Getting Started
As part of the Living Space project, students will collect, record, and upload data on the environmental conditions in their classroom into a national dataset. Before beginning the project with your students, decide which Data Collection Method you will leverage with your class. We have outlined steps for three different Data Collection Methods - Common Devices, Air Quality Monitor, and Micro:bit and COZIR sensor.
The Living Space project has been created to provide a meaningful, hands-on inquiry learning experience regardless of which Data Collection Method is selected.The minimum requirement for data entry is collecting classroom temperature (°C) readings, while relative humidity (%) and carbon dioxide (PPM) readings are optional.
1. Common Devices (No Coding)
This Data Collection Method does not require any coding. You are encouraged to make use of existing environmental measurement tool(s) that you may have access to, such as a thermometer or indoor humidity monitor (hygrometer).
At minimum, a thermometer is required to measure classroom temperature (°C). A hygrometer and/or carbon dioxide sensor would also be required if measuring relative humidity (%) and carbon dioxide (PPM) levels.
Use the guide below to help you select and source appropriate environmental measurement tool(s):
2. Air Quality Monitor (No Coding)
This Data Collection Method does not require any coding. The recommended Indoor Air Quality Monitor measures five variables but for this project we only need temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and carbon dioxide (PPM). It does not need to be programmed, and is ready-to-use after a few first use operations. It is designed to be durable while providing accurate measurements. It is also possible to use other off-the-shelf Air Quality Monitor devices for these measurements.
Backgrounder - Using Air Quality Monitors, will assist you with Important First Use Instructions, Product Features and Product Manual.
3.Micro:bit & Sensor (Coding)
This Data Collection Method requires coding using MakeCode for micro:bit. Students will need to code the micro:bit and set up the COZIR sensor array, which attaches to the micro:bit using alligator clips, to measure classroom temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and carbon dioxide (PPM). Note: if you only have micro:bits, you can code them to measure classroom temperature.
The following guide, along with step-by-step coding instructions, are provided in the learning materials to help guide the set up of the micro:bit and COZIR sensor.
Keep in mind that while the above Data Collection Methods have been fully defined within the learning materials for this project, you could also use other appropriate environmental measurement tool(s) to measure temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and carbon dioxide (PPM) in the classroom.
If you have further questions or need guidance with the Data Collection Methods for the Living Space project, please feel free to reach out to our team using our Support options.