Classroom Activities, Sound
micro:bit – How to use the Sound Sensor to Control Lights
Description
This project is a beginner project to show how to use the sound sensor on the micro:bit to trigger a behavior based on the sound level. We will use the sound sensor to turn the LED array lights on in response to a loud sound, then turn them off when the sound level gets quiet.
Video
Programming Language
MakeCode Blocks
Difficulty Level
Easy beginner
Age Level
11 and up
Programming Concepts Covered
- Event Handling
Materials
This project can be done completely online using the micro:bit simulator built into MakeCode, but having a micro:bit will give a better understanding of how the micro:bit senses sound.
Designing the Project
Develop the problem statement
The problem I am trying to solve is getting the lights to turn on when a loud sound is made, then go off when the sound gets quiet.
Write the Algorithm
The design of this algorithm is based on events happening, so
- When a loud sound is heard
- show LED icon
- When the sound level is quiet
- Turn the LEDs off
Note that this is a pretty simple algorithm. A more complex algorithm might need to be turned into pseudocode prior to writing the actual computer program.
Write and Test the Code
Here is the video tutorial of the project: