Sustainable Houses With Tinkercad and Micro:bit

Welcome to our instructables on how to create sustainable houses using tinkercad, micro:bit, servo motors and a neopixel led strip. We have done it with groups of 8-12 year old students, and we are proud to showcase our project, which not only uses innovative technology but also promotes sustainability.

The United Nations has set a goal for Sustainable Development, and SDG 11 aims to make cities and human settlements more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and safe. Our project aligns with this goal by promoting sustainable living and reducing the environmental impact of everyday activities.

Our sustainable house includes a range of features that utilize technology to make living more eco-friendly. The neopixel led strip detects light and switches off when there is enough natural light in the room, reducing energy consumption. In addition, our sound sensor technology opens the door without anyone touching it, promoting hygiene and health in a post-COVID world.

We hope that our project will inspire others to think creatively about how technology can be used to promote sustainability and support the achievement of the SDGs. Follow along with our step-by-step instructions to learn how you can create your own sustainable house using upcycled materials, Tinkercad, micro:bit, servo motors and a neopixel led strip.

Let's work together to create a sustainable future for all!

Supplies

• Laptop or computer with internet access
• 1x micro:bit
• 1x Neopixels LED strip: Addressable LED lights (WS2812E)
• 1x servo motor (microservo)
• Materials to be upcycled (see step 3 for different examples)

Step 1: Introducing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Start by introducing the concept of sustainability and explaining what it means to design a sustainable house. Use simple language and provide examples that students can relate to.
2. Introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explain that SDG 11 is focused on creating sustainable cities and communities. Explain what this means in terms of designing houses of the future.
3. Highlight the importance of thinking about the impact of our homes on the environment and our communities. Explain that by designing sustainable houses, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve resources, and create healthy living environments for ourselves and future generations.
4. Provide examples of sustainable features that can be included in a house, such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, natural lighting, and green roofs (more examples provided in step 2). Explain how each of these features can help achieve SDG 11.
5. Encourage students to think about how they can contribute to SDG 11 through their own actions, such as conserving water and energy, recycling, and using public transportation.
6. End the presentation by encouraging students to think about the role they can play in creating sustainable communities and cities.
7. Provide time for questions and discussion, and encourage students to share their own ideas and thoughts on the topic.

By following these steps, students can gain a better understanding of the importance of designing sustainable houses and how they can contribute to creating more sustainable communities and cities.

You can find the image here.

Step 2: Design a House of the Future in Tinkercad

Here are some steps to design a house of the future in Tinkercad, along with some elements that it could include:

1. Begin by creating a new design in Tinkercad and choosing a shape for the base of the house, such as a rectangle or square. You can use the "Box" tool to create the shape and then adjust its size and dimensions as needed.
2. Add walls and a roof to the base shape to create the structure of the house. You can use the "Box" tool again to create the walls and roof, and adjust their height and shape to your liking.
3. Next, think about what sustainable features you want to include in your house. For example, you could add solar panels to the roof to generate electricity, or create a rainwater harvesting system to collect water for use in the house.
4. You can also add elements to make the house more comfortable and convenient for its inhabitants. For example, you could add a smart thermostat to control the temperature, or create a system for automatically opening and closing windows based on the weather.
5. Consider adding furniture and decorations to the house as well. This could include items like chairs, tables, and lamps, as well as artwork and plants to create a more homey feel.
6. Once you have added all of the elements to your design, you can use the "Group" tool to combine them into a single object. You can also use the "Export" function to save your design as an STL file, which can be used for 3D printing.

Sustainable features

Some additional elements that you could include in your house of the future might include:

• Smart appliances, such as a refrigerator that can keep track of its contents and suggest recipes based on what you have on hand.
• A garden or green wall to promote sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the house.
• A home automation system that allows you to control various features of the house using voice commands or a mobile app.
• Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs or smart light fixtures that can adjust their brightness based on the time of day or the amount of natural light in the room.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Including renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal energy can help reduce the carbon footprint of the house and promote sustainable living.
• Rainwater Harvesting System: Installing a rainwater harvesting system to collect and reuse rainwater for non-potable uses like watering plants, flushing toilets or washing cars can help conserve water and reduce water bills.
• Insulation: Proper insulation of the house can reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, leading to lower energy consumption and bills.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Using energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers can help reduce the amount of energy used in the house.
• Smart Thermostats: Installing a smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on the weather or time of day can help save energy and reduce costs.
• Green Roofs: Including green roofs or rooftop gardens can help reduce the urban heat island effect, promote biodiversity, and provide a source of fresh produce.
• Water-Efficient Fixtures: Installing water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can help reduce water consumption and bills.
• Passive Solar Design: Incorporating passive solar design elements like large south-facing windows and thermal mass can help reduce energy consumption by using the sun's energy to heat and cool the house.
• Greywater System: Installing a greywater system that collects and treats wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for reuse in the landscape or toilet flushing can help conserve water.
• Vertical Gardens: Installing vertical gardens can help maximize space in urban areas, improve air quality, and provide a source of fresh produce.

