Create a Cloud-Connected LED Cloud Light Fixture
Create weather data-controlled glowing indoor clouds!Copyright 2016 SparkFun Education https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/led-cloud-connected-cloud
Students put their STEAM knowledge and skills to the test by creating indoor light fixture “clouds” that mimic current weather conditions or provide other colorful lighting schemes they program and control with smartphones. Groups fabricate the clouds from paper lanterns and pillow stuffing, adding LEDs to enable the simulation of different lighting conditions. They code the controls and connect the clouds to smart devices and the Internet cloud to bring their floating clouds to life as they change color based on the weather outside.
The Internet of things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we interact with the world and go about our everyday lives. Nest thermostats enable people to remotely turn on their home air conditioners or furnaces so their houses are cool or warm when they arrive. Computer engineers are creating new technology that takes advantage of the IoT. Countless applications exist—from the Nest thermostat device to cloud-based, voice-controlled intelligent virtual personal assistants like Amazon’s Alexa. Some applications are just for fun—like creating a device that scans specific websites and uses the information for an output, or like using real-time weather data to control home lighting, as in this activity.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify circuit components and explain their purposes and importance.
- Describe the Internet of things.
- Construct a functional circuit on a breadboard by soldering.
- Assemble and test a circuitry system that uses programming, a smart device, LEDs and other components.
- Utilize a smart device to control LED lights.