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micro: music

By Jen Perry 3 projects (3+ hours)
Level
Grades 4-6
Subjects
English Language Arts,
Art,
Science and Technology,
Mathematics,
Other
components
  • Programming
  • Data
  • Technology and Society
  • Design
Tools & Languages
Block-based,
micro:bit

Key Coding Concepts

  • Algorithms
  • Events
  • Variables

Terminology

Algorithm

A step-by-step set of operations to be performed to help solve a problem

 

Events

When one thing causes another thing to happen

 

Variable

A placeholder for a piece of information that can change

This lesson contains three projects. In project one, learners will learn to code their own music for micro:bit using the MakeCode editor. In the second project, learners will collaborate (with guided instruction) to create their own piano. In the third project, learners will design their own micro:bit controller.

Prerequisites

  • The educator should have some knowledge of micro:bit.
  • Learners should have had some previous experiences with coding (Scratch or Blockly).

Technology

  • micro:bit (1 per learner)
  • Device capable of pairing to micro:bit (1 per learner)
  • Headphones (1 per learner)

Materials

  • Supplies for paper piano: paper, tinfoil, 6 alligator clips, and glue
  • Supplies for fruit keyboard: banana, orange, headphone jack, and 4 alligator clips
  • Supplies for guitar extension activity: fabric, duct tape, cardboard, glitter, tinfoil, elastic bands, buttons, etc.

Before the lesson...

Project #1: Create a Song

Consider playing this video by Call of Dennig to show learners an example of what they will be making in this project.
*Note: This example was written in the old editor.

Go to makecode.microbit.org and click ‘New Project’.

Ask learners to create their own song with code. Challenge them to use loops and other coding blocks.

They can use the simulator to play their song or download it and attach their micro:bit to speakers/headphones to share with their friends.

To connect the micro:bits to headphones, use the instructions here.

*Note: Do not wear the headphones. They will function like speakers (loud ones!) and can cause damage to learners’ hearing if they try to use them like regular headphones while connected to micro:bit.

Project #2: Make a Piano

(Collaboration with Guided Instruction)

This is a complex project, but could be completed with small groups and adult guidance. Materials should be prepped ahead of time.

Below are detailed instructions, an exemplar video, and code that could be used.

Piano Paper Project Instructions
*Note: The code in this document was written in the old editor.

An exemplar of a project.

Piano Code
*Note: Click ‘Edit’ to remix the old code in the new editor.

Project #3: Fruit Keyboard

Learners will design their own micro:bit controller using alligator clips, a headphone jack, a banana, and an orange. You may want to tell learners that they will be using these materials to create a circuit!

Follow this lesson from micro:bit MakeCode.

Is the learner able to independently follow coding instructions?

Does the learner have a growth mindset, able to troubleshoot any bugs that may arise?

Is the learner able to take risks and create some of their own code?

Is the learner able to collaborate with others?

Coding

  • Use the MakeCode micro:bit Musical Instrument Project to challenge learners to create a musical instrument that uses arrays to store sequences of notes. The array of notes can be played when an input occurs, such as one of the buttons being pressed, or if one or more of the pins is activated.
  • Follow this video tutorial to learn to play Star Wars on your micro:bit.
  • Create an animation to go with your music.

English

Journal Reflection/Class Discussion:

  1. What was your favourite part of the micro:music project?
  2. What was something you found challenging?
  3. What was something you would do differently next time or want to try out?
  4. What are some examples of music and technology working together?

Math

Tech & Society (Ethics, Safety, & the Law)

Data (Ownership & Governance)

  • Discuss data collected from playlists and music choices. Ask learners if they or their parents have ever downloaded music?
  • Explore music and privacy policies and discuss how and why this data is being collected:

MakeCode Reference Guide
https://makecode.microbit.org/reference

micro:bit Tutorial Series Part 1: Getting Started
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIW_6rxYNBg

micro:bit by BBC - Creative Classroom Tips for Educators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_AapxVudM

micro:bit Christmas Carols (with headphone connection instructions)
https://scienceoxford.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Jingle-Bells.pdf

micro.bit MakeCode Editor
https://makecode.microbit.org/#

Shooting Stars | micro:bit Tutorial (by Call of Dennig)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGNZXILCjyo

micro:bit Paper Piano Project
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dgUUIEMWrP4NXYAxSSu5Rrd2ygb8OVcj/view

Piano Code
https://makecode.microbit.org/v0/03107-69090-41198-50535

Banana Keyboard Lesson:
MakeCode micro:bit
https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/banana-keyboard/make

Music Reference and Tutorials from MakeCode micro:bit
https://makecode.microbit.org/reference/music and
https://makecode.microbit.org/reference/music/begin-melody

micro:bit Paper Piano Exemplar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=6a_rykLlN3k

micro:bit MakeCode: Design an Intstrument
https://makecode.microbit.org/courses/csintro/arrays/project

Playing Star Wars music on your BBC MicroBit (by MicroMonsters)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y32FhgOVZnM

Music and math: The genius of Beethoven - Natalya St. Clair (TED Ed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAxT0mRGuoY

Let’s Give Credit (Common Sense Media)
https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/lets-give-credit

Apple Music and Privacy (Apple)
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204881

Understanding my Data (Spotify)
https://support.spotify.com/ca-en/account_payment_help/privacy/understanding-my-data/

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons

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