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By William N. Van Zyl
Published 20 July 2024
Are you looking for innovative ways to improve high school students’ data analysis and chart interpretation abilities? Look no further. As an experienced secondary school Technology teacher, I’d like to share my research project with you.
At the end of this article, I include how you can monitor the temperature via ThingSpeak (free IoT platform) with simulation software TinkerCad (free – virtual circuits – drag and drop). You only need your computer and a WiFi connection – that is all you need! No need for any hardware. This means you can create a virtual temperature sensor with TinkerCad and see the temperature fluctuations on ThingSpeak (everything is free). Complete instructions in a video at the end.
Innovative teaching methods, integrating technology, and developing practical, innovative activities are essential for improving students’ data analysis and chart interpretation skills. Targeting a 17-year-old secondary school cohort, this action research study leverages a mini-greenhouse linked to aquaponics, utilising a Microbit and Arduino Uno within an IoT framework (ThingSpeak) alongside tools like Minecraft Education. Within an Action Research framework, these elements were combined to investigate and research hands-on eSTEM & STREAM projects, assessments, debates, architectural design tasks, and other creative challenges. The focus was to develop students’ interpretation skills. The study showed the positive impact of these methods on students’ critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, emphasising real-life applications and cultural responsiveness. It also highlighted how matrix development could be used to assess students’ work more effectively.
Table of Contents
Keywords:
Mini-greenhouse, chart interpretation skills, data interpretation skills, Arduino Uno, Microbit, Internet of Things, IoT, ThingSpeak (website), Smart Science Kit, Sustainable Vertical Skyfarm Design, STEM, eSTEM, STREAM, coding, python, C++, Action Research, solving real-life problems, collaboration, critical thinking, innovation, social innovation, social entrepreneurship, cultural responsiveness, leadership, sustainable architecture, digital literacy, digital capability
During the research exploring the connections between social innovation and social entrepreneurship, data supported the idea that developing data/chart interpretation skills lead to more comprehensive and integrated learning experiences (Smith, 2022). This could involve incorporating business studies, economics, and accounting into creative and innovative lesson plans, prioritising sustainable practices, and identifying future research gaps.
The increasing importance of data literacy in education necessitates innovative approaches to teaching data analysis and chart interpretation. This study hypothesises that combining hands-on activities, assessments, and creative tasks in a STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and eSTEM (enhanced STEM) context will significantly enhance students’ abilities to solve real-world problems, develop collaboration skills, and improve critical thinking (Van Zyl, 2022). By embedding data and graphs through an IoT framework, students gain practical experience interpreting data within real-life contexts (ThingSpeak (n.d.); Xu, Wang & Wang, 2023).
The action research study utilised a mini-greenhouse connected to an aquaponics system, integrating Microbit and Arduino digital sensors that fed data into ThingSpeak, an IoT analytics platform. Two groups participated in the research project, namely Group A and Group B. Group A consisted of 3 students who engaged in a mini-greenhouse kitset using a Microbit, Arduino, and IoT to manage the greenhouse with digital sensors (WIFi & Bluetooth). Group B received a brief on designing a Sustainable Vertical Skyfarm in Minecraft Education. They researched and studied vertical farm design and explored virtual Minecraft tools for architectural and engineering design. Through in-depth collaboration in small teams, they implemented tools like Redstone (circuitry/electricity) and actuators (making things move). Participants engaged through Minecraft Education and other interactive tools – having fun with various activities. See the tools.
During the project, qualitative data (surveys, questionnaires, observations, interviews, and debates) were collected, analysed, and interpreted as they interacted in their teams. Assessments, debates, and design tasks were incorporated to deepen understanding and promote critical thinking. In their small teams, Group B students designed complicated vertical skyfarms, addressing sustainable design related to future food shortage issues. Extensive science, engineering, and digital concepts were embedded into their design strategies. Debates revolved around ethics evaluating jobs at risk as the automation of dairy farms in Waikato increased, followed. Observations of the debate were summarised and analysed, providing rich data.
Below are vertical farm diagrams (hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics) that could be used to inspire a SUSTAINABLE VERTICAL FARM in a Minecraft Education context.
Aquaponics, Hydroponics & Aquaponics in vertical farming. Read more here: https://ifarm.fi/blog/vertical-farming-systems Credit: iFarm
IMAGE/DIAGRAM 10: Sectional view Vertical Skyfarm. Source: Shamshiri et al., 2018.
DIAGRAM: Advances in greenhouse automation and controlled environment agriculture: A transition to plant factories and develop urban agriculture (Shamshiri et al., 2018). Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Conceptual-design-of-the-urban-sky-farm-a-vertical-farm-design-proposal-for-a-site_fig4_322834975
IMAGE: Freehand Design Sketches – This image presents a unique vertical farm design featuring a geodesic dome at the base and over the flat roof. It incorporates innovative systems such as aquaponics, aeroponics, hydroponics, and sustainable elements for energy efficiency and micro-farming. The design also includes rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, ventilation, specialised LED lighting, and more—capturing the essence of modern urban agriculture (researcher’s freehand sketch of what a vertical farm could look like, 2023).
