In this module, students gather authentic environmental data by setting up and utilizing sensors such as temperature, light, and motion (project compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Android phones/tablets). Students can create a dashboard app to monitor data collection anywhere there is a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Educators can use this lesson to support students in making and defending a claim based on evidence about the natural world that reflects scientific knowledge and student-generated evidence (NGSS MS/HS Practices 4 & 7). As with all MIT App Inventor efforts, emphasis is on active constructionist learning where students code projects that instantiate their ideas.
- GradesMiddle School & High School, grades 7–12+
- Duration5 × 50-minute lessons
- HardwareA Micro:bit, V2 or newer
- DevicesiPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet
Student Self-Guided Tutorials
The Mystery Sensor Project
A warmup for the Fridge Project that helps get oriented to Bluetooth sensors.
The Fridge Project
Collect light and temperature data by putting the Micro:bit inside your refrigerator. Monitor your data anywhere with the dashboard app.
Teacher Materials
All resources are in Google Drive.
Special hardware requirements: Requires a Micro:bit. For best results, use Micro:bit models V2 and newer. You can check the device version by looking at the lower left corner of the back.
More units for the classroom: Data Science · The Internet of Things · Teach with App Inventor