Micro:bit Coding & Challenges
Level 2 — Intermediate
Think It. Code It. Debug It. Improve It.
Grades 3–6 | 12 Coding Missions
About the course
The next step after Intro to Micro:bit. Learn It → Code It → Build It → Solve It: students move from following instructions to independently designing, testing, debugging, improving and explaining their own Microsoft MakeCode programs.
Skills students develop
- Variables, compound conditionals (AND/OR) and state
- Loops, coordinates and reusable functions
- Sensors, thresholds, timing and radio messaging
- Probability simulations and data interpretation
- Systematic testing, debugging and evidence-based explanation
Who it's for & what you need
- Grades 3–6 · about 60 minutes per mission
- Prerequisite: Intro to Micro:bit or equivalent experience (try the readiness check below)
- A BBC micro:bit (V1 or V2; V2-only features are labelled) with USB cable
- A computer or tablet with the free MakeCode editor at makecode.microbit.org
- Mission 10 radio: two Micro:bits recommended; an alternative activity is included
🔒 Included with Academy membership
See membership options →The 12 missions
Mission 1 · Intermediate
Think Like a Programmer: Debug the Micro:bit
I can predict what unfamiliar code should do, find logic, sequence and condition bugs, fix them and explain why my fix works.
Open mission →Mission 2 · Intermediate
Variables in Action: Advanced Step Counter
I can create, update, compare and reset variables to build a step counter with a customizable goal.
Open mission →Mission 3 · Intermediate
Decisions, Decisions: Target Game
I can build multiple decision pathways using greater-than, less-than, equal-to comparisons and AND/OR logic.
Open mission →Mission 4 · Intermediate+
Logic Lab: Secret Code Device
I can use a stage variable and conditionals to check a sequence of button inputs and reset after a wrong one.
Open mission →Mission 5 · Intermediate
Let Chance Decide: Probability Simulator
I can simulate dice rolls, store frequencies, run repeated trials and explain why small and large samples differ.
Open mission →Mission 6 · Intermediate
Mapping the Micro:bit: LED Animation
I can use x/y coordinates, plot/unplot, loops and variables to create efficient LED animations.
Open mission →Mission 7 · Intermediate+
Smarter Code: Loops & Functions
I can find repeated code, refactor it into named functions and call those functions from several events.
Open mission →Mission 8 · Intermediate
Sense the World: Temperature & Light
I can collect temperature and light readings, set thresholds and explain the limits of what the sensors measure.
Open mission →Mission 9 · Intermediate+
Motion Matters: Reaction-Time Game
I can use motion input and running time to measure, store and compare reaction times fairly.
Open mission →Mission 10 · Intermediate+
Micro:bits Talk: Radio Messenger
I can set matching radio groups, send and receive messages, respond to received messages and debug communication problems.
Open mission →Mission 11 · Intermediate+
Coding Challenge Lab: Independent Design
I can define a problem and success criteria, then design, build, test and improve my own program.
Open mission →Mission 12 · Capstone
Final Challenge: Micro:bit Coding Escape Challenge
I can combine debugging, variables, logic, data and efficient algorithms to escape, then defend my final working solution.
Open mission →
Sample activity · Mission 3 Think Before You Code
The Micro:bit hides a target of 6. The program checks, in order: guess = target → ✓; guess is one away → "close"; guess < target → ↑; otherwise → ↓. Predict the response for guesses 5, 6 and 9 — then decide whether changing the order of the checks would change any answer.
Am I ready for Level 2?
A quick check for students who learned Micro:bit somewhere else. It never blocks you from the course — it just helps you decide where to start. Answers stay on this page.