Get up!

Step 1: Make it

What is it?

Turn your micro:bit into a light-sensitive alarm to help you get up in the morning. You'll learn how to use infinite loops, and selection with comparison logic.

These two videos show you what you'll make and how to code it:

How it works

• The program uses the micro:bit’s LED display as a light sensor.
• Selection ('if... else') and comparison logic (> 70) are used so that if the light level is above a certain amount, a sun icon appears and it makes a noise; else, it clears the screen.
• If the light level is greater than (>) 70, a sun appears on the LED display, telling you it’s time to get up.
• The program uses an infinite loop to keep sensing the light level.
• You can adjust the threshold at which the sun appears. Use larger numbers to make it less sensitive to light, so the alarm only goes off when it's brighter - or smaller numbers to make it more sensitive to light.

What you need

• micro:bit (or use the simulator in the online editors)
• MakeCode or Python editor
• battery pack (optional but recommended)

Step 2: Code it

1from microbit import *
2import music
3
4while True:
5    if display.read_light_level() > 70:
6        display.show(Image(
7        "90909:"
8        "09990:"
9        "99999:"
10        "09990:"
11        "90909"))
12        music.play(music.DADADADUM)    
13    else:
14        display.clear()
15        

Step 3: Improve it

• Change the alarm sound.
• Replace the sun icon with motivational messages that can help you to start your day.