Print Skip To Hex File

Finch 2.0: FinchBlox Lessons

Level 1
Movement  |  Lights  |  Sound
Level 2
Movement  |  Lights  |  Sound
Level 3
Movement  |  Lights  |  Sound  |  Control

Setup (Mac/Windows/Chrome)

Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Steps 1 2 3 4
Steps 1 2 3
Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Steps 1 2 3 4 5
Steps 1 2 3
Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Steps 1 2 3 4 5
Steps 1 2 3
Steps 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Setup (iOS/Mac/Android/Fire)

((vim videoid=qxwhhzhipm wl=0))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will cover how to connect, charge, and start programming your Finch Robot with a tablet, smartphone, or Mac computer using FinchBlox as the programming language.

((vim videoid=63sq92sd7h wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_2_Moment-768x432.jpg))

Slide the micro:bit into the Finch tail. Make sure your micro:bit is facing the correct direction, with the A and B buttons facing up and the five holes towards the bottom. Push the micro:bit into place. The five holes will be partially covered when the micro:bit is correctly in place.

((vim videoid=ua21ph9nou wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_3_Moment-768x432.jpg))

Optional step: If your micro:bit is already flashing 10 characters when powered on, you can skip this step.

Connect the micro:bit to a computer with the USB cable. 

Download Hex File

The micro:bit will appear as an external device on your computer. Download the .hex file and drag it onto the micro:bit.

Once you’ve put the .hex file onto your micro:bit, your micro:bit should start to flash ten characters on its display. You will only need to complete this step once for each Finch – as long as your device is flashing its initials, you are ready to connect via Bluetooth.

You can now unplug the USB cable from the micro:bit. You won’t need the cable or computer any longer because you will be using Bluetooth to connect to the Finch Robot.

((vim videoid=dwmztot902 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_4_Moment-768x432.jpg))

To turn on the Finch press and hold the power button on the bottom of your Finch until until one or more of the LEDs in the tail turn on. This should take about 2 seconds. Ten characters should now be flashing on the micro:bit.

((vim videoid=xyfuaf87xm wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_5_Moment-768x432.jpg))

When turning Finch on or off, the tail LEDs flash the battery charge level:

  • 4 GREEN LEDs = Full charge
  • 3 GREEN LEDs = Partial charge
  • 2 YELLOW LEDs = Recharging Recommended
  • 1 RED LED = Recharge now

If the battery is very low, all tail LEDs will quickly blink RED 5 times, once per minute, until you plug the Finch in for charging.

((vim videoid=ycz82pcij4 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_6_Moment-768x432.jpg))

To charge the Finch, plug the micro USB into the charging slot beneath the Finch’s tail.

Plugging the micro USB into the micro:bit will NOT charge the Finch!

Fully charging the Finch takes 7 hours. We suggest charging the Finch overnight.

The micro:bit is not needed to charge the Finch.

((vim videoid=2nrl6j3lfu wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/finchturnoff.png))

To turn off the Finch after you are done using it, hold down the power button until the beak turns red. The Finch will show its battery status using the tail LEDs. 

The Finch will also turn itself off to save battery power if it is inactive for 10 minutes without connecting to Bluetooth, or for 20 minutes while connected to Bluetooth.

Install the free FinchBlox app on your tablet or smartphone.

((vim videoid=2m24r0hk2j wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FinchBlox_Finch_Setup_9_Moment-768x432.jpg))

Open FinchBlox on your device.

Tap or click the Finch-shaped connection link icon in the upper left of your screen. Tap the name of your device. To identify your device, look at the three letters that flash on the micro:bit before the # symbol. Match these to the Finch name(s) on tablet.

((vim videoid=hsspqnrz62 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FinchBlox_Finch_Setup_10_Moment-768x432.jpg))

 FinchBlox Basics:

  • Drag blocks from the menus on the bottom of your screen into the white space to create a program.
  • Tap or click chains of blocks to start a program. Chains attached to the green flag block can be started by tapping or clicking the green flag. Blocks will highlight green while they are running.
  • To stop a program at any time, hit the Red Stop Sign.
  • There are 3 levels of progressively advanced programming in FinchBlox. Tap or click the purple button in the top right to change levels.

Download a description of all of the FinchBlox Blocks here.

 

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FinchBloxLabels-1-768x576.png))

FinchBlox User Interface: What does each button do?

