Bridging the Gap: STEM Education and Health Empowerment for the Young Generation

sunnyiut

31 Oct 2023

Title:

Bridging the Gap: STEM Education and Health Empowerment for the Young Generation

By: Md. Kamrul Hussain

Project Category: Design Challenge

Project Name: Little Free STEM Library

Post no.: 01 - Project Idea

*I am totally new with the idea of Little Free STEM library. When I came to know about it, I found it fascinating.

**I am really surprised to see lack of response regarding this design challenge. I hoped there would be more activities.

***I have used CHATGPT generated texts in some parts, I hope that's OK with this kind of blog posts, right? :-)

My Idea and goal –

While my initial encounter with the concept of a Little Free Library was relatively recent, the prospect of designing a smart version that incorporates vital health readings has captivated my imagination. With the project's time constraints in mind, I am determined to develop a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility and potential impact of this innovative concept.

My primary goal in designing a smart STEM Little Free Library that integrates vital health readings is to pioneer an innovative approach to education and healthcare accessibility.

Features included in the design of the Little Free Library –

RFID cards / tags integration
Health Monitoring System – Temperature, Heart Rate & Oxygen Saturation
Automatic Door Access with Electronic Solenoid Lock
Sustainable [Solar] Power System for rural locations

Process involved –

My primary target is to design based on school premises and students.

In short, Students who will be interested will be given RFID tags. Using this tag the library power will be turned on but the door will not be open. Once the student puts his / her finger on the SPO2 sensor, body temperature, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation will be measured and logged into a local storage [SD card] maintaining proper database with date, time and ID. And then the door will be open and the student will get the access. The overall system will be powered by a solar panel and battery.

That’s the primary prototype, later on I’ll work other vital sensors, display and cloud integration in future.

Little free library by Ai basic design layout

Sample Design generated by Ai [FOTOR] Basic drawing of the proposed design

Time constrain –

The timeline is ending soon for this design challenge. However, I am not only intending for a short time project. This time, I am quite fueled by my passion for fostering STEM in my localities and I am optimist with the impact of such initiative. Therefore, I’ll carry on despite of the timeline and will try to foster this idea to make it a fully functional system. I’ll also post updates of my journey time to time.

My Motivation –

Embracing the spirit of open collaboration and community-driven innovation within the Element14 platform, I am eager to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding STEM. I aim to create a transformative solution that addresses the critical need for interactive learning and health awareness among young minds in Third world countries like Bangladesh.

Observing the minimal response to the open design challenge, I find myself increasingly motivated to delve into this unexplored territory, driven by the belief that this initiative has the potential to make a substantial impact in the realm of education and public health.

Prospect of STEM and Little Free Library in third world countries –

In Bangladesh and other third world countries, where the education system struggles with inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of skilled educators, the need for innovative solutions to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among the youth is more pressing than ever. This deficiency has led to a significant gap in the foundational understanding of STEM subjects among students, impeding their ability to compete on a global scale.

However, the establishment of STEM Little Free Libraries can be a transformative step in bridging this gap. These libraries can serve as accessible hubs of knowledge and inspiration, offering a diverse array of STEM-focused books, resources, and interactive activities tailored to the inquisitive minds of children aged 9 to 14. By providing easy access to engaging materials, these libraries can implant a love for learning and exploration, nurturing the curiosity that often fuels a lifelong passion for STEM disciplines.

A bonus would the regular basic health monitoring system which will impact more in the sector of personal well-being awareness.

Project description –

In the pursuit of fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students, the integration of innovative technologies within educational spaces is crucial. With the design of a cutting-edge STEM Little Free Library for schools, the convergence of learning and health monitoring capabilities can revolutionize the educational experience for young minds. This visionary approach not only promotes free access to STEM resources but also empowers students to monitor their basic health vital information, creating a holistic learning environment that prioritizes both intellectual and physical well-being.

