SenseBox – Measuring Station for Schools and Local Stakeholders in Neighborhoods

Description

The SenseBox is a digital environmental measuring station based on a mini-computer equipped with sensors. The measuring station can be used to record environmental data such as temperature, relative humidity, particulate pollution, illuminance, UV intensity, and air pressure. This data can be transferred to the open SenseMap, the global network of freely available environmental data. The SenseBox is particularly suitable for use in schools.

How it works

The SenseBox can be assembled, programmed, and installed by school students with supervision. They can learn the basics of programming and gain a feel for scientific work by working with and visualizing the environmental data collected. These data can be fed directly into the open SenseMap via WiFi.

Background

In the CCC-funded project “Schools as a Local Climate Actor in the Neighborhood – Participatory Development of Climate Adaptation Measures,” the SenseBox was installed at the Schule Jungfernheide working together with the school’s students in order to make environmental changes more tangible for them. The SenseBox can also be used for participatory project work with other stakeholders, such as district offices. This can help strengthen the perception and self-efficacy of school students and neighborhood residents and give them a taste of what it is like to be active shapers of a future worth living in.

SenseBox

© Franziska Kaiser