(Printable version, go to full version)
Earth-Moon Comms
In this activity, students will simulate communications between a base on the Moon and a base on Earth.
To do this, it will be divided into two Teams
- Engineers at the Earth base.
- Engineers at the base of the Moon.
Each team will use a micro:bit board and a different computer to program communications in blocks. Each micro:bit board (plate A and plate B) includes a short-range radio transmitter. The programming will be done on the free web platform MakeCode copying the instructions explained visually and simply in the guide to:
- Set up a channel (group), which will be the same
- Send messages ("radio send string") from the A board.
- Receive them ("when receiving radio chain") on the B-board and display them on the LED array or with a buzzer.
During the activity, the group designs a minimum protocol (e.g. using keywords or icons) and checks the actual range of the signal in the classroom.
RECOMMENDED AGE: 10–12 years
LOMLOE COMPETENCIES:
- Competence in science, technology and engineering
- Digital competence
- Personal, social and learning to learn competence
- Entrepreneurial competence
DIDACTIC OBJECTIVES:
- Understand how two wireless devices communicate at short distances.
- Schedule sending and receiving strings and icons with micro:bit radio.
- Design a simple protocol and test its reliability.
- Encourage cooperative work and reflection on clear communication.
MATERIALS (per team):
- 2 x micro:bit boards (+ battery holders)
- 2 USB cables for charging/encoding
- Space in classroom or hallway to test range
INCLUSION:
- Rotating roles (programmer, sender, receiver, recorder).
- Messages also coded with icons for students with reading difficulties.