Micro:bit Project Simulation

Outcomes

This exercise provides an in-depth practical project simulation using Agile and Scrum to help learn some deep lessons about how Scrum projects work.

This project runs for 5 x 25 minute Sprints, with each Sprint containing Sprint Planning, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective events, and using a Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog to manage the work.

The exercise allows for non-programmers and programmers alike to contribute to a technical project by completing several User Stories to produce a product on the micro:bit circuit boards.

Timings

Allow 210 mins (3.5 hours) for this exercise.

Equipment

• 1 x Laptop + charger per team
• 2 x BBC micro:bit circuit boards per team
• 1 x micro USB cable per team
• 1 x battery pack per team
• 1 x set of user stories per team
• 1 x cheat sheet
• 1 x timer
• 1 x Scrum Worksheet per team
• Flip chart paper
• Marker pens
• Blu tack / masking tape
• Debrief Cards

Tasks

Part 1: Product Backlog

1. Cut out the User Stories for the exercise
2. Arrange the Product Backlog of User Stories on 1-2 sheets of flip chart paper
3. Order the Product Backlog with the facilitator (Product Owner) to provide an initial product

Part 2: Sprints

1. Decide who is going to be the Scrum Master for this Sprint
2. Start the timer for a 25 minute time-box
3. Sprint plan for the sprint choosing what the Sprint Goal is, what to do to achieve the Sprint Goal and how to do the work. (Take no longer than 5 mins to do this.)
4. Work through the Sprint to achieve the Sprint Goal and update the Sprint Backlog
5. Hold a Sprint Review with the facilitator (Product Owner) to determine what is “Done” and what should be done for the next Sprint. (Provide about 5 mins for this.)
6. Hold a Sprint Retrospective with the Development Team to determine what is working well and what process improvements to make for the next Sprint. (Provide about 3 mins for this.)
7. Repeat steps 1 – 6 for 4 more Sprints to achieve the aims of the project

Part 3: The Debrief

1. Set the timer for a 15 minute time-box
2. Choose 2 x Learning Objective cards that resonate with you as a team
3. Recreate the Debrief Table on a sheet of flip chart paper
4. Write the chosen Learning Objectives at the top of the flip chart paper
5. Discuss as a team answering the 3 questions about your observations with respect to the learning objectives that the team have chosen
6. Call over the facilitator to review

See Also

• Micro:bit Challenge
• Lego Island Project Sim
• Hotel Booking Website Project Sim (Scrum Edition - Electronic)
• Hotel Booking Website Project Sim (Scrum Edition - Paper)
• PO Conference Website Part 3