High School Grade  Project 1 week

GrowBot: The Auto-Watering Adventure!

Lucia Lee
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in a hands-on learning experience where they design and program an auto-watering machine. Through this project, students will explore the essential elements of plant growth, such as nutrients and water cycling, while integrating AI programming skills. By collaborating with peers and community partners, students will apply real-world problem-solving techniques and showcase their innovations to parents and the school community.

Learning goals

Students will explore the essential elements of plant growth, including nutrient requirements and water cycling, through the design and programming of an auto-watering machine. They will develop skills in AI programming and circuitry by connecting wires and using a clipboard to create a functional prototype. The project encourages collaboration with community partners, such as teachers and peers, to enhance interdisciplinary learning. Students will showcase their understanding through KT board displays, presentations, and modeling, culminating in an exhibition for parents and other students.
Standards
  • NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7: Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

Products

Students will design and program an auto-watering machine tailored to the needs of specific plants, considering factors such as soil moisture levels and plant growth stages. Throughout the project, they will create a detailed KT board display that outlines the plant's nutrient requirements and water cycling process. By the end of the week, students will present their functioning prototypes and a comprehensive presentation to parents and peers, showcasing their understanding of AI programming and plant biology.

Launch

Kick off the project with a hands-on demonstration where students observe a simple auto-watering system in action. Invite a local horticulturist to discuss the essentials of plant growth, emphasizing the role of water and nutrients. Follow this with an interactive session led by a computer science teacher to introduce basic AI programming concepts. Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for their own auto-watering systems, considering what they've learned about plant needs and programming.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their auto-watering machines at a school-wide exhibition attended by parents and peers. They will present their projects, highlighting the integration of plant science, programming, and engineering concepts. Interactive stations will allow attendees to see the machines in action, demonstrating how they maintain optimal plant growth conditions. Students will also share their learning journey through visual displays and models, inviting feedback and questions from the audience.