Raspberry Pi -Smart Plant Monitor with Raspberry Pi

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🌿 Project Overview:

Students will build a Smart Plant Monitor using a Raspberry Pi, sensors, and Python programming. This project teaches students how to monitor a plant’s environment (light, moisture, temperature) and receive real-time data or alerts. It blends environmental science and IoT (Internet of Things) in a fun, interactive way.

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📦 What Students Will Learn:

• Python programming basics

• Sensor integration with Raspberry Pi (moisture, light, temperature)

• Data collection & visualization (basic graphs with Matplotlib or Google Sheets)

• Basic circuit building with breadboards

• Problem-solving and team collaboration

• Introduction to real-world applications like smart farming and climate monitoring

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🔧 Materials Needed:

• Raspberry Pi 4 (or 3B+)

• MicroSD card (pre-flashed with Raspberry Pi OS)

• USB power supply

• DHT11 sensor (temperature & humidity)

• Soil moisture sensor

• Light sensor (e.g., photoresistor)

• Jumper wires & breadboard

• Small potted plant

• Optional: LCD display or LED indicators

• Internet connection for data dashboard

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💻 Software Tools:

• Python 3

• Thonny or Visual Studio Code (on Raspberry Pi)

• Matplotlib (for charts)

• Optional: IFTTT or Blynk for alerts

• Google Sheets API (advanced students)

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🧠 Step-by-Step Lessons:

Session 1:

• Introduction to Raspberry Pi & sensors

• Setting up Pi and installing packages

Session 2:

• Building circuits: soil sensor + light sensor + DHT11

• Basic Python: reading sensor data

Session 3:

• Creating a simple dashboard (text-based or chart-based)

• Decision logic (e.g., “if soil moisture < 30%, turn on LED”)

Session 4:

• Connecting to online platforms (IFTTT, Blynk, or email alerts)

• Displaying real-time info on an LCD or computer

Session 5–6:

• Final project wrap-up

• Students present their Smart Plant Monitors with live demo

• Reflection: “How can this tech help farmers, cities, or even Mars?”

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🎨 STEAMS Add-On (Optional):

Let students decorate their plant monitor, name their device, or create a poster presentation explaining the science and code behind it. This engages artistic and communication skills.

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🏁 Learning Outcomes:

• Understand real-world tech applications in sustainability and agriculture

• Gain hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi and Python

• Build curiosity and confidence in using tech to solve environmental challenges