How to get the Tobbie extension in MakeCode
BBC’s MakeCode is the main coding platform for microbit, which is the mini-computer for Tobbie. You can download pre-made programmes for Tobbie, but you’ll also want to create your own programmes from scratch. When opening a new project in MakeCode, the standard code menus are available, but there’s no sign of the menu that contains features unique to Tobbie. However, the extension is available, and easy to get. Here, we show you how to get the Tobbie extension in MakeCode.
MakeCode online or downloaded software
You can get the Tobbie extension menu in both the online version of MakeCode, or the local software if you’ve downloaded it.
You can find the online version of MakeCode here.
Easy steps to get the Tobbie extension if you’ve downloaded MakeCode
Follow along with the video we’ve put together, or have a look at the steps below.
- Open a new MakeCode project
- Scroll to the bottom of the code menu
- Click on Extensions
- Search “tobbie” in the top search bar
- Click on the Tobbie icon to download the extension
- Select the orange TobbieII line on the menu to open the list of blocks
What if I can’t see the extension button?
If you are working in the online version of MakeCode, the extension button at the bottom of the menu doesn’t show up straight away. At the bottom of the code menu, click on Advanced, and then scroll to the bottom of the extended menu.
Fun projects to get started with Tobbie
Tobbie comes with 12 pre-made programmes so that you can get started straight away. He can play Rock Paper Scissors, follow a line, play sounds, write you a message, and heaps more! Get the programmes from Elenco here. We downloaded the Zip Folder Download to save it to a local drive, but if you want to access it online consider choosing the Google Drive Download. It’s only 3.3MB, so takes up minimal space. Open the file to try it out, and it’ll load straight in MakeCode.
Other ways to use microbit
While MakeCode is designed for microbit programming, you can also code your microbit with Scratch. We’re using the microbit right now as a remote controller for video games that Liam is designing. The microbit extension for Scratch is just as easy to get as this one. For some project inspiration, have a look at Liam’s Jumping Cat Game using the microbit and a soft toy.
