I agree with Jack, doing games or simulations allow you to closely relate science to programming.
While some games look simple, there are a lot of interesting software implementations going on.
I used to follow Game sites just to see how they implemented various problems. I then took that information back and updated some of our simulators to add faster response times to our interactive interfaces.
You can really learn a lot by understanding how some of these games work.
A video game teaches all the components of real time embedded programming. Math and geometry for movement, physics for collisions and gravity, statistics for historical operation. Some role playing games can actually pose different puzzles to pull in elements of chemistry, biology, earth sciences, geography, and sociology.
The plan I was thinking of implementing is using components of programming and S.T.E.M. to provide a package for home schooling families.
Unless the teaching parent has a background in engineering or makes a concentrated effort to learn "the stuff". To get satisfactory coverage for math and sciences (and now programming), additional resources (tutors) need to be employed.
I was thinking of providing a step based approach to putting together a database with a modifiable front end that works as a combination personal planner and journal. Going through the basics of how to create a relational database, and how to use SQL to interface to a program. The platform can be simple using a Raspberry Pi, or a complex personal device. The result is a tool that can be used for managing coursework, which can be networked to a central location for turning in papers and grading.
now I understand your interest... You can imagine that it is almost difficult a monthly theme (next August) focused on an event visibile only in a restricted area.
Can you imagine about 500k users there from worldwide to follow thr eclipse?
The suggestion of eclipse, solar, and astronomy related photographic capabilities of the Pi Cam is something that I am working on at the moment. It is a great 8mp camera for the low cost of $25.
I hope to capture some detailed images and video of the eclipse to share with the E14 Community. Unfortunately I live about 100 miles north of the nearest location that would be better suited. The best location will be in an area South of the state of Illinois. The shadow will pass diagonally from the West to East Coast of North America. It will still be a chance to capture a partially obstruted view from where I live. If I had the resources, I would travel to the best photographic point of view. I live near the ocean and hope to log some tidal data as well.
I was worried to have offended you with my considerations. If you read in depth Project14: Monthly Project Competitions About You! you see that one of the key points is it is oriented to all the community members and there are no kit to provide, no limitations nothing at all. As a matter of fact, as far as I know Project 14 aims to be the counterpart of the challenges where there are specific limitations, products to use etc. as well as the road tests and both are sponsored. At least this is my interpretation based on what I read. As both of your ideas sounds very interesting to me (at least one of the two are something I'd like to participate) I think that we should try to modulate them a while to make Project14 compliant
The case of the eclipse is easy to generalise as it is almost obvious is the occasion to invite all to create something around the eclipse.
The other "Capturing video and taking photographs with the 8MP Raspberry Pi Camera v2" you mention instead should become something like "Image capture", or "Video Photography for makers" or something similar. I mean, for example that this opens the possibility leaving untouched the original idea; but also a project that makes gesture recognition with a 2$ webcam and an Arduino can win.
BTW tariq.ahmad that is the mind of Project14 can explain you better what I mean.
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