Ecobits Explorers: Environmental Data Collection and Analysis using Micro:bits
Students collect and analyze real-world environmental data using micro:bits, connecting local patterns to global climate insights through hands-on research.
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- Ecobits Explorers: Environmental Data Collection and Analysis using Micro:bits
Age:
Approximate Total Time: 4-5 hours
Summary:
Students become environmental scientists as they use micro:bits and sensors to collect, visualize, and interpret real-world ecological data. Over six hands-on lessons, they design and conduct investigations that connect local conditions—such as temperature, light, and soil moisture- to global climate trends. By coding data collection systems and building their own mobile data dashboards, students strengthen their understanding of data science, environmental systems, and responsible technology use.
Lesson Flow
Lesson 1 – Getting Started with Sensors (45–60 min)
Students set up their micro:bits with environmental sensors and preview live data. They discuss what each sensor measures and brainstorm how data can reveal patterns in nature.
Lesson 2 – Exploring Environmental Data (45 min)
Through group analysis and the “Slow Reveal Graphs” routine, students explore example datasets to understand how environmental data can uncover trends and support inquiry.
Lesson 3 – Designing a Data Investigation (45–60 min)
Teams select a research question, plan an investigation, and use MIT App Inventor to create a system that logs micro:bit data automatically into Google Sheets.
Lesson 4 – Building a Data Dashboard (60 min)
Students design a mobile “Data Dashboard” app to visualize sensor readings, experimenting with different graph types and learning how data visualization communicates meaning.
Lesson 5 – Analyzing and Presenting Findings (45 min)
Teams import their datasets, refine visualizations, and present findings. They focus on storytelling through data and explaining what their evidence reveals about the environment.
Lesson 6 – Connecting Local and Global Climate Data (45 min)
Students compare their local data with global climate records and reflect on how small-scale measurements connect to large-scale environmental systems. The unit ends with a discussion on the role of technology in sustainability.