Physical Computing and Nature - TC meeting

If you were unable to join us for the CAS thematic community meeting on physical computing and its application in climate change education, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the highlights and key takeaways below.

Key Takeaways

• Cross-Curricular Integration: Physical computing can bring together computer science, science, geography, and maths to address real-world issues like climate change.
• Practical Skills Development: Hands-on projects, such as measuring carbon storage in trees, make abstract concepts tangible and engaging.
• AI in Education: Tools like Teachable Machine empower students to develop simple AI models for environmental monitoring.
• Student-Centered Learning: Encouraging students to design and implement their solutions fosters critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Community Impact: Physical computing projects can extend beyond the classroom, promoting sustainability and engaging the wider community.

Led by Michael Jones, this engaging session explored how physical computing can connect technology with real-world climate change challenges. Michael began by highlighting the versatility of physical computing, using examples from his work with students on environmental projects. From monitoring beehives to calculating the carbon stored in school trees, these activities demonstrate how technology can make climate education actionable and impactful.

Michael’s emphasis on cross-curricular integration was a central theme. By incorporating physics, biology, and maths into computer science lessons, educators can break down traditional silos and provide a holistic learning experience. A prime example was the ACT (Avoid Climate Trauma) initiative, where students used sensors and coding to measure carbon storage in trees, fostering discussions on sustainability and data analysis.

Michael shared a range of practical activities to inspire educators, such as:

• Tree Carbon Calculations: Students measured tree circumferences and applied formulas to estimate carbon storage. Activities like this demonstrate the relevance of trigonometry and physics in real-world contexts.
• Beehive Monitoring: By deploying sensors to track humidity and temperature, students learned about data representation while addressing environmental concerns.
• AI Projects with Teachable Machine: Students trained AI models to identify plastics in the ocean, integrating digital literacy and environmental awareness.

These projects showcased how physical computing can foster a sense of responsibility and innovation among students. Michael’s focus on humanistic principles—ensuring students understand the ethical implications of their actions—further enriched the discussion.