Smart plant pots 2 (Year 9 Digital Design)

  • SOI: Social entrepreneurs can innovate and influence communities.
  • Key concept: Communities
  • Related concept: Innovation
  • Context: Fairness and development (social entrepreneurs)
  • Technology: ESP32, MicroPython, Pump, Moisture sensor, Temperature sensor, Wifi, IoT

Use your social entrepreneurial skills to construct an innovative, smart pot planter to nurture your plants.


Criterion C: Creating the solution

1-2

  • I showed only a little skill when building or coding my system.
  • My system doesn’t work properly or is incomplete.
  • I didn’t really plan out my steps.

3-4

  • I made a plan, but it was missing details or hard to follow.
  • I built a basic system that works a little bit, but not fully.
  • I used some coding and wiring skills, but had difficulty.
  • I briefly said what I changed during the project.

5-6

  • I created a clear step-by-step plan that most people could follow.
  • I used good skills to wire and code my system.
  • My system works the way I planned and is put together neatly.
  • I explained the changes I made and why I made them.

7-8

  • I created a well-organized and realistic plan that shows how I used my time and materials efficiently.
  • I used excellent skills to build and program my system.
  • I followed my plan carefully and built a smart plant pot that works well and looks professional.
  • I clearly explained the changes I made as I worked and gave good reasons for them

Self and peer asseessment checklist

  • I created a clear step-by-step plan for building and coding my smart pot plant.
  • My plan includes what I will do, when I will do it, and what materials or tools I’ll need.
  • My plan is easy to follow and could be used by someone else to build a similar system.
  • I connected the hardware (moisture sensor, pump, ESP32, etc.) correctly and safely.
  • I wrote working MicroPython code that controls the system based on sensor readings.
  • I tested my system regularly and fixed any technical problems I found.
  • I followed my plan closely and made sure my system works as intended.
  • My smart pot automatically waters the plant and sends updates to a phone or app.
  • I documented any changes I made to my original plan or design.
  • I clearly explained why I made those changes and how they helped improve the system.

Criterion D: Evaluating

1-2

  • I described a simple test to check if my system works.
  • I said whether my system was successful or not, but didn’t explain much.

3-4

  • I used a test that gave me useful data (like moisture levels or notifications).
  • I compared my results to my original goals and said how successful it was.
  • I listed some ways I could improve my system.
  • I briefly said how my system might help someone or make a difference.

5-6

  • I used a few good tests to collect data that showed if my system worked.
  • I described in detail how successful it was based on the results.
  • I explained some good ideas for how to improve it.
  • I described how my system could help the user or the environment.

7-8

  • I used strong and detailed testing methods that gave accurate results (e.g. moisture logs, watering times, notifications).
  • I explained clearly how well my system met the goals using the data.
  • I gave thoughtful and realistic suggestions to improve the system.
  • I explained how my system could make a positive difference for people and the environment.

Self and peer asseessment checklist

  • I created a good set of tests to check if my system works as expected.
  • I collected useful data from my tests (e.g. sensor readings, watering times, notifications).
  • I used my test results to check how well my system met the original goals and design.
  • I explained clearly what worked well and what could be better.
  • I suggested realistic ways to improve my system (e.g. better design, smarter code, more efficient watering).
  • I explained how my smart plant pot helps the user (e.g. saves time, makes plant care easier).
  • I explained how my system supports sustainability (e.g. saves water, promotes greenery at home or school).
  • I thought about how this type of system could help other people or the environment in the real world

Schedule

Lesson 1 - Unit Launch + Big Ideas

Lesson 2 - Intro to ESP32 + IDE setup

Lesson 3 - Python Basics 1

Lesson 4 - Python Basics 2

Lesson 5 - Python Basics 3

Lesson 6 - Python Basics 4

Lesson 7 - Components Overview

Lesson 8 - Wiring & Testing

Lesson 9 & 10 - Mounting in Pot

Lesson 11 & 12 - Full System Code

Lesson 13 - Adding IoT

Lesson 14 - Testing & Debugging

Lesson 15 - Peer Testing Day

Lesson 16 & 17 - Dragon’s den pitch

Lesson 18 - Reflection

Lesson 19 - Finalise all ARR


Copyright © Paul Baumgarten.