Lesson 2 - Waterproof Temperature Sensor: Marine Temperature Monitor
1. Engage: Why Is the Ocean Getting a "Fever"?
Imagine you’re splashing in your favorite beach—this year, the water feels way warmer than last summer. What’s going on?
NASA scientists discovered that in 2023, our oceans hit record-high temperatures, like a fever won’t break. Over 90% of the extra heat from global warming gets trapped in the ocean. Warm oceans hurt fish, coral reefs, and all marine life that needs cool, healthy water to survive.
Key Question
How can we tell if the ocean is getting too warm—without just guessing?
Discuss ideas (touch it? use a pool thermometer?).
Reveal: We can use a temperature sensor to get an exact number, like how a thermometer checks your fever. Today, we’ll use the micro:bit’s sensor to become ocean temperature detectives!
2. Explore: How Does a Temperature Sensor Work?
Have you ever used a thermometer to check if you’re sick? We can use similar tools called sensors to measure water conditions—but not all sensors do the same job!
Key Question
What’s the difference between an onboard temperature sensor and a waterproof temperature sensor?
Onboard temperature sensor: Built into the micro:bit, it measures air temperature around the device. It can’t get wet—submerging it could break the board!
Waterproof temperature sensor: A small, sealed sensor designed to be fully submerged. It reads accurate temperatures in lakes, rivers, and oceans without damage.
3.Engineer: Program the micro:bit to Read Water Temperature
Show how to use the micro:bit to measure the water temperature.
Let’s build a program that shows us exact water temperatures using MakeCode platform:
Coding Steps (Using MakeCode):
1.Open Microsoft MakeCode through the link below.
https://makecode.microbit.org/
2.Create a new project.
3.Go to Extensions tab to add the extension.
4.Enter the URL: https://github.com/cdjq/pxt-expansion-board-for-microbit-k10 → click it
5.Then add one more extension as follows:
6.Drag these blocks together:
Test it: Dip the sensor end into a cup of water—watch the temperature changes on the screen!
4. Experience & Challenge: Become Ocean Temperature Investigators
Make the hardware connections and program your micro:bit.
Activity 1
In small groups, use your programmed micro:bit to measure:
1.Tap water
2.Local river/pond water (if accessible)
3.Well water(if accessible)
Record your findings in the table on activity sheet.
Challenge: Build a Temperature Alarm
Marine life struggles when water gets too warm (e.g., coral bleaches at 30°C and above). Let’s make an alarm that warns us when temperatures are dangerous.
Activity 2
Research Task: Look up a local fish (e.g., Atlantic Salmon, Roach) and find its ideal temperature range.
Upload the starter program and adjust it according to the instructions.
If too warm, show up arrow.
If too cold, show down arrow.
Upload the new program and test it with cups of warm, cold, and room-temperature water.
5. Elaborate: Protect Our Oceans (SDG 14)
Today, you used micro:bit to become ocean temperature guardians. But what else can we do to cool our oceans and protect marine life?
Brainstorm class ideas:
1.Reduce plastic use (plastic traps heat in ocean waters)
2.Turn off lights and save energy (cuts greenhouse gas emissions)
3.Join beach clean-ups to keep oceans healthy
4.Tell family and friends about ocean warming
Key Takeaway: Even small actions help keep our oceans cool and safe for sea creatures. This is how we support SDG 14: Life Below Water—ensuring our oceans thrive for future generations!
Lesson2.zip 
