Introduction to Computer Science Careers with the Micro:bit

Sharon Ikechi
3 min readMar 30, 2022

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Let’s explore the various career pathways in Computer Science with the Micro:bit.

In this curriculum, you are going to:

  1. Meet professionals in different careers within Computer Science
  2. Explore the skills in the various careers with Micro:bit activities
  3. Reflect on each career path and your interests

Target Audience: Ages 12 — 18

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Software Engineer

“Learn to love learning and learn something new everyday” — Michael Ikechi

Meet Michael Ikechi, a Software Engineer

Explore Software Engineering with the Micro:bit

Skills: Arithmetic operators, Selection, Sensors, Variables

Description: Measure how long applause — or any loud sound — lasts with this timer that uses the microphone on the new micro:bit.

Level: Intermediate

Activity: Clap-o-meter ← Click here

Reflection

  1. How did you feel building something unique with the micro:bit’s built-in timer
  2. What else would you like to track with the micro:bit’s built-in timer

Developer Advocate

“Stay consistent. You can do it!” — Ebenezer Don

Meet Ebenezer Don, a Developer Advocate

Explore Software Development with the Micro:bit

Skills: Data Handling, Input/Output

Description: Measure how noisy it is around you using the new micro:bit’s microphone sensor and a simple bar chart display.

Level: Beginner

Activity: Sound Meter ← Click here

Reflection

  1. What else would you like to measure with the Micro:bit’s built-in microphone input sensor

Cybersecurity Consultant

“Computer Science is an amazing career path. Go for it!” — Chikodili Udeh

Meet Chikodili Udeh, a Cybersecurity Consultant

Explore Cybersecurity with the Micro:bit

Skills: Input / Output, Radio Waves, Selection

Description: Program the Micro:bit to answer questions in secret using radio waves.

Level: Intermediate

Activity: Tell me a Secret ← Click here

Reflection

  1. How did you feel using the Micro:bit to communicate secretly?
  2. Mention three ways you can use your Micro:bit secret intelligence for good?

Augmented Reality Engineer

“Explore the Internet, there’s so much you can learn” — Derrick Ikenga

Meet Derrick Ikenga, an Augmented Reality Engineer

Explore Augmented Reality Engineering with the Micro:bit

Skills: Input / Output, Randomisation, Sensors

Description: Program the micro:bit to make random numbers when you shake it

Level: Beginner

Activity: Dice ← Click here

Reflection

  1. How did you feel when you made something happen by shaking the micro:bit?
  2. What else would you like to bring to live through technology?

Data Analyst

“Join a community, get informed” — Chiedozie Egbuna

Meet Chiedozie Egbuna, a Data Analyst

Explore Data Analysis with the Micro:bit

Skills: Data Structures, Randomisation, Variables

Description: Finding hard to decide or agree on what to do? Program the micro:bit to choose what tasks you should work on.

Level: Intermediate

Activity: Activity Array ← Click here

Reflection

  1. Apart from tasks, what other data would you like to store in an Array with the Micro:bit?

Product Manager

“Believe in yourself, keep building, and share your work” — Sharon Ikechi

Sharon Ikechi , a Product Manager

Explore Product Management with the Micro:bit

Skills: Input/output, Product design, Sensors

Description: Make a sensory toy that responds to movement with light and sound.

Level: Beginner

Activity: Sensory Toy ← Click here

Reflection

  1. How did you feel building a toy that responds to movement with light and sound?
  2. What else would you like to build with the Micro:bit?

THE END

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