Findings of this study.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation Skills: Embedding data collection and analysis within practical activities significantly improved students’ skills in interpreting data and charts. Students demonstrated an enhanced ability to understand complex data sets and draw meaningful conclusions.
2. Critical Thinking and Collaboration: Hands-on activities and assessments fostered critical thinking and collaboration among students (Van Zyl, 2022). Debates and discussions allowed students to compare and contrast their values and beliefs, leading to more informed perspectives on real-world issues. This process prompted them to adjust their perspectives around other cultures and the solution to problem-solving.
3. Cultural Responsiveness: The study’s culturally responsive approach enabled students to relate their learning to their cultural backgrounds, enhancing engagement and relevance. Comparing and contrasting their perspectives with national and global viewpoints encouraged a broader understanding of different values and beliefs (Hammond, 2015).
4. Application of Interpretation Skills: After mastering data interpretation skills, students applied their knowledge to solve real-life problems, demonstrating improved problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking. The integration of social innovation and social entrepreneurship concepts further enriched their learning experiences.
5. STREAM and eSTEM: The findings support the hypothesis that hands-on STREAM and eSTEM activities, combined with assessments and creative tasks, enhance students’ data interpretation skills and critical thinking. The study also highlights the potential of integrating more subject areas, such as Business Studies, Economics, and Accounting, into lessons to provide a holistic and future-focused education.
6. Embedding Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship into Lessons: By incorporating social innovation and social entrepreneurship concepts, educators can create richer learning experiences that prepare students for future challenges and careers (Smith, 2022).
7. Future Research: Further research is needed to explore the connections between social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and data interpretation skills. This could lead to more comprehensive and integrated learning experiences, fostering sustainable practices in education.
Summary:
The study provides strong evidence for the impact of hands-on activities in enhancing students’ data analysis and chart interpretation abilities. Incorporating STREAM & eSTEM projects, assessments, and creative tasks significantly improves students’ problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. The Microbit, Arduino Uno, and IoT (Thingspeak), linked to practical tools like a mini-greenhouse and aquaponics, are powerful educational tools to develop data and chart interpretation skills. Using AI (ChatGPT) to find and develop code for the Microbit and Arduino also surfaced in the study. As participants explored the AI tool for their mini-greenhouse project, it became evident that several opportunities for further research are needed. Encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives enhances their ability to interpret and solve real-world problems. As mentioned, during the study, the research uncovered that integrating social innovation and social entrepreneurship concepts into lessons can provide depth and relevance to students’ learning experiences (Smith, 2022). Embedding social innovation and social entrepreneurship concepts into teaching secondary school students provides an opportunity for further research.
Citing this Article:
Van Zyl, W.N. (2024). Enhancing Secondary School Students’ Data Analysis and Chart Interpretation Abilities (Vertical Skyfarm Design – Minecraft Education). Published to Fivehousepublishing.com. Link: https://fivehousepublishing.com/enhancing-secondary-school-students-data-analysis-and-chart-interpretation-abilities-vertical-skyfarm-design-minecraft-education/
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY:
Video:
Link: https://youtu.be/2cEE68Zj4jo?si=bJMpKkgm7Q2_tqnu
Example of a compact vertical farm in Minecraft.
Credit: Disruptive Builds (YouTube).
Aquaponics System modelled in Minecraft:
Link: https://youtu.be/b6Ro-7M9Otw?si=3_VfwYy__7Zi__Pw Credit: LightVita.
The tools used in the research project:
TOOL 1: A tropical fish tank set up in the room.
- Carbon filters for cleaning the tank. How it works.
- Rich Nitrogen (fish waste) is available in the filters.
- Having fun and learning about tropical fish.
- Linking the mini-greenhouse with the aquarium. Exploring possibilities.
- Exploring the application of digital sensors for the tank (Arduino).
TOOL 2: Kitronik Smart Greenhouse Kit for the BBC Micro:bit.
- Exploring and testing the digital sensors (temp & humidity).
- Coding the Microbit (Python).
- Using AI (ChatGPT) to find code.
TOOL 3: Micro:bit Smart Science IOT Kit (Elecfreaks).
- Based on IOT:bit, a new breakout board compatible with Internet of Things sensors.
- Ultrasonic sensor, dust sensor, light sensor, and water level sensor, including RTC Timing and WIFI module.
TOOL 4: ThingSpeak (IoT website).
IMAGE: The thingSpeak interface is shown on a tablet (charts displayed). IoT.
