A compact, powerful tool for exploring programming and electronics.

micro:bit Overview

Embraced by thousands of educators worldwide, micro:bit has been shown to increase student engagement and motivation in computer science and STEM, improve collaboration, increase application of design thinking and increase teacher confidence in teaching programming.

A pocket-sized computer, the micro:bit empowers students to learn programming, coding, and computational thinking through fun, creative physical computing. Students can:

  • Code, customize and control their micro:bits
  • Progress from drag-and-drop programming to more advanced programming languages (MakeCode to Javascript to Python)
  • Build unique creations, from robots to data collection to weather stations - the possibilities are limitless
  • Apply design thinking by continuously testing and iterating their creations
  • Engage in a deeper understanding of the technology they use everyday
  • Learn collaboration skills through group projects
micro:bit

Compatible with Chromebooks!

micro:bit Features

LED display

The micro:bit features a 5x5 grid of 25 red LEDs that can be programmed individually to create letters or write out messages.

Programmable Buttons

Use the two programmable buttons to control games, skip songs on a playlist or even light up the LED display.

Block or Text-Based Programming

micro:bit can be programmed using block or text-based programming with Microsoft MakeCode, perfect for beginners learning how to code and advanced users looking for an efficient tool.

Additional Inputs and Outputs

Add additional sensors and actuators using the three alligator clip ports or access even more I/O ports by plugging the micro:bit into expansion boards.

Built-in Accelerometer and Compass

Detect motion, identify direction of travel or create a tilting game controller with a built-in accelerometer and compass.

Chromebook Compatible

Programmable using either a Bluetooth connection on a phone or a USB connection on any computer. No software installation is required - perfect for Chromebooks.

micro:bit Grade-Level Progression

The micro:bit, and the SparkFun ecosystem that supports it, was designed to grow with students--enabling a progression of content, activities, and learning objectives that become more advanced over time. This supports the alignment of STEM across grade levels and helps ensure students build a strong foundation in technical skills as opposed to receiving a scattershot of programming language, hardware, and tech experiences.

To learn the language of coding and the language of technology, having their hands on something is the easiest way to learn something and get it to stick in their minds.

Chelsea BehannaPrincipal at Rocky Top Middle School
Adams 12 Five Star Schools

This is an example of how the micro:bit ecosystem can be implemented. Based on student and teacher experience levels, the progression may be adjusted.

Read More About SparkFun’s micro:bit Grade Level Progression

"micro:bit is more hands-on and the kids are enjoying it. It’s a great introduction to computer science."

Michelle SchneiderComputer Science Instructor at Silver Hills Middle School
Adams 12 Five Star Schools

micro:bit Offerings

Hardware options with SparkFun Education's micro:bit ecosystem.

micro:bit board

Concepts and Beginner Basic Projects

Grade Levels 3–4 | Skill Level Beginner

The micro:bit can be coded, customized and controlled from anywhere and used for all sorts of unique creations — robots, musical instruments and more. The micro:bit's versatility allows for students to use the board alone for beginner level activities while incrementally introducing more complex coding/activities while students progress.

gator:bit tools

Alligator Clips Expand micro:bit Functionality and Ease of Use

Grade Levels 4–7 | Skill Level Beginner/Intermediate

While the micro:bit board has plenty of great features already on board, incorporating SparkFun's own line of gator:bit tools can add another level of interaction and complexity. The gator:bit boards were developed with students and educators in mind. Using simple alligator clip connections, adding external lights and sensors allows for endless programming opportunities.

gator:bit

gatorbit

increase accessibility with larger board and alligator clips

gator:control protosnap

gator control protosnap

add buttons and switches

gator:starter protosnap

gator starter protosnap

add sensors (temperature & light)

gator:color protosnap

gator color protosnap

add additional lights

gator:environment

gator environment

take atmospheric readings

gator:particle

gator particle

detect particles and materials

gator:microphone

gator microphone

visualize sound

gator:soil

gator soil

measure soil conductivity

gator:UV

gator uv sensor

read ultraviolet light

gator:RTC

gator real time clock

real time clock

gator:log

gator openlog

log and save data

Expansion Kits

Advanced Projects Using the micro:bit

Grade Levels 6–10 | Skill Level Intermediate/Advanced

The next step up in using the micro:bit for computational thinking is connecting them to our expansion kits. Students will be able to monitor weather data, build a robot, and even have a miniature arcade console all controlled with the micro:bit board. SparkFun provides full kits as well as stand-alone "carrier" boards where students can fully design projects where the only limit is thier imagination.

weather:bit

micro:climate Kit

build a weather station

moto:bit

micro:bot Kit

build a robot

gamer:bit

micro:arcade Kit

build a game or remote control

Inventor’s Kit for micro:bit

Build anything—includes sensors, motors, bluetooth, and more!

Grade Levels 7–12 | Skill Level Advanced

The final progression with using the micro:bit is expanding the capabilities of the micro:bit development platform by providing access to more pins and allowing students to unlock the full potential of your micro:bit. This is where the SparkFun Inventor's Kit for micro:bit steps in. We have a complete experiment guide to take students through circuits that will teach you how to read sensors, move motors, build Bluetooth® devices and more. Once students complete the guided circuit activities, they will have an even better understanding of how electronics and code can impact the physical world.

SparkFun Inventor's Kit for micro:bit

increase accessibility with larger board and alligator clips

SparkFun Inventor's Kit Bridge Pack for micro:bit

does not include the micro:bit

Classroom sets available!

See full line of micro:bit hardware