> 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-4/step-counter.md).

# Step Counter

{% hint style="info" %}

## Teachers Notes

In this lesson, kids will learn how to assign a variable to micro:bit and make code for performing step calculation while the kids walk

* Assign a variable on the micro:bit
* On walking, micro:bit recognizes a shake and add steps
* When button A or B is pressed, micro:bit will display the number of steps recorded
* When A+B is pressed, the variable will be reset to 0
  {% endhint %}

## Create your new program

![](/files/-LssDwpr2bFRtkDFI9ol)

Click on "***New Project***". The MakeCode editor will appear

Delete the **forever** blocks by dragging it to the toolbar. Click on **Variables** option from the toolbar

![](/files/-Lu5wDpv2qSP2BS_OVpB)

Click **Make a Variable** and give it a name **"step"**

![](/files/-LuhzrBhPviuNCHf52gd)

Click **Ok**. The variable **step** will now be created

![](/files/-Lui5fH8oBsiQArHEJps)

Now you will have to initialize variables on start. Drag **set variable to 0 option** to the **on start** block

![](/files/-Lui5j2aqrXauaeQJLVN)

Now we will have to calculate number of steps based on walking pattern. When we walk with the micro:bit it shakes. We will use the **on shake** option. Drag **on shake** option from **Input** section

![](/files/-Lui6qTgV1bz_lMq3UH3)

Now open **Variables** section and drag **change step by 1** option to the **on shake** block

![](/files/-Lui7O0UX-kWxjRFp0f_)

Now micro:bit will start calculating number of steps when you walk. We will have to display the number of steps calculated when you press button **A** or **B**. Drag **on button A is pressed** block from the **Input** section. 

![](/files/-Lui7yeDGuDgN7JhG7xY)

Now we will have to display the number of steps calculated. For this drag **show string** option from **Basic** section to the block. Drag the **step** from **Variables** section to the block. Perform the same action for **button B**

![](/files/-Lui8t1R9B9Pv27gNay3)

We now need to be able to reset the steps counted. To perform this action drag **on button A+B pressed** option from **Input** section

![](/files/-LuiCVVv2E5MEI4pACap)

Drag the **set steps to 0** option from **Variables** section

![](/files/-LuiEPHr1PsztzWDdlo7)

## Save, download and run your code

Save you code as **Step\_Counter** and press save to download.

Drag your code file named microbit-1-2-3.hex to the MICROBIT(D:) folder to upload your code to your micro:bit.

Test your micro:bit by pressing button A or B. micro:bit will display zero. Walk around for a while and then press press Button A or B once, see if micro:bit displays number of steps that you have walked. Now press A+B together and then press button B to check if the steps have been initialized again.