i2E Sustainable Farming
Build a micro greenhouse, code a micro:bit to monitor and control conditions, and grow microgreens – an insight into sustainable farming.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
With a sustainability focus, secondary students explore the impact of traditional food production models and climate change on biodiversity in Wales.
They explore urban farming and controlled environment farming as alternatives with advantages for food security and sustainability more broadly.
Students are encouraged to think about how the choices they make directly impact the world around them. They also consider how technology, in the form of controlled environment farming, can bring about new ideas and new approaches.
Students are introduced to microgreens as an increasingly popular crop choice that is particularly suited to anything from a windowsill to large scale commercial production. The microgreens are fast growing, allowing them to witness the full growing cycle from seed to plate in 7 to 10 days.
Students assemble the physical indoor greenhouse from a kit of parts, fitting it with various electronic components. They use Microsoft MakeCode to block code sensors and actuators. This allows them to collect environmental data whilst their greenhouse automatically responds to the needs of their crop. The data collection system students code will record data from selected sensors throughout the cycle, making the data available for further statistical analysis.
Throughout the workshop students are assigned roles within their teams. This encourages them to think about their skills and how these might relate to future career aspirations or opportunities in STEM.
Location and cost
Available to classes of 5 to 30 students, in secondary schools in Wales.
£749.
Details
- School subject
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- Chemistry
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Curriculum links
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- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Design
- Group size
- Small groups
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Multi-session - flexible
- Cost
- Cost applies
- Location
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In-school
- Blaenau Gwent
- Bridgend
- Caerphilly
- Cardiff
- Carmarthenshire
- Conwy
- Flintshire
- Gwynedd
- Isle of Anglesey
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Monmouthshire
- Neath Port Talbot
- Newport
- Pembrokeshire
- Powys
- Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Swansea
- The Vale of Glamorgan
- Torfaen
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Wrexham
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Learning what the engineering workplace is like
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
- Investigate and Explore
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
