EASY • 20 MINUTES

Mission 2: Light Show 💡

Program the LED lights to create patterns and animations!

💡

🎯 What You'll Learn

💻 Visual Coding

Using MakeCode blocks to create programs

🌈 RGB LEDs

How colors mix (Red + Green + Blue)

⏱️ Timing & Loops

Making animations with pauses and repeats

🎨 Creative Expression

Designing their own light patterns

📦 What You Need

✅ Assembled robot from Mission 1
✅ Computer or tablet with internet
✅ USB cable (to connect micro:bit)
✅ Dim room (optional—makes lights look cooler!)

🛠️ Let's Code!

1

Open MakeCode

Go to makecode.microbit.org and create a new project. Name it "Light Show" so you can find it later!

💡 Parent Tip: If you already added the Maqueen extension in Mission 1, you're good to go! If not, click Extensions → Search "Maqueen" → Add it.

2

Find the LED Blocks

The Maqueen has 4 RGB LEDs underneath (they shine on the ground). In the Maqueen menu, look for blocks like "Set RGB light" and color options.

🌈 Color Tip: RGB means Red-Green-Blue. Numbers go 0-255. Mix them to create any color!

3

Create Your First Pattern

Use the "forever" block to create a color cycle. Add "pause" blocks between colors to control speed!

⏱️ Pause Explained: 500ms = half a second. Try 1000ms (1 second) or 100ms (super fast!)

4

Upload & Test

Connect micro:bit via USB. Click "Download" in MakeCode. The code uploads automatically and lights should start cycling!

🎉 Success! Within seconds, the LEDs should start your light show!

5

Get Creative!

Ideas to try:

• Police Siren: Red/blue alternating fast
• Disco Mode: Random colors
• Fire Effect: Orange/yellow/red
• Button Control: A for one color, B for another

🔬 What's Happening Behind the Scenes?

Each RGB LED has three tiny lights inside: Red, Green, and Blue. By mixing different brightness levels, you create millions of colors! When RGB is [255, 0, 255], red and blue are full (making magenta).

Real-World Connection: Your TV and phone work the same way! Every pixel is three RGB lights. Computer graphics and movies all use RGB color mixing! 🎨

✅ Mission Success Checklist

Created a new MakeCode project Added Maqueen extension LEDs cycle through colors Experimented with different speeds Created custom color patterns

🚀 Ready for More?

Great job! You've learned visual programming, RGB colors, and animation timing. The boys now understand how code creates visual effects!

Next Mission: Musical Robot 🎵 →