CAS Physical Computing Competition
This summer we are running a Physical Computing Competition for pupils aged 7-14. This page will provide all the information that you need to allow your learners to take part in the wonderful opportunity and allow them to engage in the world of physical computing and consider how it can be harnessed to solve problems across the globe.
Competition Overview
The competition requires learners to use a micro:bit to collect data to solve an environmental problem that they identify. This can be a local problem, a national one or a global issue. They will need to consider
· What problem they are looking to solve
· What data they will use the micro:bit to collect
· How they will use the data that the micro:bit collects
· How this will provide a solution to their problems.
Categories
The competition will be split into two age categories: 7-11 and 11-14. Within each of these age categories, there will be two categories of entry: coded and non-coded. Individual schools can submit one entry per category
Coded
Pupils will write a program to show how they will use the micro:bit to collect the required data and any subsequent actions that might be triggered by this data. Pupils should use the MakeCode programming environment.
Non - Coded
Pupils will provide a diagram showing how they will use the micro:bit to collect the required data and any subsequent actions that might be triggered by this data. Pupils should add labels and comments to their diagram to explain their process.
Timeline
· April 28, 2025: Competition launches – open for submissions.
· May 12, 2025: Barefoot Live Lessons to support entry.
· June 16, 2025: Closing date for entries (before 20:00).
· June 17-20, 2025: Shortlisting.
· W/B June 23, 2025: Judging.
· June 30, 2025: Winners announced.
Judging
Judging criteria will focus on the identification of the problem, effective use of micro:bit sensors for data collection, development of innovative and practical solutions, and the quality of the planning sheet and supporting materials. Shortlisting will be conducted by members of the team at Computing at School. The finalists will be chosen by a judging panel featuring representatives from ARM, the Micro:bit Education Foundation and CAS.
Submission
Teachers should email there entries to us here at CAS. We will provide the email address once we the competition has opened.
Each entry must include the contact name, school name, category for entry, and relevant attachments. For coded entries, attachments should include the pupil solution planning sheet, hex file (preferred), screenshot of code, and video of the prototype. For non-coded entries, attachments should include a photo of the plan or diagram explaining how the micro:bit will be used to solve the problem. All entries must be anonymized to protect pupil identities.
What problems can pupils investigate?
The problems for which pupils develop their solutions can be wide, ranging from represent a problem in their immediate environment, such as the lights in their classroom being too bright, to global environmental problems such as ocean litter.
Below are some examples of the simple problems in the learners’ immediate environment.
· Our school library is too noisy. How can we keep it suitable for reading?
· My older sibling plays music in their room when I am trying to go to sleep and it keeps me awake.
· The plants in our classroom keep dying. What are we doing wrong?
If you would like your learners to tackle problems that are at a global level, please use the links below to access the resources developed by the Micro:bit Education Foundation to support projects addressing the Sustainable Development Goals.
- https://microbit.org/teach/do-your-bit/#global-goals-guides
- https://microbit.org/teach/do-your-bit/#micro:bit-projects
- https://microbit.org/teach/do-your-bit/#lessons
Micro:course, produced by the ARM School Program, contains a many micro:bit activities that can be used to inspire your pupils. They use a project-based learning approach so these will be a great way of allowing your more able pupils to work with greater independence. Access the resource here.
FAQ
The competition is open to Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils in the UK and international schools.
The micro:bit is a small programmable device used to collect data and create solutions for various problems.
Entries should be emailed to the confirmed email address at launch, including the pupil solution planning sheet and relevant attachments.
Pupils can solve environmental problems using the micro:bit's sensors to collect data and develop solutions.
Resources and support are provided by the Micro:bit Education Foundation, ARM School Program, and CAS.
The competition runs through the summer term, opening and closing on 28th April and 16th June respectively.
Absolutely! We have developed a range of resources designed to support teachers who are new to the micro:bit. These can be found below.
Supporting resources
If you need support in using the micro:bits for the first time then we have a set of resources that will allow you to get your pupils participating in the competition.
CAS Physical Computing Competition Lesson Resource
Two lesson plans, presentation slides and program files to support teachers in introducing their students to the micro:bit and entering the competition.
CAS Physical Computing Competition Lesson Resource Video Walkthroughs
These videos are used to model how the content might be delivered to students. It can be used to support your deliver or as a teaching resource.
Barefoot Live Lessons
Join us for our Barefoot Live Lessons and let us deliver the content to your class for you. We are running two session to support schools with their entry to the competition.
Entry Examples
This resource contains several examples to the same problem to show the range of possible entries to the competition. These examples can also be used as a structure for developing solutions to other problems.
Judging Matrix
Overview of the judging criteria for coded and non-coded entries to the CAS Physical Computing Competition.
micro:course
Introdouce learners to the world of making and programming through
a series of real-world challenges that feature the micro:bit.