How students use these modules
Every student starts from a shared foundation (micro:bit, basic I/O, preset builds). They then pick and combine elements from the categories below to shape their own rover project.
The more categories used, the more complex the build. Students can stay on guided presets or extend with custom sensors, outputs, mechanics, and mission goals.
Projects follow three progression stages across KS3 & 4 — remote control, then sensing & autonomy, then payload & coordination — without being locked to a single school year.
Difficulty levels (optional add-ons)
- Preset logic — e.g. LED on when temperature crosses a threshold
- Preset rover chassis — standard car build
- Custom sensor choice — students map inputs to their sub-problem
- Custom mechanics — LEGO joints, gears, cams, 3D-printed tools
- Stretch — Arduino, lander deployment, multi-rover coordination
Reference kits (all stages): Yahboom WOM sensor kit · Yahboom Superkit building blocks
Previous projects
8+ years Designing interactive systems — digital, physical, and mixed.
Physical & gestural interfaces
3D environments & connected devices
Three.js simulations driven by real inputs (micro:bit, phone, custom sensors).
Music production & game audio
Arranging, mixing, and sound design for games — sample on YouTube. Supports sensor-driven sound projects and thinking about parameters that work together.
Creativity is about exploring possibilities within a defined framework: customisable elements, adjustable parameters, and rules for how parts work together.
IDE · integrated development environment
Where students write code and test the rover — on screen, on hardware, or both.
Scratch + micro:bit
Block coding; a good first step for I/O mapping
JavaScript + micro:bit
More control; links to browser tools and simulations
Three.js moon simulation
Browser rover on a lunar surface; driven by micro:bit or other inputs
AI-assisted prototyping
Rapid iteration in code (“vibe coding”) with teacher oversight
Data visualisation
Charts or on-screen readouts for sensor values while testing
Remote-control simulation
micro:bit as controller; rover behaviour shown on screen before the full hardware build
Outputs · actuators & feedback
What the rover can do or show in response to sensor data.
LED matrix / LEDs
Status icons, direction hints, debug signals
Speaker / buzzer
Beeps, melodies, alert tones
Motors (wheel drive)
Forward, reverse, turn; speed from PWM
Servo motors
Steering, arms, tool angles
Radio / signal
Message another micro:bit rover
On-screen rover
Simulated movement, jump, dash in Three.js
Mechanics & build materials
Physical structure and moving parts — combined with the outputs above.
Wooden chassis parts
Pre-cut rover base; wheels and motor mounts
LEGO Technic
Joints, beams, custom frames
Gears & cams
Lifting, pushing, timed motion
3D-printed parts
Grippers, scoops, spoons, crane arms, wheel variants
Suction tool / straw
Liquid sample collection (advanced stage)
Cargo box / tray
Move blocks, regolith, or goods from A to B
Solar panel model
Orient toward light; power / energy theme
Foldable / deployable parts
Lander-style deployment of a smaller rover (stretch)
Foundation stage · remote manoeuvring
Entry level (typically KS3): the micro:bit controls a rover in a simulation. Choose an input module and an IDE option.
Example project combinations
- Buttons → drive rover in Three.js sim
- Phone tilt (pitch / roll) → steer on moon surface
- Hand gestures → turn or speed changes
- Sound level → jump or dash
- Piano or guitar notes → different movements per pitch
- Chopstick or fidget spinner → custom steering interface
- Proximity sensor → avoid obstacles while driving
IDE: Three.js
Inputs: pick one
Outputs: on-screen rover
Intermediate stage · sensing & autonomy
Building on foundations (KS3–4): a real micro:bit rover reads the environment and moves on its own.
Example project combinations
- Temperature → seek or avoid hot / cold zones
- Light sensor → seek brightness or avoid darkness
- Compass / location → navigate to assigned points
- Ultrasound + tilt → bumpy ground; avoid steep slopes
- Temperature / IR → detect cool regions (water-ice scout proxy)
- Battery monitor → return to base when low
Inputs: on-board sensors
Outputs: motors + LEDs
Mechanics: preset chassis
Advanced stage · payload & coordination
Extended projects (KS3–4): move resources from A to B; tools and two or more rovers working together.
Example project combinations
- Crane / grabber → lift brick-like blocks
- Suction straw → collect liquid sample
- Spoon / scoop → pick up regolith
- Cargo box → deliver goods to a drop zone
- Radio signal → call a partner rover to rendezvous
- Exchange tray → swap cargo between two rovers
Mechanics: custom tools
Outputs: servos + radio
Mission: A to B + teamwork
Mission problems (pick one or combine)
Mission themes students can link their module choices to. Click a topic for a short explanation.
Client brief (starter)
Good day, engineers — we need a new rover for the next mission.