SENSE IT Curriculum Overview

SENSE IT is comprised of four modules which can be inserted into any standard STEM course (such as mathematics, chemistry, general science, physics, environmental science, and computer science). The Sensor development (Module 1) requires students to design and construct temperature sensors. Students use a multimeter to measure sensor output and devise experiments to estimate the accuracy, repeatability and sensitivity of their devices. The Sensor deployment and data gathering (Module 2) requires students to integrate their sensors (temperature, turbidity, conductivity or depth) with a microprocessor (LEGO NXT programmable brick), and write simple programs to gather, analyze and transmit sensed environmental data. Students then deploy their sensor system to make measurements of their local environment. They then plot and analyze these data. Students are required to consider optimal sensor placement issues. The Sharing data across observatories (Module 3) provides an overarching framework for all the modules by exposing students to the burgeoning field of environmental observatories, and the ongoing transformation in environmental sensing (from the discrete sampling methods of the past to the continuous, in situ monitoring methods that are now emerging in the field). The Water quality investigation (Module 4) requires students to investigate various water quality parameters and assess the quality and overall health of the local river, lake or stream. After gathering a discrete data set, they investigate potential water quality issues in their region.