Its main goals are to make coding with Python per se and Python on the micro:bit more accessible:

• An appealing user interface with bright colours
• Contextual help and autocomplete
• Example snippets of code you can browse and insert, like browsing blocks in MakeCode or Scratch
• Simple code structure highlighting to aid understanding about indents in Python
• Explanation of features of MicroPython useful in CS teaching, but not covered in device-oriented documentation
• Built-in serial console and REPL so you can do more traditional Python coding using your keyboard input and printing to the screen – the micro:bit is your Python runtime!

Special Guest: Giles Booth.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• seantibor/uorganisms: Python micro:organisms on the BBC micro:bit — The uorganism, spoken: 'micro:organism' (get it?), project helps students understand how genetic information is passed from generation to generation using the BBC micro:bit. Each micro:bit holds a single virtual organism that can reproduce with other micro:bits in range using the built-in radio. Using the REPL, students can see how new organisms are created and track how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.
• Python Editor for micro:bit — The Beta version!
• Micro:bit Educational Foundation | micro:bit — The Microbit foundation home page
• Talk - Kelly Schuster - Paredes/Sean Tibor: Learn Python Like a 12 Year Old - YouTube — Along the way to adulthood, we often lose that sense of wonder, enjoyment, and playfulness that we had as kids in our favorite school subjects. As adults, we can become better learners ourselves when we examine how kids learn coding with Python. In this session, we’ll talk about making thinking and coding visible, to the brain science behind how we learn new things, to the importance of playfulness in learning. We will share a variety of helpful tips to improve your learning whether you are new to Python or an experienced coder.

There are many advantages to using a physical computing device in a school setting and we will walk you through a quick introduction to the micro:bit and our preferred sequence of lessons with Python on this platform. We will also talk about some add-ons that can extend the capabilities of this remarkable little device to allow your students flexibility and creativity with their newfound skills.

As with any teaching tool, there are always some best practices to consider to maximise learning and positively impact your students. Kelly and Sean will touch on some tips and tricks to use in your classroom.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• Code With Mu — A simple Python editor for beginner programmers. Works with the micro:bit directly.
• From Flowcharts to Python Code | 101 Computing — Kelly's favorite resource for turning flowcharts into Python code.
• Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit — The other primary coding platform for the micro:bit
• The EduBlocks Project — A block-based coding platform using Python for the micro:bit
• Adafruit CRICKIT for micro:bit ID: 3928 - $29.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits — The Adafruit platform to extend your micro:bit
• ElecFreaks Micro:bit Breakout Board ( Octopus:bit) - ElecFreaks — A breakout board for the micro:bit that gives you more GPIO to play with.
• Amazon.com: Yahboom Robot Kit for Micro:bit Robotics STEM Kits for Kids to Programmable BBC Microbit Robots Toy Car with Tutorial Tracking Bluetooth IR Modules DIY Scientific Education (Without Micro:bit Board): Toys & Games — A micro:bit-based robot kit. Warning - software provided is mixed English and Chines language. Can be difficult to understand.
• Amazon.com: Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Weatherproof Strip 60 LED-1m: Home Improvement — RGB lights that work with the micro:bit to create MILLIONS of colors.
• enviro:bit – Pimoroni — Air and weather, color, light, and sound sensors. Plugs right into the micro:bit.
• Includes micro:bit MINI.MU Glove Kit – Pimoroni — Adorable micro:bit gloves with speaker and more.