pxt-microbit/docs/lessons/compass/challenges.md

micro:bit target for Microsoft MakeCode (PXT)

# compass challenges

Display the direction that the @boardname@ is facing using the compass 

## Before we get started

Complete the following [guided tutorial](/lessons/compass/activity), your code should look like this:

```blocks
basic.forever(() => {
    let degrees = input.compassHeading();
    if (degrees < 45 || degrees > 315) {
        basic.showString("N");
    }
    else if (degrees < 135) {
        basic.showString("E");
    }
    else if (degrees < 225) {
        basic.showString("S");
    }
    else {
        basic.showString("W");
    }
});
```

## Challenge 1

Instead of displaying `N` when the @boardname@ is pointing North, display a star to indicate the north star.

```blocks
basic.forever(() => {
    let degrees = input.compassHeading();
    if (degrees < 45 || degrees > 315) {
        basic.showLeds(`
# . # . #
. # # # .
# # # # #
. # # # .
# . # . #`);
    }
    else if (degrees < 135) {
        basic.showString("E");
    }
    else if (degrees < 225) {
        basic.showString("S");
    }
    else {
        basic.showString("W");
    }
});
```


* Run your code to see if it works as expected

## Challenge 2

Instead of displaying just `N`, `W`, `S`, or `E`, display the full word.

```blocks
basic.forever(() => {
    let degrees = input.compassHeading();
    if (degrees < 45 || degrees > 315) {
        basic.showString("NORTH");
    }
    else if (degrees < 135) {
        basic.showString("EAST");
    }
    else if (degrees < 225) {
        basic.showString("SOUTH");
    }
    else {
        basic.showString("WEST");
    }
});
```


* Run your code to see if it works as expected

## Challenge 3

Display your own unique message for each direction.