Smart Farming Climate Action
3 Smart Farming Projects
Embedded Files
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Instructor Resources - Onboarding
Building your SmartFarm Directions
Extra USB Cables - Amazon.com
Multiport USB Charger - Amazon.com
Skills students need or will develop:
Programming and Coding: Students will develop proficiency in using Make Code to program the Smart Farm Kit, enhancing their computational thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Engineering and Construction: Students will gain hands-on experience in building and assembling the smart farming system, improving their practical skills in electronics and mechanical engineering.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Students will learn about water conservation and the integration of renewable energy in farming, fostering an understanding of sustainable agricultural techniques and environmental stewardship.
Summary of Unit
Enhance Technological Proficiency: Students will develop skills in constructing and programming the Smart Farm Kit using Make Code, fostering a hands-on understanding of smart farming technologies and automation.
Promote Sustainable Practices: Through the water conservation using smart agriculture unit, students will learn about efficient water usage and the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
Integrate Renewable Energy Concepts: By working through the solar water unit, students will gain knowledge about integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into farming systems to support environmentally friendly and energy-efficient agriculture.
The major goal of the unit
To equip students with the skills and knowledge to design and implement sustainable smart farming systems that utilize automation, water conservation techniques, and renewable energy sources.
Assessment:
Assessment:
Students could be assessed through a combination of practical and theoretical evaluations, including:
Project Completion: Successful construction and programming of the Smart Farm Kit, demonstrating functional automated watering and integration of solar power.
Presentation and Demonstration: An oral presentation and live demonstration of the smart farming system, where students explain their project, the technology used, and its benefits for sustainable agriculture. Evaluation will be based on clarity, understanding, and the effectiveness of their solution.
Automated Smart Farming System - Use the moisture sensor to measure the moisture level of the plants soil. Then, use the water pump to water the plant when the moisture level is low. Use the LED light to act as a grow light for the plant.
Big Idea - In this lesson, we will explore the practices of traditional farming and then discover how we can use technology to create more sustainable farming practices. You’ll learn about irrigation systems and vertical farming, and how they’re changing the way we produce food. We’ll also discover how we can use technology and automation to conserve valuable resources like water and energy, therefore contributing to a more efficient and cost effective farming solution.
Take Action! - Using the knowledge we just learned from the ‘Big Idea’ section, we will construct and code a smart farming system of our own that’s capable of automatically watering a plant! The goal of this project is to understand how we can use technology and automation to create more sustainable and efficient farming practices.”
Requirements:
1 x Climate Action Kit
1 x micro:bit
Computer with access to Microsoft MakeCode
Instructor Resources - Smart Farming With Automated Water
We’ll see how smart farms use LED lights to make plants grow faster in tight spaces.
Big Idea: we can set up farms in places like empty offices or big storage rooms. This could be a key solution for making sure cities have enough food in the future. We’ll learn how these farms use nutrients and light to nurture plants from seed to harvest. Then, you’ll get to build and program your mini hydroponic farm using the Climate Action Kit.
Take Action! Today, we’re going to explore how smart farms, like vertical farms, operate, why they’re beneficial for the Earth, and areas where they might improve. To start, let’s examine the incredible tools they use! These types of farms, often found in cities, use one of two indoor farming techniques
Instructor Resources - Smart Farming With LED Light
Water Conservation using advanced Agriculture - Use the moisture sensor to measure the moisture level of the plants soil on a continuous loop. Then, use the water pump to water the plant when the moisture level is low. Use the LED light to indicate the moisture level of the soil.
Big Idea -Delve into the realm of smart farming and real-time resource management in this lesson. Explore the transformation in agriculture through automated watering systems, vertical farming, and intelligent monitoring. Understand how farmers are harnessing technology and automation to minimize their environmental footprint while catering to the expanding global population’s food needs.
Take Action! - In the “Take Action” section of this lesson you will take all the knowledge you learned and apply it to creating your own advanced agriculture solution. Creating an auto watering system that consistently monitors soil moisture and only watered when needed!
The goal of this project is to understand how auto watering systems work and how they can support the effects to save water then growing our food.
