General information

The objective of the project was to provide school children with a practical understanding of climate protection with a hands-on approach: In spring 2023, a stationary SenseBox was installed at a school in Jungfernheide, Berlin. The SenseBox is a digital environmental measuring station based on a mini-computer fitted with sensors. It records environmental data such as temperature, relative humidity, fine dust pollution, illuminance, UV intensity, and air pressure. This data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to the global openSenseMap, thereby supporting one of the largest citizen-led sensor networks in the world that makes environmental data freely accessible to all.

Method

The schoolchildren installed the SenseBox (assembly, programming, installation) themselves. They even learned the basics of programming so that they could visualize their findings. By working with the collected data, the students also gained a feel for scientific work.

Results

A visualization of the SenseBox data was added to the school’s homepage. The second phase of the project was for the students to collaborate with district offices. The goal was for local stakeholders in the neighborhood to work together and come up with ideas for demand-driven climate adaptation measures for the district.

Outreach

The project was presented on various occasions, including at the Open Mic at FU Berlin, at the BUND Climate Day Berlin, at the meet up held in the MakerLabs project, and in the climate lecture series at TU Berlin.

Project website

SenseBox – Measuring station for school children and neighborhood stakeholders

© Franziska Kaiser