- Module 5
Observation Game
Programming/Environmental Protection
Module Identity
TitleObservation GameSubject AreasComputer Science Environmental Education Natural SciencesFormatInteractive gamified learning with H5P activities, visual programming with FOSSBot, light sensor experiments, collaborative group work, color-coded environmental conceptsTeacher Preparation Time30-45 minutes (includes FOSSBot network setup, H5P game preparation, and color coding materials)Required Lesson Time45 minutesAge Range13 years (Grade 7, Junior High School)KeywordsLight Sensors, Visual Programming, Variables, Random Number Generator, Multiple Choice Structure, Color Recognition, Environmental Awareness, Recycling, Water Saving, Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Transportation, Composting, FOSSBot, GamificationSummaryThis innovative module combines programming education with environmental awareness through an engaging observation game that uses color-coded learning. Students program FOSSBot's light sensors to create an interactive system where different colors represent key environmental concepts: blue for water saving, green for recycling, yellow for energy conservation, and more. Through gamified H5P activities and hands-on programming challenges, learners explore variables, random number generators, and multiple-choice structures while reinforcing environmental protection themes. The module progresses from simple pattern matching games to complex programming tasks where students modify code to create a responsive light-sensing system. By associating environmental concepts with visual cues and programming logic, students develop both technical skills and ecological consciousness in a memorable, interactive format that makes abstract concepts tangible and fun.
Introduction
Environmental education often struggles to capture young learners' attention through traditional methods. This module revolutionizes environmental awareness by transforming abstract concepts into a tangible, interactive observation game where colors become the language of sustainability. By leveraging the natural appeal of games and visual programming, students discover that technology can be both a tool for learning and a medium for environmental monitoring.
The observation game methodology creates a unique learning environment where programming concepts and environmental themes reinforce each other. Each color in the FOSSBot's LED system represents a different environmental action: blue signals water conservation, green indicates recycling, yellow represents energy saving, and so on. This color-coding system transforms abstract environmental concepts into concrete, programmable actions that students can see, control, and modify. Through this approach, students internalize both the programming logic and the environmental messages simultaneously.
The module employs progressive complexity, beginning with simple matching games that establish the color-concept associations, advancing to programming challenges involving variables and random number generators, and culminating in sophisticated multiple-choice structures that respond to sensor input. This scaffolded approach ensures that students build confidence while developing increasingly complex programming skills. The use of light sensors adds a physical computing dimension, teaching students how environmental monitoring systems work in the real world while maintaining the playful, game-like atmosphere that keeps them engaged.Basic Knowledge
- •Basic familiarity with visual programming environments such as Scratch
- •Understanding of iteration structures (loops) and multiple choice structures (if-then-else)
- •Basic knowledge of sensors and their use in simple automation systems
- •Basic experience using FOSSBot from previous activities
- •Ability to work effectively in small teams (3-5 people)
- •Elementary understanding of environmental protection concepts
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Programming & Technical Skills
- ✓Connect FOSSBot to the network and upload programs successfully
- ✓Use and program FOSSBot light sensors for environmental monitoring applications
- ✓Create programs with variables and random number generators (1-7 range)
- ✓Design and implement algorithmic structures including multiple choice and iteration
- ✓Apply multiple-choice structures to match colors with specific environmental concepts
- ✓Modify code to repeat processes until specific sensor conditions are met
Environmental Awareness & Conceptual Understanding
- ✓Associate environmental protection concepts with specific colors (blue-water, green-recycling, etc.)
- ✓Identify and explain seven key environmental protection categories
- ✓Understand the relationship between technology and environmental monitoring
- ✓Recognize how light sensors can be used for environmental purposes
- ✓Develop awareness about sustainable development, recycling, and conservation
21st Century Skills & Competencies
- ✓Develop teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills in groups of 3-5
- ✓Apply critical thinking through experimentation and testing
- ✓Engage in experiential and inquiry-based learning processes
- ✓Develop algorithmic thinking through structured programming challenges
- ✓Connect technology use with social orientation and ecological awareness