RFID Card or Tags Integration:

The first cornerstone of this design lies in the implementation of RFID card or tags, utilizing the MFRC522 and Arduino NANO. This feature enables secure access to the STEM Little Free Library, ensuring that only authorized users, such as students and teachers, can utilize its resources. By punching the RFID card or tag, students can initiate the library's power system, and health monitoring system. It doesn’t give the access to the library yet.

RC522-with-Arduino

Image taken from lastminuteengineers.com

Health Monitoring System:

To enhance the educational experience and promote health awareness, an Arduino and MAX30102 SPO2 sensor are integrated into the library. This advanced sensor is capable of measuring heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to understand the basics of vital sign monitoring. When students interact with the sensor, the results are displayed on a small TFT display, allowing them to observe their physiological data in real time. Additionally, the data is stored within a micro SD card, enabling educators to track and analyze students' health trends over time. Upon completing the health checkup, the user gets access to the library.

MAX 30102

Image taken from lastminuteengineers.com

Automatic Door Access with Electronic Solenoid Lock:

The seamless accessibility of the STEM Little Free Library is facilitated by an electronic solenoid lock, ensuring that the library door opens automatically upon successful RFID card or tag verification and health data acquisition. This user-friendly feature encourages students to engage with the library's resources effortlessly.

Image taken from martyncurrey.com

Sustainable Power System:

To maintain the operational integrity of the library, a sustainable power system comprising small solar panels and a lithium-ion battery is incorporated.

This eco-friendly approach not only reduces the environmental footprint but also ensures uninterrupted access to the library's interactive features, regardless of external power grid limitations.

Educational and Health Benefits:

This holistic approach not only equips students with foundational knowledge in STEM subjects but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards their personal health. By promoting an environment where learning and health awareness intersect, the STEM Little Free Library empowers students to become informed, inquisitive, and health-conscious individuals, laying the groundwork for a future generation of well-rounded, healthy and knowledgeable citizens.

Technical details –

There will be update on the details of the technical approach with circuit diagram, drawing and code in a separate blog post.

Special mention: I have found lastminuteengineers.com tutorials very helpful for this project. I’ll use images and code snippets from their website in my technical details.

https://lastminuteengineers.com/how-rfid-works-rc522-arduino-tutorial/

https://lastminuteengineers.com/max30102-pulse-oximeter-heart-rate-sensor-arduino-tutorial/

Future work –

Single LEAD ECG:

In its future iterations, the STEM Little Free Library project can be further enhanced by incorporating a single lead ECG system utilizing the AD8232 module.

This addition will significantly broaden the health monitoring capabilities of the library, allowing for the diagnosis of various cardiac conditions, including arrhythmia.

Moreover, future improvements to this system could involve the implementation of advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms, enabling the library to provide more nuanced and accurate insights into cardiac health.

AD8232 Image taken from sparkfun.com

Cloud Integration and Telemedicine:

The inclusion of a data transmission feature, facilitating the sending of health data to the cloud for telemedicine purposes, represents a critical advancement in the STEM Little Free Library's potential to impact communities, particularly in rural areas of Bangladesh where access to comprehensive medical support is often limited.

This technology facilitates timely and informed decision-making, allowing healthcare providers to remotely monitor students' health trends, identify potential risks, and recommend appropriate interventions.

Conclusion –

Through this transformative integration, the STEM Little Free Library surpasses its role as a mere educational resource, bridging the gap between limited healthcare access and providing an alternative path of minimal medical support in under-served communities.

However, my ultimate vision extends beyond the prototype phase, as I seek to establish fully functional smart libraries in various schools in my localities, aiming to bridge the gap in educational resources and promote health awareness among the youth.

However, challenges such as limited funding, logistical constraints, and ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives must be carefully considered and addressed. Despite the obstacles, the impact of these libraries can be profound. By sparking the interest of young minds at an early age.

UPDATE:

I couldn't manage to post an update. It takes time to write up the details.
However, I have worked on the electronics part. Need to integrate everything.

I have worked on the prototype build too, let's say the basic structure is getting into a shape.

For, now on I am sharing just an image of the structure. Hope to post a detail update soon...