CCC - Carnival of Coding

Getting started

Download the starter code, go to the editor, and drag-and-drop the starter code into the window - this makes sure that you have all the blocks needed to use our Carnival of Coding boxes.

Follow the instructions to pair your micro:bit, then create your first program.

Using the micro:bit's display & buttons

Combine blocks from the Basic and Inputs menus and try out these ideas:

• Can you make the micro:bit display your name?
• Can you make the micro:bit show one image when you press button A, and different one when you press button B?
• Can you combine images with pauses to make an animation?

The micro:bits being used in this workshop are V1. V2 blocks will give you an error message if you try to use them.

Click here to download this example.

Adding music

Add blocks from the Music menu to your program and try out these ideas:

• Can you create a tune and make it play when you press a button?
• Can you use a block from the Loops menu to make a tune play more than once, but not forever?
• Can you add musical notes in time with your animation?

The micro:bits being used in this workshop are V1. V2 blocks will give you an error message if you try to use them.

Click here to download this example.

Using the traffic lights

Add blocks from the CarnivalOfCoding menu to control the traffic lights on your box.

Use the handouts to replicate real traffic light sequences, or design your own sequence.

Click here to download this example.

Adding a motor

Connect your K'nex motor to your box by pushing the red plug into the red socket labelled 'Motor A', and the black plug into the black socket.

Use your blue tack to stick the motor securely to the table. Later on in the workshop you can use K'nex to build a base to attach it to.

To program your motor, use the CarnivalOfCoding menu.

Important! Add the 'reset motors' block into the beginning of your 'on start' loop - this makes sure that the motors behave as you expect whenever you run your code.

Test out your motors, then try changing:

• Which direction your motor turns in.
• How quickly it turns.

Click here to download this example.

What next?

You now have all of the parts needed to make your fairground ride!

Some things to think about when working on your code:

• How will you turn your ride on and off?
• Do you want your tune and lights to play in time with your ride turning? Work out your timings!
• Could you add a warning sound or lights before your ride starts to turn?
• Should your ride turn the same speed all of the time? What motor algorithm would make a fun ride?

You can also use the K'nex to expand your physical ride:

• Can you keep your ride balanced when it is turning?
• Make sure no part of your ride gets stuck when it is moving!

At the end of the workshop you can show off your ride to other people.

Give it a name and write down instructions to start and stop your ride.