Vocabulary Associated with Unit
Vocabulary Associated with Unit
Technological Proficiency & Smart Farming Vocabulary
Technological Proficiency & Smart Farming Vocabulary
Smart Farming – The use of modern technology and automation to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
MakeCode – A block-based coding platform used to program smart farming devices.
Microcontroller – A compact integrated circuit used to control smart farm systems.
Automation – The use of technology to perform agricultural tasks with minimal human intervention.
Data Logging – The process of collecting and analyzing data from farm sensors for better decision-making.
Internet of Things (IoT) – A network of connected devices that share data for smart agriculture applications.
Precision Agriculture – Farming techniques that use data and technology to optimize resource use and productivity.
Soil Moisture Sensor – A device that measures the water content in soil to improve irrigation efficiency.
Water Level Sensor – A tool used to monitor water levels in irrigation systems and reservoirs.
Servo Motor – A small motor used in automation for precise movement, such as opening irrigation valves.
Sustainable Agriculture & Water Conservation Vocabulary
Sustainable Agriculture & Water Conservation Vocabulary
Sustainable Agriculture – Farming practices that maintain environmental health, economic profitability, and social responsibility.
Water Conservation – Strategies to reduce water waste and optimize usage in agriculture.
Drip Irrigation – A water-efficient method that delivers water directly to plant roots.
Smart Irrigation Systems – Automated irrigation that adjusts water delivery based on real-time soil and weather data.
Rainwater Harvesting – Collecting and storing rainwater for agricultural use.
Hydroponics – A method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions.
Aquaponics – A system that combines fish farming with hydroponics, recycling nutrients between plants and aquatic life.
Composting – The process of recycling organic matter into nutrient-rich soil amendments.
Erosion Control – Techniques used to prevent soil loss due to wind or water runoff.
Drought-Resistant Crops – Plants bred to thrive in dry conditions with minimal water usage.
Renewable Energy & Sustainable Power Vocabulary
Renewable Energy & Sustainable Power Vocabulary
Renewable Energy – Energy sourced from naturally replenished resources such as solar, wind, and hydro power.
Solar Power – Energy generated from sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Photovoltaic Cells – Devices that convert sunlight into electricity for agricultural applications.
Solar Water Pump – A pump powered by solar energy to provide water for irrigation.
Energy Efficiency – The practice of using less energy to achieve the same or improved results.
Wind Turbines – Machines that convert wind energy into electricity, often used in rural farming operations.
Battery Storage Systems – Devices that store solar or wind-generated energy for later use.
Hybrid Energy Systems – Systems that combine multiple renewable energy sources for greater reliability.
Bioenergy – Renewable energy derived from biological sources, such as plant materials and animal waste.
Carbon Footprint Reduction – Strategies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities.
Agricultural Technology & Career Exploration Vocabulary
Agricultural Technology & Career Exploration Vocabulary
Agricultural Engineer – A professional who designs and develops farming equipment and smart agricultural systems.
Environmental Scientist – A specialist who studies the impact of agricultural activities on ecosystems.
Energy Systems Technician – A professional who installs and maintains renewable energy solutions in farming.
Precision Agriculture Specialist – An expert in using data and technology to enhance farm efficiency.
Farm Sustainability Consultant – A professional who helps farmers implement eco-friendly practices.
Water Resource Manager – A specialist who oversees sustainable water use and conservation strategies in agriculture.
IoT Developer – A programmer who designs smart farming devices and automation systems.
Climate Data Analyst – A professional who studies weather patterns and environmental data for agricultural planning.
Agronomist – A scientist who studies soil health, crop production, and sustainable farming methods.
Greenhouse Technician – A specialist who manages climate-controlled farming environments.
How to Use This Vocabulary List:
How to Use This Vocabulary List:
Hands-On Learning: Apply these terms during smart farming projects using the Micro:bit Smart Farm Kit.
Coding & Programming Exercises: Use MakeCode to program smart farming tools and sensors.
Sustainability Debates: Discuss the impact of renewable energy and water conservation in agriculture.
Research Projects: Investigate careers and technologies shaping the future of farming.
This vocabulary list provides students with essential knowledge in smart farming, renewable energy, sustainability, and career pathways, preparing them for real-world applications in agriculture and technology.
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