Overview

Science Concept

Surveys of different characteristics in a population can be done in several different ways. If it is people responding to a survey it could be done orally, on paper, or electronically to collect the data. If it is done by observation, it could be done with tally marks on a paper. If 2 different characteristics are being observed it is really hard to mentally keep track of 2 counts in a person’s head. It could be done on a micro:bit using the A and B buttons as increment counters. The micro:bit could also be programmed to show the 2 tallys and the total number observed.

The strands and standards in 7th grade SEEd 7.5 talk about “… variation and the proportion of traits within a population can change over time…” Observing current traits in a population is a start to looking at changes in a population overtime. Standard 7.5.2 “Analyze and interpret data for patterns…” Possible observations could include: blond vs non blond, male vs female, cars vs trucks, right handed vs left handed, etc.

Project Goal

Learn coding with math concepts to create a microbit 2 trait counter.

Prior Knowledge

Students need to:

• Have a basic knowledge of how to code using block style programming (Scratch, Code.org, etc.)
• Basis knowledge of the MakeCode programming environment.
• Knowledge of using variables and basic math in coding the microbit.
• Knowledge file management skills in Windows.
• How to download a program and copy it to a microbit. Checkout this guide: Using a Microbit in 5 easy steps.

Student Outcomes

Students will:

• Create experiments to collect data using a microbit to collect and count 2 types of data.
• Setup different experiments to observe the gravity effect.
• Code the microbit using variables, counters, and math to collect and display data.
• Analyze report on the data collected.

Materials Needed

• 1 micro:bit with battery connected
• Windows 10 MakeCode app or MakeCode in a browser.

Adapted from “Population Trait Data Counter“ by C Lyman