Internet of Things
Create an interactive physical prototype in 10 sessions
Primary, Secondary and FE
10 sessions
In-class or extracurricular
Basic to advanced programming
Course Summary
- Student teams design and build an interactive physical prototype that solves a problem they care about
- Teams work their way through a range of activities, split across 10 sessions
- See below for the scheme of work, student workbook, and learning objectives
- This course uses simple drag-and-drop or advanced programming, and requires the use of micro:bits or Arduino devices
Course sessions
Login or sign up now to access all of the sessions
- Session 1: Launch
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Session 2: Sensors and boards
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Session 3: Skills building
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Session 4: What's your problem?
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Session 5: Screening ideas
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Session 6: Industry engagement session
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Session 7: Get to know your users
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Session 8: Plan your MVP
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Session 9: Build your MVP
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Session 10: Pitch your MVP
Core resource
Course workbook for students
- Printable student A4 workbook containing practical activities
- Guides you and your students through the course
- Fully editable, making it easy for you to adapt to meet your needs
Core resource
Scheme of work
- Get a quick overview of the course structure
- Review the learning objectives and outcomes for each session
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Session 1
Launch
Learning objectives
Core
- Understand what is meant by the Internet of Things (IoT)
- Be able to write a simple program for a microcontroller
Challenge
- Appreciate the potential benefits and risks of IoT
Go to session
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Session 2
Sensors and boards
Learning objectives
Core
- Understand the role of sensors in IoT systems
- Understand the importance of teamwork when working on a technology project
Challenge
- Be able to use a breadboard to create more complex circuits for a microcontroller
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Session 3
Skills building
Learning objectives
Core
- Understand how to use a range of sensors to provide an input to a microcontroller
- Understand how to process input data to produce an output
Challenge
- Be able to apply and extend your knowledge of sensors and microcontrollers to create new applications
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Session 4
What's your problem?
Learning objectives
Core
- Identify everyday problems which could be solved by an IoT device
Challenge
- Be able to expand and develop initial ideas to create a better understanding of the problem to be solved
- Be able to convey the key concepts of your IoT device idea in a 30 second pitch
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Session 5
Screening ideas
Learning objectives
Core
- Gain a better understanding of potential obstacles that your IoT device ideas could face in the existing market
Challenge
- Be able to convey the key concepts of your IoT device idea clearly and concisely
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Session 6
Industry engagement session
Learning objectives
Core
- Be able to convey the key concepts of your IoT device idea in a 30 second pitch to an industry Expert
- Be able to obtain constructive feedback on your IoT device ideas
Challenge
- Understand the IoT device market and be able to identify your main competitors
- Be able to act on constructive feedback to improve your IoT device idea
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Session 7
Get to know your users
Learning objectives
Core
- Gain a better understanding of the current market for your IoT device
- Be able to develop an effective survey to find out more about your user
Challenge
- Be able to plan and carry out effective research into your potential users
- Be able to develop user profiles based on your research
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Session 8
Plan your MVP
Learning objectives
Core
- Gain a better understanding of the technical requirements of your IoT device
- Be able create paper and physical prototypes of your IoT device
Challenge
- Be able to define your minimum viable product (MVP)
- Be able to adjust your IoT device designs to ensure that they are technically feasible
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Session 9
Build your MVP
Learning objectives
Core
- Understand how the design of your IoT device can affect the user experience
- Understand the importance of testing in the IoT device development lifecycle
Challenge
- Be able to act on the feedback received to improve the functionality and usability of your technical prototype
- Be able to improve the user experience of your device
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Session 10
Pitch your MVP
Learning objectives
Core
- Understand how to present your ideas effectively
Challenge
- Be able to summarise the key points of your device in a short presentation