What You'll Need

Micro:bit V2 (with built-in microphone)
Keyestudio Expansion Board for Micro:bit
2 × Servo Motors (standard hobby servos)
Cardboard & Scissors (for panda body and arms)
Strong Glue (to secure servos to cardboard)
Jumper Wires (to connect servos to the expansion board)
USB Cable & Computer (to load the code via MakeCode)

Safety First!

!Supervise children when cutting cardboard with scissors.
!Ensure all electrical connections are secure to avoid shorts.
!Keep liquids and food away from electronics.
!Handle the Micro:bit and servos gently to prevent damage.

Let's Make It! Step-by-Step Guide

Assemble the Electronics

Step 1 of 9

Snap the Micro:bit into the Keyestudio expansion board.
Connect one servo to P0 (left arm) and the other to P1 (right arm) using jumper wires.

The Science Behind It

Your Micro:bit V2 features a tiny built-in microphone that measures ambient sound levels as values from 0 to 255. The code reads these values continuously and maps them to different servo-movement speeds: louder inputs cause shorter pauses between arm swings, making the panda dance more vigorously. When the sound level falls below a set threshold, both arms return to the neutral 90° position and pause—demonstrating how sensors can drive real-world mechanical actions through simple programming.

Helpful Tips

Mount servos firmly so the cardboard arms don’t wobble.
Use contrasting cardstock or markers to decorate your panda.
Place the Micro:bit on a stable platform for more accurate sound readings.
Experiment with different sound sources—clapping, music, even your own voice!

Try These Variations!

1LED Eyes: Add NeoPixels or LEDs that blink to the beat of the music.
2Multiple Servos: Attach extra servos to make the panda’s head nod or legs move.
3Alternative Sensors: Swap the microphone input for gestures or light level to trigger dancing.
4Costume Party: Dress your panda in paper outfits and change them out for different “dance modes.”

Sound-Reactive Dancing Panda