What is the BBC micro:bit? A complete guide

Did you know that in just a few short years, the micro:bit has become one of the most widely used educational tools in the world. This small yet mighty device is changing how students engage with technology in ways that were once only dreamed of.

Whether you’re a teacher eager to breathe new life into your lessons, or a curious parent wondering what all the buzz is about, this guide’s for you. We’ll take you through the micro:bit’s fascinating history, show you how it’s bringing STEM to life, and give you a firsthand look at CD-Soft’s top micro:bit products.

The BBC micro:bit: A small device with a big story

The year was 2015, and the BBC—the British media giant behind iconic TV shows, news, and radio programming—was about to send shockwaves through the education world. Their mission? To put a BBC micro:bit—a tiny, programmable computer—in the hands of every Year 7 child across the UK.

While ambitious, this wasn’t the first time the BBC had set their sights on shaking up education. All the way back in the 1980s they were already ahead of the game with their transformative Computer Literacy Project - a bold program aimed at helping the nation get ready for a new era of computing.

At the time, Britain was growing increasingly anxious about keeping up with the rest of the world in tech education. Across the Atlantic, for example, companies like Apple were making computers mainstream and actively promoting their use in schools with initiatives like the “Kids Can’t Wait” program, which aimed to put technology directly in the hands of children across all age groups.

The BBC swooped in with a plan to change that, teaching people how computers worked, why they mattered, and how they could be used to make everyday life a whole lot easier. They even went as far as commissioning their very own home computer, the BBC Micro, and using it to teach viewers how to code.

For an entire decade, the project led the charge in advancing information technology across Britain, with the BBC Micro becoming the backbone of computing education. By the mid-1980s, it was in use in over 80% of UK schools.

Fast forward to 2015, and the BBC was again leading the charge in education - this time with an even grander vision: to empower young learners to shift from simply interacting with technology to actually creating and innovating it.

The original micro:bit, the driving force behind this vision, was a major leap forward from its 80s predecessor. This pocket-sized powerhouse packed more processing capability than ever before, all while being cheaper and remarkably versatile.

Building on the same pioneering spirit of the 1980s, the micro:bit was reimagined for today’s digital age. Designed to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and nurture problem-solving skills, it harnessed the power of modern technology to engage young minds.

It wasn’t just a success in the UK—where over 1 million micro:bits were distributed to Year 7 students in 2015, fulfilling its mission to equip every 11-year-old with a micro:bit—but it continues to expand its global reach, helping countless children worldwide develop essential digital skills.

Teamwork in action: How educators and innovators shaped the Micro:bit

The BBC’s 2015 vision for the micro:bit was big—really big. But to turn that vision into something tangible, they needed an all-star lineup of collaborators. Teachers, tech giants, non-profits and governments all joined forces.

It was the teachers, though, who led the charge, turning the micro:bit from a cool gadget into something truly extraordinary. They offered the insights needed to make it classroom-ready - simple enough for beginners, but with enough flexibility to inspire intrigue. By tying the micro:bit to curriculum goals, for example, they made sure it wasn’t just a passing trend but a real teaching tool.

From here, the micro:bit project quickly spread its wings and went global. Governments, NGOs and industry leaders recognised how the micro:bit could help close the digital divide, offering affordable coding education to children in communities that needed it most.

Because it cost a fraction of a laptop or tablet, the micro:bit made hands-on STEM learning accessible to more schools, regardless of budget. Suddenly, coding wasn’t just for well-funded classrooms—it was for everyone!

Thanks to this global teamwork, the micro:bit transformed from a niche tool into a universal gateway, giving every child the chance to dive into the exciting world of technology.

The BBC micro:bit: A tiny device with big potential

At just half the size of a credit card, the BBC micro:bit is a compact yet powerful microcontroller designed to introduce students to coding and digital creativity. Packed with built-in sensors, programmable buttons, an LED display, and Bluetooth connectivity, this pocket-sized device makes hands-on learning more accessible than ever.

With features like an accelerometer, compass, radio communication, and input/output pins, students can program the micro:bit to interact with their environment, control robotics, or even create their own digital games. Whether it’s lighting up LEDs, measuring temperature, or sending wireless messages, the micro:bit turns abstract coding concepts into real-world applications—making STEM learning fun, engaging, and highly interactive.

Building critical thinking and tech skills in the classroom with Micro:bit

Now that you’re all caught up on Micro:bit’s fascinating backstory, let’s switch gears and explore how it can boost the quality of your lessons, making them more interactive and fun, while helping you nurture essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills in your students:

1. High-tech science adventures

Picture this: you’re in your science classroom, but today, instead of relying on textbooks and PowerPoints, your students are holding small, high-tech devices that measure temperature, humidity and light intensity.

This is exactly what the micro:bit makes possible. With the Create a Weather Station teacher resource, for example, educators can guide students through building their very own weather station. Students take on the role of mini meteorologists, using their devices to track environmental factors in real-time.

They'll explore the science behind weather patterns while programming their micro:bits to collect and analyse data. It’s like taking science experiments and adding a techy twist that makes learning about the world around us as exciting as predicting the next thunderstorm.

2. Numbers and concepts in play

What if your students could code their own maths problems using the micro:bit? With the Math Blocks Activity, they can do just that - and so much more! In this hands-on project, students will delve into the world of coding by using blocks of code to create their own maths algorithms right on their very own micro:bit.

From basic calculations like addition, subtraction and multiplication, to more complex operations like prime numbers and number sequences, students will experience maths in action—making those tricky concepts easier to visualise and grasp.

Plus, they get to experiment with their code, tweak numbers, and watch their device respond in real-time, turning learning into a fun and interactive experience. It's a double win—students level up their maths skills while boosting their coding abilities, all thanks to their trusty micro:bit!