A short summary – how to use the IoT tool in a mini-greenhouse context. Title: ‘Exploring data and graphs. Connecting the IoT to the Microbit & Arduino.‘ Context: Managing a mini-greenhouse (temperature and moisture). Develop data and chart interpretation skills by taking readings from the Arduino (digital sensors). Exploring possibilities for the management of a mini-greenhouse. Optimising growth conditions for growth (microgreens in the mini-greenhouse).
TOOL 5: Arduino Uno Wifi Rev2 (Bluetooth & WiFi capability).
- Exploring the WiFi and Bluetooth features.
- Exploring coding AI (ChatGPT). C++
- Testing the connection to the IoT (ThingSpeak).
TOOL 6: Minecraft Education: Design a Sustainable Vertical Farm to address local and future food shortages (Waikato).
IMAGE: Example of a Vertical Skyfarm design (Minecraft Education). See the biodomes at the base and on the roof, which provide near-perfect conditions for growing vegetables. See the interconnectivity of every layer and how the sustainable system will function as a whole. Embedded are aquaponics, aeroponics, and hydroponics systems—digital sensors. Sustainable Architecture includes systems like passive solar, passive ventilation, solar panels, wind turbines, triple-glazed windows, rainwater tanks, biomimetics, biophilic design and much more.
Typical freehand design sketches: Sustainable Vertical Skyfarm. Pencil, Ink and Watercolours.
An example of a Skyfarm design using Minecraft Education: Application of Biomimicry (ask nature how). The design mimics the shape and form of a flower and its interaction with the Sun—using solar power to improve energy efficiency.
TOOL 7: A one-hour debate titled “The Automation of the Dairy Farm Industry in the Waikato (NZ) versus Losing Jobs.”
Evaluating ethics and justice and touching on some culturally responsive aspects (robotics, microprocessors, IoT, electronics, and advanced digital tools). What is more important, PEOPLE OR PROFITS? Profits over People? This is a dilemma we could face in the future. How will we solve it?
Teachers and Students:
Did you know you can simulate temperature fluctuations on the Tinkercad website (free simulation software)? All you have to do is create a ThingSpeak account (go to https://thingspeak.com/ ). Find Prakash Myaka’s example on TinkerCad (Circuits). You also have to create an account on TinkerCad.
When you find it, click on Tinker This (TinkerCad). Search Prakash Myaka’s: [IoT] How to Send Temperature Values to Thingspeak Using Arduino and ESP8266 | Tinkercad
All you have to do is find Prakash Myaka’s work on TinkerCad – ready to tinker. Everything is in the video. YouTube channel of Prakash: Search svsembedded. Excellent videos by Prakash!
Once you have created the accounts and are ready to tinker, you only have to change one thing in the code: the API Key. See the video for the instructions. Prakash has done a stunning job explaining how to do it. See the screenshot below for the API Key:
Link to the complete instructions. Video: https://youtu.be/ypH6efMokUY?si=CT-KJLMYTcUB8zNx
Important References
Hammond, Z. (2015). Culturally responsive teaching and the brain: Promoting authentic engagement and rigour among culturally and linguistically diverse students. Corwin Press.
Smith, A. (2022). The role of social innovation in education. Journal of Educational Innovation, 15(3), 45-59.
Van Zyl, W. (2022). Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21st-century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries – A critical reflection. Published to Five House Publishing. https://fivehousepublishing.com/introducing-the-arduino-uno-a-pioneering-digital-framework-to-prepare-students-for-21-st-century-problem-solving-five-journal-entries-a-critical-reflection/
Xu, J., Wang, X., & Wang, Y. (2023). Enhancing students’ data skills through IoT-based projects. Journal of STEM Education, 34(1), 58-74.
ThingSpeak (n.d.). IoT analytics platform. Retrieved from https://thingspeak.com.
Interested in the Literature Review? Here is a link to the summary (short version):
Biography:
William N. Van Zyl (Self-portrait – watercolours and ink wash).
I am from Africa.
My Mountains are The Drakensberg
My River is The Sandriver in Virginia in the Freestate
My Wakas are The Drommedaris, Reijger, and De Goede Hoop
My Father and Mother are Charlie and Nena Van Zyl
My Ancestors are Jan and Maria Van Riebeeck, who set foot on South African soil on April 6, 1652.
William has been a Technology teacher for the past 32 years with experience in Design and Visual Communication (DVC), Education for Sustainability, Electronics, Building Construction, and Design Technology. He also owned a design construction business for eight years, creating plans, renovating, and constructing new buildings. Hence, his interest in sustainable architecture, the application of biomimetics (asking nature how), and biophilic design. His planned future research will be focused on implementing microprocessors like the Microbit, Arduino Uno, IoT, and AI in a secondary school context to develop problem-solving skills. His other interests are creative writing and writing articles. See some of his published articles at https://fivehousepublishing.com/. He also enjoys space exploration, astronomy, art (watercolours and ink sketches), urban sketching, remote-controlled planes, archery, target shooting (air rifles), aquariums, and spirituality.
The essay was well-written and presented in a clear and concise manner.