Testing the Health of Rivers Using a Microcontroller & Large Datasets
World Maker Faire 2017
MAKERS
Willy Kjellstrom
Willy Kjellstrom is an educator who helps teachers and students use technology in meaningful ways. His passions include MakerEd and the ways in which hands-on learning experiences impact young learners' understanding of STEM subject areas. When he is not working with schools, Willy enjoys reading and tinkering with electronics. He is currently finishing his PhD at the University of Virginia.
Chris Stanek
Chris Stanek is an Earth and Environmental Science Teacher at Monticello High School. He infuses technology, beekeeping and authentic experiences into his classroom.
Schedule:
Saturday, September 23
Zone 3 - MAKE: Education1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Learn about a high school project that used a microcontroller, sensors, and homemade housing to autonomously test the chemical composition of a local river. Attendees will leave the presentation knowing how to replicate the project as well as the importance of citizen science and large datasets.
What inspired you to begin investigating your topic or inspired you to make your project?:
This project arose out of interest in examining local waterways and their relative health. Students became concerned about the rivers and streams after watching national media coverage of the Flint, MI water crisis, and one of the high school teachers decided to make it a large focus of his environmental science curriculum. The water testing station that we developed was a feasible solution to study whether or not local waterways were polluted or not.
