In physical computing, input refers to the data or signals sent to a device to trigger a response. Just like our senses help us understand and respond to the world around us, the input components of the Climate Action Kit enable the micro:bit gather information about its environment.

The Climate Action Kit includes various input components like sensors for light, moisture, distance, and more:

Moisture Sensor
Moisture Sensor: Measures the moisture percent in a medium such as soil.
Line Sensor
Line Sensor: Contains three infrared sensors that can be used to follow a line. Also contains a ball and caster to act as a wheel in mobile projects.
Rotary Dial
Rotary Dial: Detects the input of a dial turn or button push.
Touch Sensor
Touch Sensor: Detects the action of a touch or hold.
Sonar Sensor
Sonar Sensor: Uses ultrasonic frequency to measure the proximity of an object.
Solar Sensor
Solar Sensor: Measures the amount of light present.

These “senses” help students build projects that respond to environmental changes, such as detecting sunlight for solar panels or measuring soil moisture for efficient irrigation. By using these inputs, students can create innovative solutions that, when combined with conditional statements in coding, allow their projects to respond dynamically to real-time data and experimentation.

Each sensor is attached to a Component Backing Connector, so it can be attached to the building blocks of the main build.

REFLECTION

Think about a climate-related challenge your students might want to solve. Which sensor could they use to gather relevant data, and how might this help them address the problem?

IMPORTANT NOTES

Learn more about each sensor by checking out the Tutorials library on our Learning Platform.