Complete for freeBeginnerBrowser simulator included

Course 9

Hardware Lab: micro:bit Inventions

Invent with virtual or physical micro:bits using inputs, LEDs, motion, sound, radio, sensor data, MakeCode, and MicroPython. The course combines structured lessons, guided browser concept simulations, and learner-created project files made with freely installable or open tools described in the course instructions. This guided page does not execute code, train models, run databases, create repositories, access hardware, or provide hosted infrastructure.

Free completion promise: The always-free pathway combines guided micro:bit event simulations with learner-created program and design files made in freely installable or open tools. Physical hardware is optional.

Before you begin

Requirements & setup for Hardware Lab: micro:bit Inventions

Start with the complete free pathway below. Hardware, subscriptions, paid APIs, and cloud credits are never required.

Start here · free path

Your complete $0 setup

The always-free pathway combines guided micro:bit event simulations with learner-created program and design files made in freely installable or open tools. Physical hardware is optional.

$0 required

Setup checklist

0 of 9 complete

This checklist is a temporary setup aid and resets when the page reloads. Saved course progress begins in the setup lessons below.

1. Choose the free learning path
Use the browser-based tools and simulations throughout this course. Paid software, APIs, cloud credits, GPUs, and physical equipment are optional.
About 2 min
2. Set up C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator
Open the concept simulator and read its scenario, assumptions, and limitations.
About 5 minOpen C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator (opens in a new tab)
3. C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator: step 2
Make a prediction, adjust the available controls, and compare the result with the explanation.
About 5 min
4. C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator: step 3
Record what changed and why; repeat with at least one different input.
About 5 min
5. C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator: step 4
For applied work, follow the course instructions to create and keep your own project files with a freely installable or open tool appropriate to the subject.
About 5 min
6. Set up Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator
Open C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator.
About 5 minOpen Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator (opens in a new tab)
7. Physical micro:bit kit: step 2
Select the simulated physical micro:bit kit pathway.
About 5 min
8. Physical micro:bit kit: step 3
Complete this check: Complete the safety checklist before any optional physical test.
About 5 min
9. Run the setup check
C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator: Complete one prediction-and-explanation cycle and record the evidence you would carry into a learner-created project file. Physical micro:bit kit: Complete the safety checklist before any optional physical test.
About 5 min

Software

1 item

C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

Course need

C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

Free

A free browser concept simulator with adjustable values, a prediction prompt, deterministic feedback, and a short explanatory trace. This guided page does not execute code, train models, run databases, create repositories, access hardware, or provide hosted infrastructure. Use keyboard controls and the text trace or written alternative when a visual or pointer interaction is not suitable.

Open the concept simulator and read its scenario, assumptions, and limitations.
Make a prediction, adjust the available controls, and compare the result with the explanation.
Record what changed and why; repeat with at least one different input.
For applied work, follow the course instructions to create and keep your own project files with a freely installable or open tool appropriate to the subject.

Open C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

Hardware

1 item

Physical micro:bit kit

Optional equipment for transferring learner-created programs to a real board; guided concept simulations and project-file alternatives are available when hardware is unavailable.

Optional

Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

Free

Explore course concepts through adjustable values, prediction, deterministic feedback, and an explanatory trace. The physical equipment is optional. The simulator, supplied traces, and written tables cover the assessed concepts without handling physical parts.

Open C4T Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator.
Select the simulated physical micro:bit kit pathway.
Complete this check: Complete the safety checklist before any optional physical test.

Open Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

No-hardware path

Virtual micro:bit Concept Simulator

Explore course concepts through adjustable values, prediction, deterministic feedback, and an explanatory trace. No hardware is required.

Optional paid alternatives

You do not need these options to complete the course.

micro:bit board and accessories

Optional physical experience; never required for course completion.

Optional only—never required for course completion.

Accounts

Nothing required

No external account is needed for this course.

What you will be able to do

Learning outcomes

Follow safe setup and verify virtual or physical inputs and outputs.
Program displays, buttons, touch, motion, compass, and sound.
Exchange radio messages and collect interpretable sensor data.
Test and document a connected invention in simulation or hardware.

Included downloads

Free starter assets

Original · synthetic · licensed

These small files contain no personal data, credentials, or secrets. Dataset fixtures are CC0 and starter code is MIT licensed.

Starter pack guide & licensesSee what each original synthetic dataset, fixture, and starter file contains.Simulated hardware sensor traceSynthetic device readings for no-hardware analysis and replay.

Build real work

Assignments & capstone

Free tools accepted

Reaction game and step counter

Build and test two focused inventions using LEDs, events, motion, scoring, and calibration.

The always-free pathway combines guided micro:bit event simulations with learner-created program and design files made in freely installable or open tools. Physical hardware is optional. Submit a project file, text trace, screenshots with descriptions, or equivalent simulator evidence.

Radio messenger and sensor logger

Create paired-device messaging and a charted sensor log with validation and failure feedback.

Final assessment

Connected micro:bit invention network

Create a physical or fully simulated network with inputs, outputs, events, data, radio messaging, testing, safety notes, and design documentation. Deliverables: Two or more communicating virtual or physical devices, Input, output, and state specification, Recorded sensor or message data, Safety and test checklist, and Design explanation and iteration notes.

Prerequisites & pacing

Skills assumed

Basic sequences, loops, and conditions

Recommended prior courses

These are advisory, not locks. If you already have the skills listed above, enroll directly.

Choose your pace

self paced: 8 weeks at 3 hours per week
weekly: 8 weeks at 3 hours per week

Part of this learning path

🤖 Hardware and Robotics · step 1 of 4
Go from first LED to a connected, sensing, machine-learning device — every step has a browser simulator.

Course created by Zafir Shamsi.