micro:bit Stoplight

Curriculum DevelopmentLesson
Written By Tamara Moore

This lesson introduces students to circuit wiring and block-based programming using a micro:bit to create a functioning traffic light system. Through hands-on activities, students first learn to wire and program a single flashing red light. They then apply these skills to construct a full traffic signal using a breadboard, LED lights, resistors, and jumper cables. Students engage in troubleshooting, iterative design, and computational thinking as they refine their wiring and programming. The lesson concludes with a challenge to modify their stoplight sequence, reinforcing concepts of sequencing, conditionals, and hardware-software integration. This activity provides a real-world connection to engineering, electronics, and programming careers.

  • Core Content: computer science

  • Grade Levels: 6-8

  • Time Required: Two to three 50-minute class periods

  • ME Career Connection: Students will be working on macro circuit building/wiring prototyping and programming. This is similar to designing and prototyping microchips in the wiring of what they want to happen just on a larger scale.

  • Author: Ryan Hoyt

Tamara Moore
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