With these steps and elements in mind, you can create a truly innovative and sustainable house of the future using Tinkercad.

Step 3: Create a Prototype the Sustainable House Using Upcycled Materials.

Now it's the moment to create the prototype of our sustainable house using upcycled materials.

1. Gather materials: Start by collecting a variety of upcycled materials that you can use for your prototype. There are many upcycled materials that you can find nearby:

• Cardboard boxes: You can use cardboard boxes to create the frame and walls of your house. They are easy to cut and shape, and can be found in many sizes.
• Plastic bottles: Plastic bottles can be used to create windows or skylights for your house. Cut them in half and sand down the edges for a smooth finish.
• Scrap wood: Old wood planks or pallets can be used to create flooring, walls, or even furniture for your house.
• Fabric scraps: Fabric scraps can be used as insulation for the walls and roof of your house. They can also be used to create curtains, pillows, or other decorative elements.
• Glass jars: Glass jars can be used as light fixtures or lanterns. You can paint them or decorate them with string lights for a cozy ambiance.
• Old metal objects: Old metal objects like rusted pipes, gears, or even silverware can be used to create unique decor elements for your house.
• Tin cans: Tin cans can be used to create planters, utensil holders, or even wall art. You can paint them or decoupage them with decorative paper.
• Plastic bags: Plastic bags can be used to create a waterproof layer for the roof of your house. Simply layer them and secure them in place with duct tape.
• Old books: Old books can be used to create bookshelves or even wallpaper for your house. Simply cut the pages to size and glue them in place.

By using upcycled materials, you can create a sustainable house project that not only promotes environmentally-friendly practices but also demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness.

2. Plan your design: Think about the design of your sustainable house and sketch out a rough plan on paper. Consider the size and shape of the house, the placement of doors and windows, and any other features you want to include.

3. Build the frame: Use cardboard boxes or scrap wood to create a basic frame for the house. You can use a hot glue gun or duct tape to hold the pieces together.

4. Add walls and roof: Use additional cardboard or scrap wood to create the walls and roof of the house. You can cut and shape the pieces to fit the frame as needed, and secure them in place with hot glue or tape.

5. Install doors and windows: Cut openings for doors and windows in the walls of the house, and install them using cardboard or plastic sheets. You can use hinges or strips of tape to create doors that can open and close.

6. Install fixtures: Install any fixtures you want to include in your sustainable house, such as lighting, a bed, or a table.

7. Decorate: Add any finishing touches to the house, such as paint or wallpaper, to make it look more like a real home.

By following these steps, you can create a prototype of a sustainable house using upcycled materials. This is a great way to promote sustainable living and reduce waste while also being creative and having fun!

Step 4: Coding the Elements in Tinkercad Circuits or Makecode

We can use Tinkercad Circuits or Makecode to code the elements of the sustainable house.

There are many different ways you can use the micro:bit, a neopixel strip, and a servo motor to build a sustainable house:

Automated lighting and COVID-free door

Use the micro:bit and neopixel strip to create a lighting system that turns off lights in unoccupied rooms or adjusts the brightness based on natural light levels and a door that opens depending on the sound level.

You can code the micro:bit so that it will turn on and off the neopixel strip depending on the light level. If the light level is below 50 (i.e. it's dark), the strip will display a rainbow pattern at 50% brightness. Otherwise, it will turn off.

Code the micro:bit:

let strip = neopixel.create(DigitalPin.P1, 10, NeoPixelMode.RGB)
basic.showString("Welcome to our smart house")
basic.forever(function () {
  if (input.lightLevel() < 128) {
    strip.showColor(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.White))
  } else {
    strip.showColor(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.Black))
  }
  if (input.soundLevel() > 128) {
    servos.P0.setAngle(0)
    basic.pause(2000)
    servos.P0.setAngle(90)
  } else {
    servos.P0.setAngle(180)
  }
})

Here is an example of the coding.

