Computer Science
Engineering Wearable Alerts: Text Neck Timers
Middle School
Impacts of Computing
Algorithms & Programming
In Classrooms
Students use MakeCode and micro:bits to design a timer that alerts a user when they have been in text neck position for too long.
Module Overview
Students build an algorithm that tracks the amount of time a user is in text neck position and alerts the user after it has been too long. They download their algorithm to a micro:bit for testing.
- Teach this module after Engineering Wearable Alerts
- 3 lessons
- 45–50 minutes per lesson
- Student materials available in Spanish
- Computational tools used: BBC micro:bits, Microsoft MakeCode (free web-based application)
- Computer science modules require a short list of materials not included in a kit
- View Materials Requirements (pdf)
Standards Alignment
YES units align with state and national science standards, integrating seamlessly with popular elementary science curricula.
Module Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesModule Map
Students use conditional statements to create custom alerts.
Students decompose the task of timing how long someone is in text neck position into steps. They write a simple timer algorithm.
Students write an algorithm that times how long the user is in text neck position and alerts when a time limit is reached.
Our funders
Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.