GreenByte Habitats: micro:bit Powered Sustainability

In this project, through educational resources available on the internet, students were introduced to the concepts applied in the construction and functioning of an energy-efficient house (discussing with the teacher, watching videos, and searching the internet).

Through hands-on teamwork, they designed and built an energy-efficient house from available materials, such as cardboard. Each team was divided into sub-teams - one sub-team programmed the micro:bit, and the other designed and built the house. During the process, they tackled the sustainable development problems faced by residents every day - saving energy by maximizing the use of available resources through programming a micro:bit (or any other microcontroller with additional devices like sensors, servo motors, etc.). In this project, we used a BOSON kit with several modules, like the motion sensor.

One student team created a system that switches lights on/off in the house when it detects motion. Another student team made a program that uses the micro:bit's temperature sensor to control heating and cooling in the house. They set a temperature range and programmed the micro:bit to make sound signals when the temperature is too high or too low. The project, in addition to the STEM field, also combines design, entrepreneurship, personal and social development, civic education, and financial literacy. The students disseminated the results of their work through an oral classroom presentation as well as the basic ideas and concepts of sustainability and energy efficiency in their buildings.

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The project, in addition to the STEM field, also combines design, entrepreneurship, personal and social development, civic education, and financial literacy. The students disseminated the results of their work through an oral classroom presentation as well as the basic ideas and concepts of sustainability and energy efficiency in their buildings.

Step 1 - discussion

Discussion about sustainability - ways they are saving energy at home, use of fossil fuels and renewable energy resources, the climate change and its impact of life on Earth.

step 2 - watch the video

Students watch the video about sustainable house. Available at the link.

step 3 - explore sustainable house models the internet

Students (individualy, in groups or together with the teacher) explore the sustainable house models available on the internet.

step 4 - design and build sustainable house model

Student teams design and build sustainable house model from available materials provided by the teacher (cardborad, Lego cubes etc.).

step 5 - program a micro:bit

Student teams are programming the micr:bit (or any other microcontroller available in school) along with the appropriate sensor/sensors.

Some similar project ideas are available here:

step 6 - integrate hardware and software solution to energy saving house model

Students are merging micro:bit solutions in their sustainable house models.

step 7 - present your work

Students are disseminating their work in the classroom. According to the available class time, students can convey their work orally, in a presentation or in any other digital form they wish.

Micro:bit controlled light switch

Micro:bit temperature controlLer

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