In this lesson, students learn how to save their micro:bit programs and load them again later. This lesson builds confidence and independence by helping students protect their work, especially when using shared school computers. Students discover that their ideas do not disappear when class ends and that they can safely continue building and improving their projects over time.
This lesson focuses on good habits, ownership of creative work, and understanding how digital projects live beyond a single class session.
Student Learning Goals
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: • Save a micro:bit program to a computer or thumb drive • Recognize the micro:bit program file type • Load a saved program back into the editor • Continue working on a project they previously created • Feel confident keeping their work safe
Materials Needed
micro:bit devices Computers with internet access micro:bit MakeCode editor Optional thumb drives for saving work
Teacher Preparation Notes
Before class, open the micro:bit MakeCode editor and create a simple example project such as a scrolling message, animation, or short melody. This example will be used to demonstrate saving and loading. Make sure you are familiar with where the Save icon and Import button are located so the flow feels calm and confident for students.
Remember that many students may be using shared computers. This lesson is especially important for helping them understand how to protect their work.
Safety Notes
We respect our devices and cables We handle computers carefully We save our work before closing or logging out We stay patient and help each other
Warm Up Activity
Ask students: Have you ever worked hard on something on a computer and then lost it How did that feel
Explain that today they will learn how to make sure that never happens with their micro:bit projects.
Lesson Flow
Step One – Why Saving Matters
Explain that when students create something they are proud of, saving it keeps it safe. Let them know that even without signing into an account, their micro:bit programs can be saved and reopened later. This is especially helpful when many students share the same computers.
Remind them that saving is a habit builders use to protect their ideas.
Step Two – Saving a Program
Show students a completed or partially completed micro:bit program. Explain that when they like how their project is turning out, it is a good time to save.
Point out the small disk shaped Save icon near the bottom right corner of the screen. Explain that clicking this icon saves the program to the computer.
Let students know that the file will download just like other files they have saved before.
Step Three – Understanding the Saved File
Explain that when they open the Downloads folder, they will see the saved program file. Point out that micro:bit programs end with a .hex file extension.
Explain that this file holds all of their instructions and code. If they copy it to a safe place such as a folder or a thumb drive, they can bring it back later and keep working.
Step Four – Loading a Saved Program
Explain that when students want to continue a project, they use the Import button when the MakeCode editor opens.
Walk through the steps calmly: They click Import They choose Import File They choose Choose a file They find their saved .hex file They click Go Ahead
Explain that once the file loads, their program will appear exactly as they left it.
Step Five – Student Practice
Give students time to: Save their current program Locate the saved file Load the same file back into the editor
Encourage them to notice that nothing is lost and everything returns exactly as expected.
Teacher Notes for Each Slide
Use the slides to guide the pacing. Speak calmly and reassure students that nothing can break. If a student clicks the wrong button, remind them they can simply try again. This lesson is about confidence and comfort, not speed.
Independent or Group Activity
Have students make a small change to their program after loading it again. This might be changing a message, adding a light, or adjusting a melody. Then have them save the updated version.
This reinforces the idea that saving and loading is part of an ongoing creative process.
Vocabulary and Concepts
Save Keeping your work safe so you can return to it later
Load Opening a saved project so you can keep working
File A digital container that holds your work
.hex file The type of file used for micro:bit programs
Wrap Up
Ask students: What did you learn about saving your work today Why do you think this is an important habit How does saving help you feel more confident when creating
Reinforce that saving protects their ideas and gives them freedom to explore.
Exit Ticket
Answer one question: Why is saving your micro:bit program important
Quiz
- What button do you use to save a micro:bit program
- What file type does a micro:bit program use
- Where can you store your saved program
- What button do you click to bring a saved program back
- Why is saving especially helpful on shared computers
Teacher Reflection
What worked well in this lesson Did students feel more confident saving and loading What can be improved next time Which students needed extra reassurance