Sustainable Solutions: Building a Smart Greenwall for Urban Environments – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects *
Science, Technology
Age Ranges *
14-18,
Fab Tools *
3D Printer, Laser Cutter, Vinyl Cutter, Soldering Irons & Accessories, Computers, Classroom Materials, Hand Tools,
Author
Bernd Maaßen

Author

Bernd Maaßen

Summary

The “Sustainable Solutions: Building a Smart Greenwall for Urban Environments” project integrates renewable energy and urban greening to enhance sustainability education. Students will collaborate across disciplines to design and construct a Greenwall using recycled solar panels and automated watering systems. This hands-on project will deepen their understanding of renewable energy, biodiversity, and the societal benefits of sustainable practices. By working in teams, students will develop technical skills in electronics and programming, alongside soft skills like communication and problem-solving. The project aims to inspire innovative thinking and environmental responsibility among students.

What You'll Need

  1. Materials:
  • Recycled solar panels for renewable energy integration.
  • Structural materials such as wood, cement, and sand for building the Greenwall framework.
  • Plants suitable for vertical gardening to populate the Greenwall.
  • Soil and appropriate planting containers or pockets.
  1. Technical Components:
  • Sensors and actuators for automating the watering system.
  • Microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi) for programming and controlling the system.
  • Wiring and connectors for electrical installations.
  • A robotic mower for maintaining the area around the Greenwall.
  1. Tools and Equipment:
  • Basic carpentry tools for constructing the Greenwall structure.
  • Soldering equipment for electrical connections.
  • Gardening tools for planting and maintenance.
  1. Human Resources:
  • Collaboration with a teacher from another discipline for interdisciplinary insights.
  • Student teams for project planning and execution.
  • Potential partnerships with local experts or organizations for additional support.
  1. Budget and Funding:
  • Financial resources to cover material and equipment costs.
  • Potential sponsorships or grants to support the project.

 

Learning Objectives

  1. Technical Skills:
  • Electronics and Programming: “Students will demonstrate an understanding of renewable energy systems by integrating solar panels into a functional Greenwall project.”
  • Physical Computing: “Students will demonstrate their ability to program and control sensors and actuators by developing an automated watering system for the Greenwall.”
  1. Environmental Science:
  • “Students will understand the impact of urban greening on local biodiversity and microclimate by analyzing data collected from the Greenwall’s environmental sensors.”
  1. Social Studies:
  • “Students will explore the societal benefits of sustainable practices by researching and presenting on the role of renewable energy and urban greening in community development.”
  1. Mathematics:
  • “Students will apply concepts of measurement and scaling by designing and constructing the physical structure of the Greenwall.”
  1. Soft Skills:
  • Collaboration and Communication: “Students will practice collaboration and communication skills by working in interdisciplinary teams to plan and execute the Greenwall project.”
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: “Students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by troubleshooting and iterating on their Greenwall design based on feedback and test results.”

These learning objectives encompass both the technical and social aspects of the project, promoting a comprehensive learning experience.

Reflection

Reflecting on the “Sustainable Solutions: Building a Smart Greenwall for Urban Environments” project, it has been an enriching experience for both students and educators. The interdisciplinary approach allowed students to engage with real-world applications of renewable energy and urban greening. Although the project is still ongoing, significant progress has been made in the design and initial construction phases. The upcoming tasks include the electrical installation of the solar panels, planting of the Greenwall, and integration of the watering system and robotic mower. These remaining steps are crucial for the project’s success and offer further opportunities for students to apply their technical and problem-solving skills. Overall, the project has sparked enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of sustainability among students.

The Instructions

Planning and Design

Define the project's goals and collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to lay the foundation for the Greenwall project.

  • Define Objectives: Clearly outline the learning objectives and expected outcomes for the project.
  • Research and Inspiration: Investigate existing Greenwall and renewable energy projects for ideas.
  • Collaborate: Identify and engage a teacher from another discipline to incorporate interdisciplinary elements.

 

Material Preparation

Gather all necessary materials and technical components required for constructing and operating the Greenwall.

  • Gather Materials: Collect recycled solar panels, wood, cement, sand, plants, soil, and planting containers.
  • Acquire Technical Components: Purchase sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, wiring, and a mower.

 

Construction

Build the physical structure of the Greenwall, ensuring it is sturdy and ready for solar panel installation.

  • Build the Structure: Use carpentry tools to construct the Greenwall framework using wood, cement, and sand.
  • Install Solar Panels: Mount the solar panels securely on the Greenwall to capture sunlight efficiently.

 

Technical Integration

Integrate and program the technical components to automate the Greenwall's functions.

  • Program Microcontrollers: Write and upload code to microcontrollers to manage the sensors and actuators.
  • Set Up Automation: Connect the sensors and actuators to automate the watering system and test functionality.
  • Install Robotic Mower: Set up and program the robotic mower to maintain the area around the Greenwall.

 

Planting

Populate the Greenwall with suitable vegetation and ensure it is properly maintained.

  • Select and Plant Vegetation: Choose appropriate plants and arrange them in the Greenwall’s containers.
  • Ensure Proper Soil and Watering: Use suitable soil and verify that the automated system provides adequate watering.

 

Testing and Iteration

Evaluate the system's performance and make necessary adjustments to optimize functionality.

  • Test Systems: Assess the performance of the solar panels, watering system, and robotic mower.
  • Collect Data: Use environmental sensors to gather data on biodiversity and microclimate changes.
  • Iterate: Adjust the system based on test results and feedback to improve performance.

 

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