The drawbridge handles safe passage for boats to travel through the river canals, halting car traffic in the process. Using [micro:bit V2](https://microbit.org/new-microbit/) (version 2), the microphone listens for noise, such as a clapping sound. When successfully heard, the servo motor pulls the mechanical linkage lifting the bridge, clearing for waterway traffic. The Robotics board also acts as the weight to provide stability as the drawbridge eventually lowers.

Please note this resource was tailored for US schools and may require adjustments to suit UK schools.

🇬🇧 Teacher Notes

Overview and Objectives

Materials

Preparation

Build a set of beams for the bridge

Connect the beams as a zig-zag

Create long beams

Click the long beams around the zig-zag to complete the bridge's base

Build beams and attach to the bridge's base

Make joints

Fit joints to a straw for a support beam then fit on bridge's top

Create triangle sides for the structure to support the bridge

Attach straws to a triangle then slide connectors on

Build a beam and slide along the structure

Lock a connector to the bottom then add the second triangle on top

Assemble the micro:bit, clip, and servo motor

Rotate the structure then clip on the Robotics board and servo motor

Attach the bridge into the support structure

Make a moving beam

Make a mechanical linkage from beams

Connect to computer using USB cable

Start a new project on Makecode

Add Strawbees extension

Pair the micro:bit

Turn on the Robotics board

Zero the servo motor

Program the bridge to open with sound

Program the bridge to open with button press

Connect the mechanical linkage to the servo motor and the bridge

Test your drawbridge by clapping your hands

Build

STEAM Classroom Robotics - micro:bit

United States

Expressive Robotics

Construct a Drawbridge (micro:bit V2)