Exploring Thermal Conductivity: A STEM Project with the Micro:bit Microcontroller

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Published: Apr 3, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/codiste.7712
Keywords:
thermal conductivity STEM BBC Micro:bit exploratory learning
Antonios Christonasis
University of Ioannina
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9675-3696
Konstantinos Kotsis
Abstract

The work introduces a STEM project that aimed to investigate the concept of thermal conductivity by measuring the air temperature inside handmade pyramids made of different materials. Twenty-four students, aged 12, constructed black pyramids using paper, plastic, aluminium and copper of equal thickness. A micro:bit microcomputer was placed inside each pyramid to accurately record temperature data, after appropriate programming. After collecting the data, the students analyzed the results, creating graphs and tables depicting the change in temperature over time. Evaluation of students' understanding ensued through open-ended questions.

Article Details
  • Section
  • 14th Panhellenic Conference of Didactics in Science Education
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