Computer Science Module Overview

This computer science module can be taught independently but is intended to be taught after the YES Middle School Engineering Landing Pads unit. 

Students program micro:bits to send and receive radio signals. They apply this skill to create and test an algorithm to notify recipients that they have received a package. Teams improve their system to distinguish between urgent and nonurgent deliveries.

  • Recommended for use with Engineering Landing Pads, grades 6–8
  • Setting: In school
  • Computer science connections: Algorithms and Programming
  • 3 lessons
  • 45 minutes per lesson
  • Student materials available in Spanish
  • Computational tools used: micro:bits, MakeCode (free and web-based)
  • Materials needed: Materials kits are not available for purchase for computer science modules

View all YES Computer Science modules.

Standards alignment

YES computer science modules align with state and national computer science standards. View Engineering Landing Pads and Delivery Notification Systems Alignment or all Standards Alignments.

Module Map

After learning that micro:bits can communicate with each other, teams use micro:bits to send secret messages and find others on their team.

Teams create and test an algorithm for a notification system for deliveries.

Teams improve their delivery notification systems to distinguish between urgent and nonurgent deliveries.

Our funders

Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.

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What’s Included?

  • Teacher Guide (PDF)
  • Teacher Slides (Google Slides)
  • Print Materials (PDF)