  •  Connect
    • Tap to bring up the connection screen. Select the name that corresponds to the three initials flashing on the micro:bit.
  • Start
    • Tap to start the chains of blocks connected to the flag block
  • Off-screen blocks
    • These arrows point in the direction of off-screen blocks
  •  Stop
    • Tap to stop a program
  • Levels
    • There are 3 levels of progressively advanced programming in FinchBlox. Tap the purple button in the top right to change levels.
  • Undo
    • Tap to bring back blocks accidentally thrown away
  • Save
    • Tap to save your program, load a saved program, or delete old programs
  • Recenter
    • Tap to center the blocks on the screen

Setup (Mac/Windows/Chrome)

((vim videoid=3ccrk24zrw wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will cover how to connect, charge, and start programming your Finch Robot using FinchBlox as the programming language.

You will program the robot in the Chrome browser through finchblox.birdbraintechnologies.com. This website is compatible with Chromebooks as well as Mac/Windows/Linux computers, but your device must have Bluetooth capability.

((vim videoid=63sq92sd7h wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_2_Moment-768x432.jpg))

Slide the micro:bit into the Finch tail. Make sure your micro:bit is facing the correct direction, with the A and B buttons facing up and the five holes towards the bottom. Push the micro:bit into place. The five holes will be partially covered when the micro:bit is correctly in place.

((vim videoid=ua21ph9nou wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_3_Moment-768x432.jpg))

Optional step: If your micro:bit is already flashing 10 characters when powered on, you can skip this step.
Connect the micro:bit to a computer with the USB cable. 

Download Hex File

The micro:bit will appear as an external device on your computer. Download the .hex file and drag it onto the micro:bit.

Once you’ve put the .hex file onto your micro:bit, your micro:bit should start to flash ten characters on its display. You will only need to complete this step once for each Finch – as long as your device is flashing its initials, you are ready to connect via Bluetooth.

You can now unplug the USB cable from the micro:bit. You won’t need the cable or computer any longer because you will be using Bluetooth to connect to the Finch Robot.

((vim videoid=dwmztot902 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_4_Moment-768x432.jpg))

To turn on the Finch press and hold the power button on the bottom of your Finch until until one or more of the LEDs in the tail turn on. This should take about 2 seconds. Ten characters should now be flashing on the micro:bit.

((vim videoid=xyfuaf87xm wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_5_Moment-768x432.jpg))

When turning Finch on or off, the tail LEDs flash the battery charge level:

  • 4 GREEN LEDs = Full charge
  • 3 GREEN LEDs = Partial charge
  • 2 YELLOW LEDs = Recharging Recommended
  • 1 RED LED = Recharge now

If the battery is very low, all tail LEDs will quickly blink RED 5 times, once per minute, until you plug the Finch in for charging.

((vim videoid=ycz82pcij4 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Multi-Use_Finch_Setup_6_Moment-768x432.jpg))

To charge the Finch, plug the micro USB into the charging slot beneath the Finch’s tail.

Plugging the micro USB into the micro:bit will NOT charge the Finch!

Fully charging the Finch takes 7 hours. We suggest charging the Finch overnight.

The micro:bit is not needed to charge the Finch.

((vim videoid=2nrl6j3lfu wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/finchturnoff.png))

To turn off the Finch after you are done using it, hold down the power button until the beak turns red. The Finch will show its battery status using the tail LEDs. 

The Finch will also turn itself off to save battery power if it is inactive for 10 minutes without connecting to Bluetooth, or for 20 minutes while connected to Bluetooth.

((vim videoid=v72o8u2w1q wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

Open FinchBlox on your device.

Click the Finch-shaped connection link icon in the upper left of your screen. You may see one robot or many, depending on how many are nearby. If you have downloaded the most recent BirdBrain firmware(from step 3) then your micro:bit will flash a code starting with #FN and ending in 5 numbers and letters. Look for this code in the connection menu and connect to this device. You can also use masking tape to label your Finch with its device name for quicker identification in the future.

You will hear a sound as the Finch connects, and the initials will stop flashing on the micro:bit. Once you have connected to a Finch, the initials of your robot will appear on a green robot icon in the upper left of the screen.

((vim videoid=vga1h70umh wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

You can use FinchBlox online or offline. To use FinchBlox offline with the Finch, install it on your Chromebook using the plus button in your browser.

((vim videoid=gjf65vjd34 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

FinchBlox Basics:

  • Drag blocks from the menus on the bottom of your screen into the white space to create a program.
  • Click chains of blocks to start a program. Chains attached to the green flag block can be started by clicking the green flag. Blocks will highlight green while they are running.
  • To stop a program at any time, hit the Red Stop Sign.
  • There are 3 levels of progressively advanced programming in FinchBlox. Click the purple button in the top right to change levels.

Download a description of all of the FinchBlox Blocks here.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FinchBloxLabels-1-768x576.png))

FinchBlox User Interface: What does each button do?

