Auto Crops Design Challenge

On Thursday the 11th and Friday the 12th of November, the Year 9 Community Elective "Exploring Environments" classes visited the Whittlesea Tech School at Melbourne Polytechnic, to participate in the Farm Wall Auto Crops Design Challenge Program. 

 

Students formulated an inquiry question and they worked in teams to develop an innovation which solves an issue or growth area, thus improving the usability of the Farmwall Ecosystem product. The program included designing a micro-bit, CAD, or app to further improve the tank in which the plants are grown. 

 

Teams focused on a variety of design improvements such as automated harvesting, PH sensors and solutions, algae monitors, filters and sensors and re-designing the gravel tray. There were some challenges along the way such as working through technical difficulties with the CAD 3D printing, or working through the micro-bit coding, but each team actively problem-solved and worked successfully together to construct their physical prototypes – cardboard constructions and/or produced digital prototypes using 3D printing and deliver a presentation and elevator pitch on their design brief. 

 

The Exploring Environments students would like to thank Mrs Gray and Ms Achmad for supporting students throughout the two-day program.