How to Use micro:bit With Scratch? – Connect Your micro:bit to Your Computer

Scratch has many fun extensions and micro:bit is one of those extensions that you can connect with your Scratch account and make creative and fun projects that combines the properties of the digital world with physical words. In this article, let us discuss how to use Scratch with micro:bit. Scroll down to find out more.

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What is Scratch Programming?

Scratch programming is a high-level block-based visual programming language, primarily used by children (aged 8–16) across the globe to learn coding in a fun and interactive way. It is designed, developed, and moderated by the Scratch Foundation, a non-profit organization. It is suitable for all ages, especially for children above the age of 8, as it helps them learn about the fundamentals of coding with block-based coding in a fun and creative way.

What is Micro:bit?

A micro:bit is a tiny circuit board designed to help kids learn to code and create with technology. It is a pocket-sized computer that introduces children to combining software and hardware to create interesting projects. It has many features, including an LED display, buttons, and a motion sensor. Scratch can be connected to micro:bit’s hardware to create creative projects that transfer Scratch’s digital coding to micro:bit’s hardware.

How to Use Micro:Bit With Scratch?

Like everything in Scratch, using micro:bit with Scratch is also an easy and straightforward task. There are two ways to use micro:bit with Scratch; one for the offline editor and another on the Scratch website, both of which have different steps. Follow the guide below to start using micro:bit with Scratch to give your digital coding a physical function.

Method 1: Connect micro:bit with Scratch using Scratch Offline Editor

The steps to use micro:bit with Scratch are explained below:

• 1st Step: First of all, you need to download the latest version of Scratch, i.e., Scratch 3.0, from the Scratch official website.
• 2nd Step: You have to scroll down on the Scratch Homepage and you’ll find the “Download” option under the “Resources” category. Click on it and you’ll be taken to the download page. Download the application for your OS.

Click here to read our detailed blog on how to download Scratch 3.0 to your computer.

Note: Scratch 3.0 can only be downloaded to your desktop or laptop and not your mobile phone.

• 3rd Step: Now, click here to visit the micro:bit page on the Scratch website to download the micro:bit extension to your computer.
• 4th Step: As shown in the image below, you have to first choose your OS, here we have chosen Windows as an example;

• 5th Step: First, connect your micro:bit to your computer with a USB cable, check and see if it is showing in your computer or not. Then download the Scratch micro:bit HEX file, the link is given by Scratch, as shown in the image above.
• 6th Step: After you have downloaded your HEX file, go to your downloads and drag and drop the HEX file onto the micro:bit drive.

Method 2: Connect micro:bit with Scratch using Scratch Website

Another easy method to connect micro:bit with Scratch using the Scratch website is given below:

• 1st Step: First, connect your micro:bit to your computer with a USB cable.
• 2nd Step: Then open the Scratch website.
• 3rd Step: Go to “create” and the Scratch editor will come up. In the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, below the block palette, you can see the “Extension” icon.
• 4th Step: Click on the “Extension” icon and you’ll be taken to the extension page where you can find a variety of extensions. Select the “micro:bit” extension, as shown in the image below;

• 5th Step: You have to switch on the Bluetooth on your computer for the extension to work. After you have clicked on the micro:bit extension, the micro:bit icon will be visible in the block palette.

There you go! That’s how you use micro:bit with Scratch.

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FAQs on How To Use Micro:bit with Scratch

The frequently asked questions regarding how to use micro:bit with Scratch are explained below:

Q 1: Can you use scratch with micro:bit?
A 1: Yes, you can by two methods; one in offline editor by downloading Scratch micro:bit HEX file or by installing micro:bit extension in online mode. Read the above article for detailed information.

Q 2: Does micro:bit work with Chromebook?
A 2: Yes, certainly micro:bit works with Chromebook.

Q 3: How do you install a Scratch Link?
A 3: You can get it from Microsoft or Mac OS or directly download it from the link.

Q 4: What are some good scratch microbit projects?
A 4: There are many good Scratch projects you can start with like, chick jumping games, rock blaster games, apple catcher games, and many more!

Now that you are provided with all the necessary information on how to use Scratch with micro:bit. If you have any questions related to this post, ping us through the comment box below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.