Greenhouse goals: cultivating climate awareness in schools
The extreme weather caused by climate change is having a profound impact on our environment, with the agricultural sector really feeling the heat. Record-breaking temperatures and severe flooding are making it harder to produce enough crops to meet the global food demand.
The good news is farmers are fighting back with some seriously cool innovations! Enter smart greenhouses: tech-savvy structures equipped with sensors and communication systems that optimize plant growth. These marvels of modern agriculture constantly monitor and adjust heat, humidity, and light, creating the perfect microclimate for crops. Some even come with their own solar panels and automated irrigation systems!
It means that no matter the weather, farmers can grow nutrient-rich crops that will flourish year-round. Plus, smart farming solutions also reduce the carbon footprint of food production, making them a vital tool in the global mission to reach net zero.
The role of education in the fight against climate change
Of course, innovations like smart greenhouses don’t just happen by magic. If we want to develop more cutting-edge solutions to tackle climate change, education is key. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
Teaching kids about climate change and sustainability is crucial for several reasons:
- Awareness and understanding: Educating children helps them understand the science behind climate change and its impacts on the planet
- Empowerment: Knowledge empowers students to make informed decisions and take action in their daily lives to reduce their carbon footprint
- Innovation: Exposure to sustainable practices can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and policymakers who will drive future innovations
- Responsibility: Instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment encourages students to become proactive citizens who advocate for sustainable practices.
Still not convinced? A report by Stanford University found that teaching this subject benefits students from nursery school through high school, with 83% of pupils improving their environmental behavior as a direct result.
But there’s a sticking point: research by UNESCO suggests one in four teachers does not feel prepared to teach themes related to sustainability and climate change. This statistic is concerning, given the clear benefits that climate education brings to the table.
How Arduino tools can support your sustainability lessons
To teach concepts around climate change and sustainability effectively, educators need the right tools and systems in place. The good news is we’ve got you covered with our user-friendly educational kits and courses.
Arduino Greenhouse Kit
Arduino’s popular Greenhouse Kit allows students to develop their own unique solutions to urban farming challenges and get an in-depth understanding of real-world issues. Designed for K-12, the kit contains everything you need to control the greenhouse and collect, monitor and analyze data from the different sensors (light, humidity, temperature, moisture, CO2, etc).
The included middle school and high school-tailored lesson plans make it easier than ever for teachers to introduce students to the basics of smart agriculture and digital control, while giving them the knowledge they need to build a more sustainable future.
Arduino Explore IoT Kit
Advanced high school and college students can push their skills even further with the Arduino Explore IoT Kit Rev2, which enables them to create their own connected devices quickly and easily.
In addition to giving students a comprehensive understanding of the Internet of Things, the kit has been designed to encourage young people to think about solving global sustainability challenges. Specifically, students are taught design thinking methods that help them develop their own unique solutions to challenges such as urban farming, health monitoring, and water and waste conservation.
For example, high school students at White Mountains Regional High School in New Hampshire, US, have recently collaborated to build this awesome internet-connected greenhouse. Powered by the Arduino Cloud and the Arduino Explore IoT Kit, the greenhouse now automatically takes care of the plants the students grow throughout the year - bringing an end to those dreaded weekend watering duties!
Ready to inspire the next generation of climate-savvy innovators? Explore
to discover how we can support your sustainability lessons and give young people the skills and understanding they need to help combat climate change.