# blink blocks lesson

Learn how to create a blinking LED. #LED #screen  #plot #docs #lesson

### @video td/videos/blink-0

## Topic

Plot

## Quick links

* [activity](/microbit/lessons/blink/activity)
* [quiz](/microbit/lessons/blink/quiz)
* [quiz answers](/microbit/lessons/blink/quiz-answers)
* [challenges](/microbit/lessons/blink/challenges)

## Class

Year 7

## Prior learning / place of lesson in scheme of work 

Learn how to control a blinking LED. We will be learning how to create a blinking app using forever as well as simple commands, such as plot, unplot and pause.

## What the teacher needs to know / QuickStart Computing Glossary

**Program:** A stored set of instructions encoded in a language understood by the computer that does some form of computation, processing input and/or stored data to generate output.

**Algorithm:** An unambiguous set of rules or a precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. The guided tutorial follows a algorithm and is a precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem

**Loop:** A block of code repeated automatically under the program’s control. The blink program introduces Forever. The forever loop repeats code in the background forever.

**Command:** An instruction for the computer to execute, written in a particular programming language.

## Documentation

* **plot**: [read more...](/microbit/reference/led/plot)
* **unplot**: [read more...](/microbit/reference/led/unplot)
* **pause**: [read more...](/microbit/reference/basic/pause)
* **forever**: [read more...](/microbit/reference/basic/forever)

## Resources

* Activity: [activity](/microbit/lessons/blink/activity)
* Activity: [quiz](/microbit/lessons/blink/quiz)
* Extended Activity: [challenges](/microbit/lessons/blink/challenges)

## Objectives

* learn how to turn on LED lights on the LED screen
* learn how to turn off LED lights on the LED screen
* learn how to pause program execution for the specified number of milliseconds

## Progression Pathways / Computational Thinking Framework

#### Algorithms

* Understands that iteration is the repetition of a process such as a loop. (AL)

#### Programming & Development

* Creates programs that implement algorithms to achieve given goals. (AL)

#### Data & Data Representation

* Understands the difference between data and information. (AB)
* Defines data types: real numbers and Boolean. (AB)

#### Information Technology

*  Collects, organises and presents data and information in digital content. (AB)
* Makes appropriate improvements to solutions based on feedback received, and can comment on the success of the solution. (EV)

Computational Thinking Concept: AB = Abstraction; DE = Decomposition; AL = Algorithmic Thinking; EV = Evaluation; GE = Generalisation

## Activity

* time: 20 min.
* [activity](/microbit/lessons/blink/activity)
* [quiz](/microbit/lessons/blink/quiz)
* [quiz answers](/microbit/lessons/blink/quiz-answers)

## Extended Activity

* time: 20 min.
* [challenges](/microbit/lessons/blink/challenges)

## Homework

* Extended Activity: [challenges](/microbit/lessons/blink/challenges)

