The AusBoard for micro:bit is an Australian-made add-on board shaped like Australia, designed to help you visualise data using light. It features 8 addressable WS2812 RGB LEDs that your micro:bit can control individually, letting you colour different regions/states to represent things like temperature, population, or to build geography and STEM activities (for example, learning state capitals). It’s a great classroom/demo piece because it turns code outputs into an immediate, colourful display.

Compatibility-wise, it’s built to be driven by a BBC micro:bit (V1 or V2). The example code mentioned is based on micro:bit V2 (and uses V2 features like audio for the anthem), but the LED visuals will still work on V1 (just without the tune). The package is AusBoard only, so you’ll need your own micro:bit plus a USB cable for programming and ideally a battery pack for portable projects. If you’re comparing options, a generic NeoPixel/WS2812 strip or ring is more flexible for custom shapes, but the AusBoard’s Australia map layout is purpose-built for teaching geography and presenting state-based data at a glance.