pxt-calliope/olddocs/lessons/answering-machine.md

# answering machine blocks lesson

Create an answering machine on the BBC micro:bit

## Topic

Show String

## Quick Links

* [activity](/lessons/answering-machine/activity)
* [quiz](/lessons/answering-machine/quiz)
* [quiz answers](/lessons/answering-machine/quiz-answers)
* [challenges](/lessons/answering-machine/challenges)


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

Learn how to creating a message with a **string**, `show string` to write your message. We will be learning how to create a message using simple commands, such as show string and on button pressed.

## Documentation

```cards
basic.showString('Hi!')
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, () => {})
```

## Objectives

* learn how to show a string on the LED screen one character at a time
* learn how to use to register an event handler that will execute whenever an input button is pressed