  •  Connect
    • Click to bring up the connection screen. Select the name that corresponds to the three initials flashing on the micro:bit.
  • Start
    • Click to start the chains of blocks connected to the flag block
  • Off-screen blocks
    • These arrows point in the direction of off-screen blocks
  •  Stop
    • Click to stop a program
  • Levels
    • There are 3 levels of progressively advanced programming in FinchBlox. Click the purple button in the top right to change levels.
  • Undo
    • Click to bring back blocks accidentally thrown away
  • Save
    • Click to save your program, load a saved program, or delete old programs
  • Recenter
    • Click to center the blocks on the screen

Movement

((vim videoid=19phhzxgld wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

FinchBlox includes three different levels to help you gradually learn more about writing programs for the Finch. In Level 1, you create sequences to control the movements, lights, and sounds of the Finch. This module will show you how to use the blocks on the Movement menu to make the Finch move and turn.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image16-768x616.png))

First make sure that you are in Level 1 of FinchBlox. If you see a 2 or a 3 instead, tap or click the number and then choose 1.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image7-2.png))

This block moves the Finch forward 10 cm. Tap or click the block to try it out.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image2-1-768x615.png))

You create a program by connecting blocks to the flag block. Then tap or click the green flag button at the top of the screen to run your program.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image5-2-768x576.png))

If you need to delete a block, drag it back to the bottom of the screen until the trash can appears.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image12-1.png))

There are other blocks to move the Finch in other directions. This block moves the Finch backward 10 cm.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image17.png))

This block turns the Finch right 90°.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image14.png))

This block turns the Finch left 90°.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image6-2-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch movement blocks. What can you make the Finch do?

Lights

((vim videoid=2y4yutppc0 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you how to use the lights in the Finch’s beak and tail.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image13.png))

This block turns on the Finch beak for 1 second. There are separate blocks for red, green, and blue.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image1-2.png))

This block turns on the Finch tail for 1 second. There are separate blocks for red, green, and blue.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image10-1-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch light blocks. What can you make the Finch do?

Sound

((vim videoid=z6t89uy2by wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you how to make the Finch play music notes.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image3-3.png))

This block plays a note using the Finch buzzer. There are five separate blocks for five different notes. Each note lasts for half a second.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sound1-3-768x576.png))

Create a program with the movement, light, and sound blocks. What can you make the Finch do?

Movement

((vim videoid=jiriik2uvq wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

In Level 2 of FinchBlox, you can adjust each block to change things like how far the Finch moves or which note it should play. This module will show you how to use the blocks on the Movement menu to make the Finch move and turn.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image19-768x615.png))

First make sure that you are in Level 2 of FinchBlox. If you see a 1 or a 3 instead, tap or click the number and then choose 2.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image18-768x576.png))

This block moves the Finch forward. To choose how far the Finch will move, tap or click the number at the bottom of the block. Then use the slider to select a distance from 5 cm to 100 cm.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image8-1-768x576.png))

This block moves the Finch backward. To choose how far the Finch will move, tap or click the number at the bottom of the block. Then use the slider to select a distance from 5 cm to 100 cm.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image21-768x576.png))

This block turns the Finch to the right. Use the slider to choose how far the Finch should turn from 5° to 360°. Notice that the picture to the right of the slider shows you how far the Finch will turn.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image11-768x576.png))

This block turns the Finch to the left. Use the slider to choose how far the Finch should turn from 5° to 360°. 

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image15-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch movement blocks. Can you make the Finch draw a letter?

Lights

((vim videoid=z2z424ei2g wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you how to use the lights in the Finch’s beak and tail. You will use sliders to choose exactly which color you want. You will also learn to use the tiny lights on the micro:bit.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image9-1-768x576.png))

This block turns on the Finch beak for 1 second. To choose the color of the beak, tap or click the color at the bottom of the block. Then use the slider to select the color that you want.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/image4-3-768x576.png))

This block turns on the Finch tail for 1 second. Use the slider to select the color that you want.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0524-768x576.png))

This block displays a picture on the micro:bit in the Finch tail. The picture is displayed for 1 second. Use the slider to select the picture that you want.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0527-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch light blocks. Can you program a rainbow?

Sound

((vim videoid=lvvpxljg5l wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you how to make the Finch play music notes. You will use a pop-up keyboard to choose the note you want.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sound2-2-768x576.png))

This block plays a note using the Finch buzzer. To choose the note, tap or click the note name at the bottom of the block. Then tap or click a piano key to select the note that you want. Each note lasts for half a second.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0528-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch sound blocks. Can you play a simple song?

