Getting students outside the classroom can spark new levels of creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. Outdoor learning experiences invite students to see coding from a fresh perspective — not just as something that happens behind a screen, but as a tool to explore, play, and problem-solve in the real world.
That’s exactly what Karie Huttner, a Design Thinking and Technology Teacher and micro:bit champion, did with her students using CHARGE for micro:bit.
Exploring the micro:bit Radio Feature
In a recent lesson, Karie’s students were learning about the radio feature of the micro:bit, which allows multiple devices to communicate wirelessly. To make this concept tangible, they designed and coded their own version of the classic “Red Light, Green Light” game using Microsoft MakeCode.
One micro:bit acted as the controller, sending radio signals to other micro:bits that represented the players. When the controller sent a “green light” message, players could move — but when the signal changed to “red light,” they had to freeze.
This simple game allowed students to test, modify, and interact with their radio signal code in a hands-on way.
Try this project for yourself: https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/red-light-green-light
Taking Code Outdoors with CHARGE
To fully test their projects, Karie’s students needed space to move and play — which meant heading outdoors. Using CHARGE for micro:bit, Forward Education’s portable and rechargeable power solution, students could bring their coded creations to life without being tethered to the classroom.
CHARGE provided a reliable power source in the form of a wrist strap that could support this active, outdoor learning.
Powering Learning Beyond the Classroom
Projects like Karie’s highlight how the right tools can help teachers bring computer science to life in engaging, sustainable ways. With CHARGE, educators can take coding projects beyond the screen and beyond the classroom — giving students the freedom to explore, test, and learn wherever curiosity leads.
About CHARGE for micro:bit
CHARGE is a portable, rechargeable power solution designed for the BBC micro:bit. Built to support sustainable and flexible classroom use, CHARGE makes it easier than ever to take coding projects beyond the desk — into the field, the community, or wherever learning happens.
