Week 3

Overview: Following the lessons on the Raspberry Pi 5, Python scripting, and the application of outdoor sensors, students embarked on a mini-project designed to integrate their cumulative knowledge from the previous week. Working within their groups, they began collaborating innovative ideas to apply their knowledge to a real world issues in digital agriculture. By the end of the day, students began preparing documents to showcase this. 

Objective: Students were able to advance their understanding of sensor technologies through the hands on collaboration of the mini project. It highlighted the complexities involved in integrating these technologies to address real world challenges in digital agriculture.

Overview: In the afternoon, students attended a crop tour in San Patricio County. The tour opened with discussions about potential implications of insects in the fields, and the important factors when determining if treatment is necessary. Students then observed the assortment of varieties in corn, cotton, and sorghum.

Objective: At the end of the day, students gained insight on industry updates regarding factors applicable to farmers. This included learning about the latest advancements in pest control techniques, the effectiveness of various herbicides, and understanding how economic trends impact agricultural practices.

Overview: On Wednesday, students presented their mini projects in two groups, focusing on topics relating to when the use of soil moisture, air quality, as well as outdoor LoRa sensors would be appropriately employed. Students articulated objectives for addressing these challenges, identified potential stakeholders, and created a hypothesis to establish clear direction and framework. After presenting, students were provided with feedback from Dr. Huang and Dr. Adarbah, in which they gained valuable insights. 

Objective: This experience not only enhanced students knowledge on sensor technology, but it showcased the significance of each step in developing a project. It also provided students with an opportunity to engage in critical thinking, structured problem solving, as well as essential skills for conducting meaningful research in digital agriculture.

Overview: Thursdays agenda included an exploration of UAS and remote sensing, providing insight into their applications. Students then delved into Ground Crucial Points (GCP), where their crucial role in accurate data collection was examined. This knowledge was then applied in the plot, where students observed a demonstrated the practical implementation of such. 

Objective: After Thursdays training, students developed a foundational knowledge in(UAS) and remote sensing. Upon demonstrating their understanding in these topics, they were equipped with the resources and knowledge for developments in digital agriculture and future projects.

Overview: Fridays session introduced the fundamentals of drone planning highlighting the imaging process, factors impacting flight effectiveness, as well as flight path planning. Students then were able to witness a drone flight from start to finish, observing preparations before the flight, the actual flight, as well as post flight data processing.  

Objective: After Friday's training, students were provided with a comprehensive understanding of drone planning. The session offered students a hands on experience, in hopes to provide practical insights into the entire workflow