Temperature control

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to control window blinds or curtains to regulate the temperature inside the house based on the outside weather.

Code the micro:bit:

input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (input.temperature() < 20) {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)
    } else {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 0)
    }
})

This code uses the A button to control a servo motor attached to a window. If the temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius, the servo will rotate to open the window (90 degrees). Otherwise, it will close the window (0 degrees).

Here is an example of the coding.

Smart security

Use the micro:bit and neopixel strip to create a security system that illuminates the outside of the house when motion is detected or flashes lights to deter intruders.

Code the micro:bit:

let strip = neopixel.create(DigitalPin.P0, 24, NeoPixelMode.RGB)
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (input.acceleration(Dimension.X) > 1000) {
        strip.showColor(neopixel.colors(NeoPixelColors.Red))
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 180)
        basic.pause(1000)
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P1, 0)
strip.clear()
    }
})

This code uses the A button to simulate a motion sensor triggering an alarm. If the X acceleration is greater than 1000 (indicating motion), the neopixel strip will turn red and the servo motor will rotate to open a door. After a brief pause, the door will close and the neopixel strip will turn off.

Here is an example of the coding.

Water conservation

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to control water flow in the house, such as turning off the shower after a predetermined amount of time to save water.

Code the micro:bit:

let showerOn = false
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (showerOn == false) {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)
        basic.pause(5000)
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 0)
        showerOn = true
    } else {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 0)
        showerOn = false
    }
})

This code uses the A button on the micro:bit to control a servo motor attached to a water valve. When the button is pressed, the valve will rotate to turn on the water flow for 5 seconds, then turn off again. The variable showerOn is used to keep track of whether the shower is currently on or off.

Here is an example of the coding.

Natural ventilation

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to control the opening and closing of windows and doors to take advantage of natural ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Code the micro:bit:

let windowOpen = false
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (windowOpen == false) {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 90)
        windowOpen = true
    } else {
        pins.servoWritePin(AnalogPin.P0, 0)
        windowOpen = false
    }
})

This code uses the A button on the micro:bit to control a servo motor attached to a window. When the button is pressed, the servo will rotate to open the window (90 degrees). Pressing the button again will close the window (0 degrees). The variable windowOpen is used to keep track of whether the window is currently open or closed.

Here is an example of the coding.

Rainwater harvesting

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to control the flow of rainwater from the roof into a collection tank for use in the garden or for flushing toilets.

Instructions:

1. Connect the servo motor to pin P0 of the micro:bit and the rainwater valve to the servo motor.
2. Create a new variable called "rainwater_flow" and set it to 0.
3. Create an event that occurs when button A is pressed. Inside the event, set the servo motor angle to 90 degrees to open the valve and allow rainwater to flow into the collection tank.
4. Create another event that occurs when button B is pressed. Inside the event, set the servo motor angle to 0 degrees to close the valve and stop the flow of rainwater.

Indoor air quality monitoring

Use the micro:bit and neopixel strip to monitor indoor air quality and adjust the ventilation system accordingly.

Instructions: 

1. Connect the neopixel strip to pin P0 of the micro:bit.
2. Create a new variable called "air_quality" and set it to 0.
3. Create a forever loop that continually reads the air quality sensor and updates the "air_quality" variable accordingly.
4. Create an if-else statement that checks the value of "air_quality" and sets the color of the neopixel strip accordingly. For example, if the air quality is good, set the neopixel strip to green; if the air quality is poor, set it to red.
5. 
   

Waste management

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to control a waste sorting system that separates recyclables from non-recyclables.

Instructions: 

1. Connect the servo motor to pin P0 of the micro:bit and the waste sorting system to the servo motor.
2. Create a new variable called "waste_type" and set it to 0.
3. Create an event that occurs when the micro:bit detects an object using the built-in accelerometer. Inside the event, use a conditional statement to determine whether the object is recyclable or non-recyclable, and set the "waste_type" variable accordingly.
4. Create another event that occurs when button A is pressed. Inside the event, set the servo motor angle to 90 degrees if the waste is recyclable, or to 0 degrees if the waste is non-recyclable, to direct the waste to the appropriate bin.

Plant watering

Use the micro:bit and servo motor to water indoor plants on a schedule, ensuring that they receive the right amount of water without waste.

These are just a few examples of how you could use the micro:bit, a neopixel strip, and a servo motor to build a sustainable house.

Test your creativity to find different possibilities!

