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Coding for Climate Action with the micro:bit

Code an early warning system to help children understand the importance of mitigating the effects of natural hazards with the micro:bit.

Coding for Climate Action with the micro:bit

Coding For Climate Action is an interactive computing workshop using micro:bits to investigate natural hazards, design early warning systems, and address climate change through hands-on, project-based coding; all while building essential digital skills for future careers in tech and environmental innovation.

Delivered in schools by trained Digit<all> ambassadors who are experienced Computing educators, Coding for Climate workshops support computing and science learning while showing how digital skills can be used to tackle pressing challenges of climate change.

Pupils will:
- Use the micro:bit in hands-on, practical activities
- Learn core computing concepts, including algorithms, sequencing, selection, inputs and outputs
- Apply computing in real environmental and scientific contexts
- Develop problem-solving and computational thinking skills
Workshop themes
Schools can choose from a range of workshops inspired by climate science and mitigation research, including:
- Design and Develop Early Warning Systems (block coding)
- Design and Develop Early Warning Systems (block & python coding)
- Landslide Monitor: Machine Learning with the micro:bit

Workshops are tailored to different ages within KS2–KS3. Digit<all> will recommend suitable options based on your pupils’ needs.

Workshop formats and practical details

- Workshop length: 90mins (or 60mins if preferred)
- Half and full day delivery available (until midday or 3:30pm, featuring as many workshops as possible)
- Space requirements: classroom or hall
- All equipment is provided, including micro:bits and Chromebooks if needed.
- Curriculum links: Computing, Geography and Science

Cost

The workshops are currently free in 40 towns and cities across the UK but funding fluctuates at different times of year so please enquire directly with Digit<all>.

If your area isn't covered, costing is £350 for a half-day of workshops and £600 for a full day.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Subjects and topics

    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • Energy and environment
    • General engineering
    • Humanitarian aid
    • Mechanical engineering, systems and processes

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges

  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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Careers resources