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P-Bit V3:
An IoT-Based Educational Tool
for Climate and Environmental Science
What is the P-Bit?
The P-Bit is an innovative educational device designed to empower students in climate and environmental education through hands-on experimentation. Built around the versatile ESP32 microcontroller, the P-Bit provides a powerful IoT-enabled platform, allowing students to explore and collect real-time environmental data. This device is perfect for schools, maker spaces, and DIY environmental projects, offering a robust introduction to climate science, IoT, and data collection.
Key Features and Components
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ESP32 Microcontroller: At its core, the P-Bit runs on an ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4, enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for data sharing and remote monitoring.
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Onboard Sensors:
- DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor: With a range of 0-50°C and humidity from 20% to 90%, ideal for monitoring local microclimates.
- LDR (Light Dependent Resistor): Measures ambient light levels, perfect for photosynthesis and daylight studies.
- Microphone: Captures sound levels, providing insight into noise pollution and environmental health.
- RGB LED and TFT Display: Interactive feedback for users, with colour-coded visualizations of data and easy navigation.
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User-Friendly Controls:
- On/Off Button: Simple power control, preserving battery life.
- Rotary Encoder: Allows users to switch between different sensors and experiment modes directly on the device.
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Expandable with Crowtail Sensors: The P-Bit is compatible with all Elecrow “Crowtail” sensors, thanks to its 3 GPIO and 3 I2C colour-coded connectors. This feature allows users to easily integrate various Crowtail modules, such as:
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- DS18B20 Digital Thermometer: Ideal for precision temperature measurements in liquids or outdoor settings.
- Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor: Excellent for projects related to sustainable agriculture or plant care.
- Air Quality and CO2 Sensors: Perfect for indoor air quality analysis, introducing concepts of pollution and ventilation.
- pH and Color Sensors: Expandable for water quality and soil chemistry tests, giving students a wider range of environmental data to work with.
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3D-Printed, Customizable Housing: The P-Bit’s casing is 3D-printed, making it easy to personalize with different colours or replace parts as needed. This design emphasizes sustainability by making it repairable and adaptable to different student projects.
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Battery-Powered and Portable: The P-Bit runs on 4 AAA batteries, making it portable and ideal for both indoor and outdoor experiments.
Engaging Environmental Projects with the P-Bit
The P-Bit provides an open-ended platform for countless environmental science projects. Here are a few ideas:
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Microclimate Monitoring: Analyze temperature, humidity, and light in different locations to study local climate variations, introducing students to microclimates.
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Soil and Plant Health Tracking: Connect soil moisture and pH sensors to monitor plant growth in school gardens, teaching students about sustainable gardening and resource use.
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Air Quality Testing: Using CO2 and air quality sensors, measure indoor and outdoor air conditions. This project makes air pollution tangible, teaching students the importance of air quality for health.
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Noise Pollution Studies: Measure sound levels in various environments and assess the impact of noise pollution on health and well-being.
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Composting Control: Track temperature and humidity in compost bins to optimize decomposition, providing hands-on experience in waste management and sustainability.
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Photosynthesis and Light Intensity: Experiment with different light sources and observe how plants respond to light, exploring photosynthesis and plant biology.
And much more!
Find more information about the previous version of the P-Bit and our other project at https://www.powarsteam.com
