Are there parts of the program that are causing challenges? How might these challenges be overcome?

To overcome challenges students may require support from:

• a person with relevant skills in the class,
• YouTube tutorials or online BBC micro:bit help references,
• copying and remixing existing code from a similar project found online or in class or teacher directed.

Summative assessment

Collect four pieces of evidence for assessment.

1. Design
   • Students provide a document of their design created prior to implementing their digital solution.
2. Portfolio
   • Students provide their completed portfolio and use it to discuss the process (how they progressed on the project and how effectively they used their time).
3. Self-reflection
   • Students use the Self-reflection handout to evaluate their effort against the rubric supplied.
4. Think aloud
   • Students create and record a brief presentation ‘think aloud’ that explains how they designed and created their digital solution. Students may choose to use the Seesaw application or they may simply create a brief slide presentation incorporating photographs and text.
   • Use the assessment checklist to record specific details of their design and programming skills and knowledge.

This assessment checklist provides a guide to record the student’s demonstrated skills and knowledge.

Word and pdf versions of the checklist can be dowloaded in the resources section.

Demonstrated knowledge/skills	Yes/No or progressing	Comments
The student documented their design before implementing their digital solution. In their design the student includes: the design identifies a problem and how their solution will address the problem. data and functional requirements are identified an algorithm that shows decisions (branching), user input and any loops (repetition) a logical sequence to help programming the solution The student portfolio is complete and includes challenges and how these were overcome dates tasks were undertaken an indication of skills used or developed The student completed the self-reflection which provides: an accurate indication of their skills and knowledge an accurate indication of their performance
The students create and record a brief presentation to explain their project and the process involved, including A project description An explanation of the problem to be solved. the digital solution in action an accurate explanation of the way the program works reference to user input, decisions and loops an evaluation of the solution compared to the initial design and intention (how well does it work?)
The student can: (list key ideas explained confidently)
The student would benefit to next work on: (list key ideas that were not evident or not demonstrated to a sufficient level)

• BBC Micro:bit project assessment checklist (PDF version)
• BBC Micro:bit project assessment checklist (Word version)
• BBC Micro:bit project self-reflection (PDF version)
• BBC Micro:bit project self-reflection (Word version)
• Project log (PDF version)
• Project log (Word version)