Craigmore High School Moisture Probe Project
A group of 18 students from Craigmore High School took part in a two-day workshop at UniSA's Mawson Lakes Campus aimed at introducing them to the wonders of electro-technology through problem-based learning.
Stage 1 of the workshop involved the construction of a PIC microchip based moisture probe that detects when a pot plant's soil is dry and sounds an alarm. Students were challenged to return for Stage 2 of the project armed with a water bottle and pump to automate the moisture probe. The students rose to the challenge and at the end of the workshop each of them left clutching a pot plant with a working moisture probe.
The students also enjoyed a tour of the Uni's science facilities, together with copious amounts of pizza, muesli bars, fruit boxes and Freddo Frogs!
The three teachers and the lab assistant who accompanied the group are now armed with the knowledge and resources to enable them to deliver the moisture probe project to other students in their school.
A big vote of thanks goes to Matthew Oxford, Horticultural Services Coordinator at Playford Parks and Open Space, who selected and personally delivered all the pot plants for the students at Craigmore, free of charge, on behalf of The City of Playford.
