New programming concept
Custom image
A screen picture is made from tiny dots called pixels. A custom image lets you decide which of the micro:bit’s 25 pixels are on or off.
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·····your own picture
Revisit: You already know sequence, pause, and forever. This lesson uses those familiar ideas with a picture you design.
Two-frame plan
Move every lit pixel down one row
Frame 1 uses the built-in duck. Frame 2 copies the duck one row lower. Small changes between frames create the movement.
MakeCode steps
Build the animation
- 1
- 2
Build inside forever
Add show icon and choose the duck.
- 3
Pause for 500 ms
This gives your eyes time to see the first frame.
- 4
Draw frame 2
Add show leds. Copy the duck, moving each lit pixel down one row.
- 5
Pause again
Add another 500 ms pause and test the loop.
- 6
Improve carefully
Change one frame at a time. Try a rabbit, bird, fish, or your own creature.
Flashing-light note
This lesson uses repeated changing images. Keep the pauses at 500 ms or slower, and allow learners who are sensitive to flashing to use a still custom picture.
For the teacher
A calm 55-minute plan
Recall
Act out large heart, pause, small heart.
Pixel planning
Draw two frames on 5×5 paper grids.
Guided build
Make the duck animation together.
Test and adjust
Change only one frame or pause.
Gallery
Teams show how one frame differs.
Before you finish