Step 5: Connect the Led Strip and the Servo Motor to the House

Neopixel LED strip:

Connect the power (VCC) and ground (GND) pins of the LED strip to the 3V and GND pins on the micro:bit.

Connect the data input pin (DI) of the LED strip to any of the micro:bit's digital pins (such as Pin 0, Pin 1, Pin 2, etc.). Be sure to note which pin you've connected to, as you'll need to reference it in your code.

Servo motor:

Connect the power (VCC) and ground (GND) pins of the servo motor to the 3V and GND pins on the micro:bit.

Connect the signal (SIG) pin of the servo motor to one of the micro:bit's digital pins (such as Pin 0, Pin 1, Pin 2, etc.). Be sure to note which pin you've connected to, as you'll need to reference it in your code.

Note: Depending on the specific LED strip and servo motor you're using, the pin configurations and wiring may vary slightly. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and wiring diagrams for best results.

Once you have the components connected to the micro:bit, you can download your .hex file to the micro:bit to control their functions.

... and LED it GLOW!

Step 6: Share Your House Design!

Prepare a presentation on why should we think on the SDG 11 when designing the houses of the future. 

1. Start with an introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and the topic of the presentation. Explain that you and your classmates have designed a sustainable house with the aim of achieving SDG 11, which is focused on creating sustainable cities and communities.
2. Discuss the importance of SDG 11: Explain to the audience why achieving SDG 11 is important. Talk about how it can help create better living conditions for everyone, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable development.
3. Explain your design process: Briefly explain how you and your classmates went about designing the sustainable house. Talk about the materials and tools you used, and any challenges you faced along the way.
4. Highlight sustainable features: Discuss the sustainable features of the house, such as the use of upcycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving features, and natural ventilation.
5. Explain how your design meets SDG 11: Describe how your sustainable house design aligns with the principles of SDG 11. For example, you could talk about how your use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient features contributes to creating sustainable communities and reducing environmental impact.
6. Showcase your prototype: Show the audience your prototype of the sustainable house. Explain how the different components of the design work together to create a sustainable living space.
7. Wrap up the presentation: Conclude by summarising the key points of the presentation and thanking the audience for their attention. Encourage questions and feedback from the audience.

Remember to keep the language simple and engaging for your audience, and use visuals such as photos, diagrams, and sketches to help illustrate your points.

Good luck with your presentation!

Step 7: (Self and Co) Assessment of the Projects

By using co-assessment and self-assessment, students can gain a better understanding of the criteria used to assess their sustainable house project presentations, as well as take ownership of their learning and work towards improving their presentation skills.

Co-assessment:

1. Prior to the presentation, establish criteria for assessing the sustainable house project. The criteria should be aligned with the learning objectives of the project, you can use the rubric provided or create a new one with the students.
2. Assign groups of students to assess each other's presentations.
3. Provide each group of assessors with the criteria for assessment.
4. During the presentation, have the assessors take notes on how well the presenters meet the criteria.
5. After the presentation, have each group of assessors discuss their findings and come to a consensus on the grade for the presentation.
6. Provide feedback to the presenters on areas of strength and areas for improvement.

Self-assessment:

1. Provide students with the same criteria used for co-assessment.
2. Ask students to watch a recording of their own presentation.
3. While watching, have students take notes on how well they meet the criteria.
4. After watching, ask students to reflect on their performance and identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.
5. Ask students to create an action plan for improving their presentation skills in the future based on their self-assessment.

Assessment dynamics:

Here are different dynamics that you can use to co-assess the students' projects:

Peer Feedback Sheets: Create a feedback sheet with specific categories such as sustainability features, design, presentation skills, etc. Have each student evaluate their peers' presentations using this sheet and provide feedback.

Group Discussions: After each presentation, have the class engage in a group discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation. Encourage constructive criticism and allow for rebuttals or explanations from the presenter.

Gallery Walk: Hang up each student's project poster or presentation in a designated area and allow students to walk around and evaluate each project. Provide a set of evaluation criteria and have each student leave comments on a post-it note next to each presentation.

Speed Dating: Divide the class into pairs and have them exchange presentations for a designated amount of time. Encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback before switching partners and repeating the process.

Role-Playing: Assign different roles such as the presenter, evaluator, and moderator to each student. Have the presenter present their project to the evaluator, who then provides feedback. The moderator can facilitate the discussion and encourage participation from all students.

Remember, the goal of co-assessment is to promote constructive criticism, provide valuable feedback, and encourage growth in each student's presentation skills.