Movement

((vim videoid=afiw6aae1n wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

In Level 3 of FinchBlox, you can make more adjustments to the blocks to change what the Finch will do. For example, you can choose both how far the Finch moves and how fast it moves. This module will show you how to use the blocks on the Movement menu in Level 3.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/level3-768x614.png))

First make sure that you are in Level 3 of FinchBlox. If you see a 1 or a 2 instead, tap or click the number and then choose 3.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0542-768x576.png))

This block moves the Finch forward. To choose how far and how fast the Finch will move, tap or click the numbers at the bottom of the block. Then use the top slider to select a distance from 5 cm to 100 cm and the bottom slider to select a speed from 10 to 100%.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0541-768x576.png))

This block moves the Finch backward. Use the top slider to select a distance from 5 cm to 100 cm and the bottom slider to select a speed from 10 to 100%.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0540-768x576.png))

This block turns the Finch to the right. Use the top slider to choose how far the Finch should turn from 5° to 360°. Notice that the picture to the right of the slider shows you how far the Finch will turn. Use the bottom slider to select a speed from 10 to 100%.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0539-768x576.png))

This block turns the Finch to the left. Use the top slider to choose how far the Finch should turn from 5° to 360° and the bottom slider to select a speed from 10 to 100%.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0553-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch movement blocks. Can you make the Finch dance?

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/finchbloxsensors2-768x416.png))

In Level 3, the Movement menu also contains two blocks that use the Finch sensors. 

A sensor is a part of a robot that measures something. For example, the Finch contains light sensors that measure the light around the robot and a distance sensor that measures the distance to an obstacle in front of the Finch.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0543.png))

This block moves the Finch forward until the robot detects that it is dark.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0544.png))

This block moves the Finch forward until the distance sensor under the Finch’s beak detects an obstacle.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0552-768x576.png))

For example, when you run this program, the Finch will move forward until it sees an obstacle, then it will turn right, and then it will move forward until it is dark.

Create a program that uses one of the sensor blocks. Can you make the Finch find the edges of your room?

Lights

((vim videoid=vi6vv5exws wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you to use the Finch lights in Level 3. You will use sliders to choose how long the lights should be on, as well as which color or picture you want.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0545-768x576.png))

This block turns on the Finch beak. Use the top slider to choose the color of the beak. Use the bottom slider to choose a time from 1 to 10 (tenths of a second). The time determines how long the color will be on.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0546-768x576.png))

This block turns on the Finch tail.  Use the top slider to choose the color and the bottom slider to choose a time from 1 to 10 (tenths of a second).

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0548-768x576.png))

This block displays a picture on the micro:bit in the Finch tail. Use the top slider to choose the picture you want and the bottom slider to choose a time from 1 to 10 (tenths of a second).

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0555-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch light blocks. Can you make the Finch tail blink a lot of different colors quickly?

Sound

((vim videoid=illdfkajt5 wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

This module will teach you how to make the Finch play music notes. You will use a pop-up keyboard to choose the note you want and a slider to choose how long the note lasts.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sound3-2-768x576.png))

This block plays a note using the Finch buzzer. Tap or click a piano key to select the note that you want. Use the bottom slider to choose a time from 1 to 10 (tenths of a second). The time determines how long the note will last.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sound3-3-768x576.png))

Create a program with the Finch sound blocks. Can you play a song with some short notes and some long notes?

Control

((vim videoid=si9pp8p5bq wl=1))
((img class=img-responsive src=))

Level 3 also contains a yellow Control menu. This menu contains blocks that you can use the make your program start, wait, or repeat blocks.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0557.png))

This block is placed at the beginning of a program. Blocks attached to this one will run when the user taps or clicks the flag button. You can run more than one program at a time. This is called parallel programming.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0559-768x576.png))

This block pauses a program. Use the slider to select a time from 1 to 50 (tenths of a second). During this time, the Finch won’t do anything.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0561-768x562.png))

This is a loop block. Blocks inside this one will be repeated until you tap or click the stop button. For example, you can make the Finch blink its beak two different colors until you press stop.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0562-768x525.png))

This is another loop block. Blocks inside this one will be repeated a certain number of times. Select the repeat number from 1 to 10.  For example, you can make the Finch blink its tail two different colors five times.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0563-768x555.png))

This is another block you can use to start a program. Blocks attached to this one will run when the Finch detects that it is dark. For example, you can turn on the tail lights when it is dark!

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/clap-768x521.jpeg))

If your Finch has a micro:bit V2, there is a third block you can use to start a program. Blocks attached to this one will run when the Finch detects a loud noise like a clap. For example, you can make the Finch move forward when you clap!

If your Finch doesn’t have a micro:bit V2, this block will be gray. That means that you can’t use it.

((img class=img-responsive src=https://learn.birdbraintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_0565-768x576.png))

Use the Finch control blocks to write a program. Can you repeat a sequence of movements, lights, and sound when it is dark?

Back to Top