Using MicroBlocks and Raspberry Pi Pico to introduce primary students to programming
summary
Used MicroBlocks in a browser with flashed interpreter on Maker RP2040 boards to have three classes of 22 primary students build a simple plant moisture detector that bleeped and lit Neopixels; the device runs unplugged once programmed. Small wins take many tiny steps — 90‑minute slots meant progress only by checking every group. Issues: mouse drag‑drop vs tablet habits, tiny hidden UI controls, fragile jumper wires; successes: visible LEDs/buzzer hooked curiosity and several pupils extended projects. MicroBlocks, RP2040 boards
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chapters (9)
- 0:00MicroBlocks and primary programming
- 3:44Teaching coding to primary students
- 6:57Choosing microcontrollers
- 9:31MicroBlocks technology
- 12:06First workshop challenges
- 16:25Lessons from workshops
- 19:22What worked well
- 20:49Conclusion and future work
- 22:38Q&A on engagement
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