This interactive, STEM-focused weather station engages K–12 students through real-time environmental data and hands-on learning. It measures temperature, humidity, and air pressure using sensors connected to a Microchip PIC microcontroller, which manages communication across all subsystems. An ESP32-S3 module transmits the data to an MQTT server, updating a live website accessible from any device. Designed…

Teams in this course are developing projects with STEM-themed displays that demonstrate a single scientific/engineering concept in an interactive, web-enabled, physical device while following standards and modularity. The intended users are K-12 students interested in learning about science, technology, engineering, or math. Sponsor

The Weather Data Collection System (WDC) is an interactive exhibit that allows students to learn about weather monitoring and control systems. A temperature sensor collects data and sends it to a PIC microcontroller via I2C. If the temperature exceeds a predefined threshold, a motor activates, with its status communicated back to the PIC via I2C….

The purpose of this team’s project is to inspire future STEM students by showcasing the real-world capabilities of STEM concepts through a fun and interactive experience. To achieve this, the design focuses on engagement, creativity, and hands-on learning, ensuring that visitors are not only exposed to STEM principles but also actively participate in applying them….

This team’s project is a K-12 STEM museum exhibit to showcase the principle of electromagnetism. To demonstrate this principle, this team constructed a track with electromagnetic coils to accelerate a steel ball based on a speed input and the triggering of optical sensors along the track. The system has a control interface in which settings…

This team’s project is an interactive solar tracker designed to help young students learn about solar energy in a fun and engaging way. The system uses a motor to move a solar panel toward the brightest light source, utilizing optical sensors and a voltage sensor to retrieve voltage data. Students can control the panel with…

This team is designing and programming a 3D-printed robot to assist with delivering lecture material. The robot is capable of speaking and moving around the classroom, engaging with students. It will be controlled via a phone app to enhance interaction and learning. Sponsor Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE)

This team’s project involves designing and testing power generators, such as windmills, water wheels, and solar panels, to measure their power output. The system was upgraded by replacing the old setup with a weatherproof touchscreen control panel powered by an IDEC FT1A PLC, which reads each student project and calculates the wattage produced. Additionally, the…

This team is developing a virtual reality simulation to help students develop empathy for the people they are designing for. The simulation will also help students learn how to apply critical thinking skills to identify the limitations and challenges of new technology. Sponsor

The purpose of this project is to increase worker safety on construction sites by detecting hazardous gases and temperatures. If the user enters an unsafe environment, an LED will flash or the helmet will vibrate depending on the environmental risk. The team’s solution will be a compact, lightweight module that can be attached to any…