3. Actionable problem-solving

Ever thought about turning your classroom into a mini tech lab where creativity and coding collide? The Problem-Solving with Micro:bit activity is the perfect way to get your students engaged, thinking critically and, best of all, having fun!

In this hands-on activity, students team up with a micro:bit in hand and dive into a real-world challenge. For example, one group might build a simple robot, using the micro:bit to control its movements, while another could create a system that reacts to light or sound.

As students code, debug, and refine their projects, they’re not just learning to program—they’re honing problem-solving skills, thinking critically, and adapting on the fly.

Maximise the Micro:bit experience with must-have add-ons

Having explored how the micro:bit can bring learning to life, let’s kick things up a notch! After all, the micro:bit is an incredible tool for fuelling imagination and problem-solving, so why stop there? With an array of add-ons and accessories, the micro:bit can unlock a whole new level of possibilities in the classroom.

From robotics kits to gaming consoles and smart vehicles, there’s no shortage of ways to expand what the micro:bit can do. Below are just a few standout project kits and accessories available from CD-Soft—but that’s just the beginning! For a full range of micro:bit-compatible accessories, visit CD-Soft’s collection and explore the endless possibilities.

1. Elecfreaks Wonder Building Kit With the Elecfreaks Wonder Building Kit, students can explore the micro:bit like never before, blending coding with hands-on engineering. Packed with sensors, motors and modular components, this kit allows students to work together and create projects like a moving windmill, a light sensing device, or even a robotic arm. Having students work through these projects not only deepens their understanding of how coding interacts with physical hardware but, more importantly, it gives them a tangible glimpse into the real-world impact of what they’re learning.
	2. XGO Robot Kit V2 Bring a new level of excitement to high school robotics classes with the Elecfreaks micro:bit XGO Robot Kit V2. This kit transforms the micro:bit into a fully programmable, six-legged robotic dog that can walk, turn and respond to commands - yes, you read that correctly! With built-in sensors and articulated legs, students can explore advanced programming concepts, while also investigating topics like movement algorithms and environmental interaction. For instance, you can have students working together to code their XGO robots to navigate a maze, dodge obstacles, or replicate real-life animal behaviours. This interactive approach can do wonders for boosting coding skills. It’s also a fantastic way to spark lively classroom discussions on robotics' role in fields like engineering and automation.
3. Elecfreaks Smart Cutebot With the Elecfreaks Smart Cutebot Kit, students can turn the BBC micro:bit into a turbo-charged, feature-packed smart car. Outfitted with line-following sensors, obstacle detection, and dazzling RGB LEDs, this clever little car is a teacher’s dream for introducing real-world coding applications. Students can code Cutebot to zip through custom tracks, swerve around obstacles in a maze - even dance to a musically synchronised LED light show! Activities like this offer way more than just fun. They inspire teamwork and creativity, encouraging students to work together, brainstorm ideas, and think outside the box to find solutions to real-life challenges.
	4. Kitronik ARCADE The Kitronik Arcade for micro:bit turns coding lessons into action-packed, interactive experiences. This add-on transforms the micro:bit into a fully functional gaming console, allowing students to design, build and play their own arcade-style games. Whether they're coding a classic side-scroller, a fast-paced reaction game, or a head-to-head multiplayer quiz, the Kitronik Arcade brings their ideas to life with a vibrant full-colour screen and fully programmable buttons—blending endless fun with hands-on learning! Beyond just programming, this fantastic kit encourages problem-solving and logical thinking, making it a fantastic tool for encouraging students in digital literacy. By integrating Kitronik Arcade into STEM lessons, teachers can demonstrate how coding powers game mechanics, user interactions, and algorithmic thinking in a fun and relatable way.
5. STEM Class Set For classrooms of 30, the STEM Class Set for the BBC micro:bit makes coding lessons a dynamic group adventure, providing all the tools you need. This all-in-one kit guarantees every student gets hands-on experience, a range of handy accessories. It’s designed to slot right into your lessons, whether you’re teaching the basics or tackling more advanced coding concepts. The STEM Class Set is perfect for group collaborations, individual tasks, and developing key skills like coding, problem-solving and creativity. Plus, its flexibility makes it great for everything from class-wide competitions to personalised projects.

Helping teachers shine with the Micro:bit

Making the micro:bit a part of your classroom experience is only just the beginning. The real magic happens when teachers feel equipped with the skills and confidence to unleash its full potential.

This is where the Micro:bit Educational Foundation has your back. This non-profit is a treasure trove of rich resources and training materials, with a global community ready to have your back every step of the way. Hooked yet? Here’s a little more reason to get involved:

• Micro:bit resources: Whether you're just starting out or already a coding whiz, micro:bit’s free online training helps you unlock the big power of this tiny device. You’ll explore step-by-step lesson plans, access engaging hands-on projects, and experiment with creative ways to integrate coding into your classroom.
• Global community: Teaching with micro:bit means joining a worldwide network of educators who share ideas, collaborate on projects, and inspire each other. Here, you’ll find fresh ways to make coding fun and accessible, connect with like-minded teachers, and be part of a movement that’s igniting creativity and innovation in classrooms everywhere!

Bring the power of Micro:bit to your classroom – Get started with CD-Soft!

Since its launch, over 6.5 million micro:bits have reached curious learners worldwide. From classrooms in 60+ countries, the micro:bit is proving that even the smallest tech can create a massive impact.

Ready to bring this global phenomenon into your own classroom? Head over to explore CD Soft’s BBC micro:bit range, where you’ll find everything you need to turn your lessons into fun, interactive coding adventures. Let’s get learning!