---
title: Announcing the Micro:bit, the Microcontroller You Never Knew You Needed
description: The micro:bit, a fully programmable microcontroller, is now available for pre-sale in the United States.
image: https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/March%202017/microbit.jpg
---

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# Announcing the Micro:bit, the Microcontroller You Never Knew You Needed

BY [Megan Hemmings](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-hemmings) 3/22/17 11:25 AM

[0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/announcing-the-microbit-the-microcontroller-you-never-knew-you-needed#comments-listing)

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![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/Feb%202017/Cool%20Hemmings.jpg)

Today we have some really exciting news: we are now pre-selling the micro:bit, allowing United States educators a chance to implement this easy-to-use hardware platform in their classrooms.

![microbit.jpg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/March%202017/microbit.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=microbit.jpg)The micro:bit is a fully programmable microcontroller with a [number of exciting features](http://www.sparkfuneducation.com/maker-education/microbit#) including a 25-LED array, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, an embedded compass and accelerometer, and mobile and web-based programming capabilities.

Designed as an easy introduction to computer science for beginners, the micro:bit is also a powerful tool for more advanced users. It can be programmed using either block or text-based (JavaScript) languages and does not require any software to be downloaded, making it great for use with Chromebooks.

[![More about the micro:bit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2224003/85b24332-44ff-4c39-b76d-19f57e4e84de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2224003/85b24332-44ff-4c39-b76d-19f57e4e84de)

## History of the Micro:bit

The micro:bit was developed by the BBC, in partnership with 25 organizations, as a way to combat the critical workforce shortage the United Kingdom is facing in the technology sector, much as we are [currently experiencing in the United States.](http://www.talentwave.com/the-shortage-of-stem-workers-in-the-us/) In 2016, micro:bits were [given to every 11- and 12-year-old student](http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/bbc-microbit-can-a-pocket-sized-computer-inspire-digital-creativity-in-britains-children-10372834.html) in the U.K.

Until now, the micro:bit has not been available for purchase in the U.S.

## Micro:bit Projects and Professional Development

The beauty of the micro:bit lies in the variety of projects that can be created using it. We’ve created a few InventorSpace tutorials to get you started, including a [Digital Dice Roller](https://invent.sparkfun.com/cwists/preview/1856-digital-dice-rollerx) and a [Secret Message Machine](https://invent.sparkfun.com/cwists/preview/1871x). For more ideas, check out [additional projects](http://microbit.org/ideas/) from the BBC. We plan to continue developing project ideas and can’t wait to see what you create and share with us using [InventorSpace](http://www.sparkfuneducation.com/inventorspace/index.html) as well.

![microbit secret message.png](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/March%202017/microbit%20secret%20message.png?width=500&height=500&name=microbit%20secret%20message.png)

We are currently building out an ecosystem of professional development opportunities to expand the teaching potential and ease the introduction of the micro:bit to educational environments.

Pre-order your micro:bit today and be one of the first in the country to receive one!

[![Preorder today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2224003/0d0ac7f7-a2c8-4857-9e37-699aba0bd162.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2224003/0d0ac7f7-a2c8-4857-9e37-699aba0bd162)

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