> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kidscode.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kidscode.co.za/microbit-beginners/lesson-1/my-micro-bit.md).

# My micro:bit

{% hint style="success" %}

## Teachers Notes

In this lesson you will need to explain to your kids the different components of the micro:bit. You will need to have a real micro:bit in front of your and show them them components. You can also explain to then real life use cases for each component
{% endhint %}

## micro:bit components

![](/files/-LskiI1rMdMcUPxCpUNP)

## LEDs

An LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It is a small component that lights up. The micro:bit has 25 individually-programmable LEDs, allowing you to display text, numbers, and images. 

*An example of this would be showing the number of a dice or showing the score of a game your playing.* 

*So with the mirco:bit we can  use this to display number, words and pictures.*

>

![25 LEDs on micro:bit](/files/-LskjV7tfxnFEA1cX66y)

## Buttons

There are two buttons on the front of the micro:bit (labelled A and B). You can detect when these buttons are pressed, allowing you to trigger code on the device to do different things like display "A" when button A is pressed and display "B" when button B is pressed.

*An example of a button would be the ones on you remote for your TV.  When you press the button something happens on the TV.* 

*So with the mirco:bit we can use this create a dice, so when you press a button it give u a number.*

![micro:bit buttons A and B](/files/-LskkbDAHUx7cmPpmjUy)

## Light Sensor

A light sensor has the ability to detect light or darkness. The LED screen works as a basic light sensor, allowing you to detect  light.

*An example of this would be to detect when it is dark outside and it means playtime is over.*

![LED can be used as a light sensor](/files/-LskmIXpEkJ4iPuuKlAt)

## Temperature Sensor

A Temperature sensor allows you to measure how hot a cold it is. This sensor allows the micro:bit to detect the current temperature of the device

*An example of this would be a sensor in a car that tells you what the temperature is so we can also use this device to tell you how hot or cold it is.*

![](/files/-LsknAYtbHJsTdakr63Z)

## Accelerometer

An accelerometer measures the acceleration of your micro:bit; this component senses when the micro:bit is moved. It can also detect other actions, e.g. shake, tilt, and free-fall

*An example of this would be a sensor in a watch or phone that checks when the phone or watch is moved. This then helps you count the steps you take.* 

*So with the mirco:bit we can  also create a watch that will count our steps.*

![](/files/-LsknLfFQUFLicqrn_sB)

## Compass

The compass allows you to detect the direction which are in.

*An example of this would be tell you the direction of North so that know which way to travel to get to Sandton*

![micro:bit compass](/files/-LsknAYpAyhz0-YFITJj)

## Radio

The radio feature allows you to communicate wirelessly between micro:bits. Use the radio to send messages to other micro:bits, build multiplayer games, and much more!

*An example of this would be a phone that can connect to the internet. This uses a wireless sensor.* 

*So with the mirco:bit we can  use this to send messages to another micro:bit*

![micro:bit radio](/files/-LsknAYrzw4SmmYgsJrG)

## Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows the micro:bit to control phones and tablets over Bluetooth. You can also control your micro:bit from other apps using bluetooth

*An example of this would be to use your micro:bit button to take a photo with your phone camera*

![micro:bit bluetooth](/files/-LsknLfJDfMx1uq1awAG)

## USB

The USB interface allows you to connect the micro:bit to your computer via a micro-USB cable, which will power the device and allow you to download programs onto the micro:bit.

## Battery Adaptor

The battery adaptor allows you to plug in your battery pack to your micro:bit so that you can use it when it is disconnected from your computer. 

## Credits

The following pages are a tutorial for the [micro:bit](https://microbit.org/). We are not affiliated with or connected with the Foundation in any way. Some images and logos you will see on these pages are taken from the micro:bit website which are provided under a Creative Commons licence.

Content taken from the below websites:

* <https://microbit.org/guide/features/>