Starting A Scientific Computing Club

[ebmiller21]

Hey all!
I am starting a scientific computing club at my middle school. And since it is a brand new club, funding is not happening but I do have a chance to write a grant for about $300 worth of sensors/probes etc.

I am new to the whole world of programming and using the equipment but have been taking classes and messing around with some sensors. The club is going to focus on Python but I was looking for some advice on sensors that would be approachable by Middle School kids to use and then compute the data.

We were lucky enough to have some sensors and after modifying their code a bit, ran them through Thonny and Mu. The kids then took that data (mainly environmental sensors) and were able to crunch through it using some code.

Any suggestions?

[Franklin97355]

You might consider the Circuit Playground. It has built-in lights and sensors and can be programmed with MakeCode, CircuitPython, and Arduino code.

[seasidemotors]

How fun is this? I am surprised there hasn't been more engagement here.

There is the typical weather type environmental sensors that it sounds like you already have. Some other ideas might be in soil moisture meters and perhaps water flow rate meters, more in the earth environmental realm. (gardening topics can lead to basic biology teachings)

Sound is another good one, measuring loudness in dB, or showing AC sound waves from a microphone or music on a lab scope. Although that might be cost prohibitive, you could reach out and ask for donations from manufactures or scientific related business's that often auction off or donate older equipment that has fallen out of calibration or obsolete for their specific purposes.

Perhaps teaching basic electronics as well, ohms law, how to use a basic multimeter and taking basic measurement of low voltage, current, resistance. What is a resistor, a capacitor, inductor, diodes, transistors, etc.

Anyways those are just a couple topics that came to mind, best of luck with the program. And kudos for taking the initiative to make such a program available to your students!

[Aa4sh]

Are you might also consider:
A) BBC Micro Bit
B) Elecfreaks Pico Ed
Both support Microsoft Make Code block coding, Ciruit Python & I believe Micro Python.