Welcome to our exploration of smart gardens! Today, we'll learn about input and output devices, how plants sense the world, and how we can use technology to help them grow!
CO
by Colleen O'Rourke
What Are Input and Output Devices?
Input Devices
Input devices collect information from the world around us. Just like our five senses, they help us gather information to understand the world!
Output Devices
Output devices show us or tell us information. They take the data collected by input devices and present it to us, allowing us to see and understand what's happening.
Digital Systems in Our Daily Lives
1
Collecting Information
Digital systems help us gather information about the world around us, like a thermometer measuring temperature or a camera capturing a picture.
2
Processing Data
Digital systems take this information and process it, turning raw data into useful insights that we can understand and act upon.
3
Showing Results
Digital systems display this processed information back to us in a variety of ways, whether it's a screen showing a picture, a speaker playing music, or a printer printing a document.
Meet the Micro:bit
Temperature
The Micro:bit can sense the temperature around it, just like a thermometer.
Light
It can also detect light, just like our eyes!
Display
It can show numbers and patterns on its built-in display, much like a screen.
Movement
It can even react to movement, like a sensor that knows when you shake it!
How Plants Sense Their World
1
2
3
1
Light
Plants can feel light, just like our eyes, and they use it to grow towards the sun!
2
Water
They can detect water, using their roots to find moisture in the soil.
3
Temperature
Plants are sensitive to temperature and can adjust their growth to different conditions.
Digital Sensors vs. Plant Sensors
Digital Sensors
Give exact numbers
Work instantly
Need power to function
Plant Sensors
Respond slowly over time
Work naturally, powered by sunlight
Not as precise as digital sensors
Collecting Data with Micro:bit
1
Step 1
Take the Micro:bit outside to a sunny spot!
2
Step 2
Use the Micro:bit to record the light levels in the spot you chose.
3
Step 3
Write down the numbers that the Micro:bit shows for the light level.
4
Step 4
Compare the light levels in different spots and see how they vary!
Plant Experiments
1
2
3
1
Light
Place a plant in a sunny spot and see how it turns towards the light source.
2
Water
Observe how plants respond to different levels of watering and how they grow in different conditions.
3
Conditions
Try growing plants in different places and compare their growth and development.
Making Data Maps
1
Input
Sensors collect information from the world around us.
2
Processing
The information is then processed and analyzed.
3
Output
Finally, the results are displayed or communicated.
Smart Garden Components
1
Sensors
Sensors collect information about light, moisture, and temperature.
2
Processing
A computer processes the information and makes decisions.
3
Output
The computer controls devices like water pumps and displays.