NXT Temperature Sensors
Through its partnerships with Harvard Forest and the Nashua River Watershed Association, J.R. Briggs Elementary School has a strong environmental science program in place. The NXT Temperature Sensors project would allow us to combine environmental education with the school’s growing robotics program, thus creating opportunities for students to grapple with real-world scientific questions and engage in high-level critical thinking. The NXT comes with data logging capabilities and a light sensor that we have already used to create fifth grade lessons where students compare habitats on our school nature trail. Purchasing a classroom set of temperature sensors would allow us to expand the types of data students can collect, graph and analyze. Fourth grade students will use the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, data logging software, and temperature sensors to collect temperature data in different seasons around the schoolyard and on the nature trail. Fifth grade students will use the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, data logging software, and temperature sensors to collect temperature data in different habitats around the schoolyard and on the nature trail. Fourth and fifth grade students will use the data logging software to graph and analyze their data. Fourth and fifth grade students will use presentation and publishing software to share their results and conclusions. Fifth grade students will design and program a rover that includes sensors for navigating and collecting science data on the surface of Mars.
Grant Year: 2011-2012
Grant Recipients: Gretchen Smith, Kate Bennett, Kellie Robichaud, Tiffany Davis
Receiving Schools: J.R. Briggs Elementary School