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Patrick Kyne

Building mini weather stations to learn about climate and skills needed for STEM-based careers

2021 STEM Scholar
Jacksonville, FL Fletcher Middle School

Patrick’s Big Idea:

Patrick’s students will take what they learn about weather in class to build and program mini weather stations. These weather stations will allow students to learn STEM-based skills such as coding and measuring data. Students will build and program mini weather stations powered by an Arduino board and weather sensors. The use of the electromagnetic spectrum in developing sensors is ubiquitous in STEM fields today. The stations can measure elements of weather such as temperature, humidity, air pressure and wind speed in real time. The project will require students to work in groups to build and code the weather stations, which can be designed to work remotely via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This project will allow students to integrate modern technology into classroom science lessons.

Interesting Facts:  

Patrick is in his 14th year teaching 6th grade science. He loves being in nature and all things water – including surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

In his own words: “This project is a priority for my students because in 6th grade many students have either formed or are starting to form their opinions about science and their place within it. Many students are making these decisions with a very narrow view of what science is and what it has to offer them. Many times, students see themselves only as the consumer of technology not the maker of it. Getting students excited, curious, and "impressed" with what they are learning has always been a goal of mine and this project will allow students to see the content beyond the words and definitions they may have only been exposed to in the past.”