Here is the basic concept we have put out for feedback.
The idea: Environmental Analyzer; Portable Data Logger and succinct, accompanying lessons to stimulate use of the device.
Cheap weather stations already exist, as to portable data loggers (anything associated with education is hella expensive), but no open-source, cheap, modular unit exists for educational purposes that puts all this together. Therefore, we want to create an out of the box weather station/environmental analyzer that is also a data logger (Phase 1). Included with the device will be simple lessons (the secondary capabilities in the outline below) such as how to construct a wind-speed sensor (Phase 2). Modular add-ons (again, listed in the outline) would likely require more financial investment, but would allow the user to expand capabilities as desired (Phase 3 - questionable considering time constraints).
Essence: Arduino-ify data-logging for students. Give a basic tool that works out of the box and provides a basis for data collection and analysis, but has the ability to expand to meet desires and curiosities. Data could be output into a spreadsheet (ie Excel) for analysis and visualization purposes.
One big issue we are working on is sourcing the parts. We want to take price, availability, and sustainability into account. We are currently doing research in this area.
Cheap weather stations already exist, as to portable data loggers (anything associated with education is hella expensive), but no open-source, cheap, modular unit exists for educational purposes that puts all this together. Therefore, we want to create an out of the box weather station/environmental analyzer that is also a data logger (Phase 1). Included with the device will be simple lessons (the secondary capabilities in the outline below) such as how to construct a wind-speed sensor (Phase 2). Modular add-ons (again, listed in the outline) would likely require more financial investment, but would allow the user to expand capabilities as desired (Phase 3 - questionable considering time constraints).
Essence: Arduino-ify data-logging for students. Give a basic tool that works out of the box and provides a basis for data collection and analysis, but has the ability to expand to meet desires and curiosities. Data could be output into a spreadsheet (ie Excel) for analysis and visualization purposes.
One big issue we are working on is sourcing the parts. We want to take price, availability, and sustainability into account. We are currently doing research in this area.
Portable data logger; Out of the box Weather Station
1. Core goals
a. Environmental monitoring
b. Data logging
c. Introduction to data analysis
2. Out of box capabilities
a. Temperature
b. Light
c. Humidity
d. Barometer
3. Secondary capabilities
a. Provide a platform for low-cost data logging
b. Air particular measurement
c. Development of sensors for data logging (curriculum plans)
i. Wind/RPMs
ii. Solar
iii. Rain
4. Modular add-ons (???)
a. Solar power
b. Power monitoring
c. Time lapse photography
d. Rechargeable battery
e. PH measurements
Technical Specs
1. Basic components (we are looking into the what parts can be sourced globally)
a. Power source: 5 volts, DC, batteries
b. Microcontroller
c. SD card
d. Sensors
i. Temp sensor
ii. Photo voltaic
iii. Humidity sensor
iv. Barometric pressure sensor
e. display (like a cheap cellphone screen, Nokia??)
2. Containment box – schematic for possible cases (3 variations)
a. 1 liter bottle
b. tupperware-like container