Programming Physical Devices

In today's digital age, integrating programming physical devices into the curriculum has become increasingly crucial, but can feel more daunting than other aspects of the Computing Curriculum. Programming physical devices not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also encourages critical thinking and shows children the real-life uses that coding and programming has. With tools like Purple Mash and Python in Pieces, teachers can easily and seamlessly incorporate hands-on programming experiences into their lessons, with no prior knowledge of programming needed.

micro:bit Lessons and Projects

Many teachers will have heard of the fantastic BBC micro:bits - now, Purple Mash has micro:bit lessons included as part of the whole-school Computing Scheme of Work.

Lessons include step-by-step instructions and videos, including videos on how to connect the computer to the micro:bit.

Our new micro:bit projects make it easy to use micro:bits in the classroom, whether you're a subject lead or completely new to teaching computing.

Watch the Introduction to micro:bits video below for a quick run-through of using the Purple Mash lessons with your class:

Data Logging with 2Graph and micro:bits

Pupils can track live data such as temperature, light, and sound fed straight into 2Graph. Data can then be displayed in custom graphs allowing pupils to develop analytical skills in a fun and interactive manner!

Purple Chip

The Purple Chip app and coding tool offers another avenue for teachers to engage students in programming physical devices. This intuitive app allows students to connect their devices wirelessly and control them using block-based coding written in Purple Mash.

Children can control their phones or tablets, making the torch light flash, play a sound through the speaker, or make it vibrate. They can also use their phone as a game-pad and detect sound, or tilting and shaking motions. The game-pad also has buttons on which can be programmed to have different commands for their game (e.g. move the character forward, jump etc).

Mai -Z Mousebot

Mai-Z MouseBot is a physical robot that helps pupils connect coding with real-world outcomes through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

Powered by Kitronik hardware and fully integrated with Purple Mash, Mai‑Z MouseBot gives you everything you need to deliver engaging, curriculum-ready physical computing.

Extending Students with Python in Pieces

For students ready to take their programming skills to the next level, 2Simple offers Python in Pieces, a powerful tool for learning text-based programming. Python in Pieces allows students to translate between block-based code to Python and back again, meaning they are learning a popular and well-used programming language.

With the inclusion of micro:bit lessons, Python in Pieces provides a natural progression for students looking to explore Python programming in the context of physical computing. Whether it's creating games, simulations, or interactive stories, Python in Pieces empowers students to unleash their creativity and apply their programming knowledge to real-world problems.

You can find the Python in Pieces lesson ideas in the Purple Mash Computing Scheme of Work.