F5 · FOUNDATION · 4-HOUR WORKSHOP
xChips: adding a sensor with intent
Teachers can attach an xChip, read it in MicroBlocks, and justify why that sensor belongs in a lesson.
Grade 4–12. Foundation Phase observes and adapts one station.
F4.
4 hours, plus a school application task
IN THE WORKSHOP
What you will explore.
- 0:00–0:40
The ecosystem: core, interface, 1U chips. What I2C means for a teacher (address, cable, power) without a datasheet lecture.
- 0:40–2:00
Stations: weather, barometer, soil, light, air quality. Rotate and log one reading each.
- 2:00–3:00
Choose one chip and build a 30-minute lesson station.
- 3:00–3:40
Failure modes: loose clip, wrong chip, flat battery, shared I2C address.
- 3:40–4:00
Kit inventory sheet for the school’s xChips box.
BUILD IT. USE IT.
Take the learning into class.
You leave with
- A station card for one xChip.
- A school inventory and booking sheet.
Your school application
Run the station with a class or a club. Note which chip the school should buy next, and why, in the PDP reflection.
Allow about two hours outside the facilitated session.
Curriculum connection
Technology processing and systems; NS planet Earth and beyond, matter and materials; Agricultural / environment clubs.
YOUR EQUIPMENT
Tools for this module.
xChips interface and a starter set: weather (IWA), barometer (IWB), light (ILB), soil moisture (IWC), air quality (IGA). GNSS (INA) shown, not required.
Confirm the equipment and software arrangements when you enquire. Specialist field activities require appropriate supervision and permissions.
CPTD endorsement and points are not yet confirmed. Read the CPTD information
Back to foundation workshopsYOUR NEXT STEP
Bring practical STEM into your classroom.
Tell us your teaching phase, subject and the experience you would like to build. We’ll help you choose a starting point and confirm dates, venue, kit arrangements and fees.
Enquire about the Academy