Incorporating IoT into STEM education through PBL - Chicken Farming Issues

• Published in: 2024 IEEE 15TH CONTROL AND SYSTEM GRADUATE RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM, ICSGRC 2024
• Main Authors: Saad, Hasnida; Zaidi, Nur Farhana Nazihah; Isa, Naimah Mat; Shahbudin, Shahrani; Othman, Noriza; Masrie, Marianah
• Format: Proceedings Paper
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2024
• Subjects: Automation & Control Systems; Engineering
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001345150000034

Integrating IoT into STEM education through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an effective strategy to engage students and sustain their interest. Implementing IoT requires a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which enables students to connect classroom lessons with real-world applications. This research aims to help teachers and students integrate IoT into STEM education by addressing issues in chicken farming. The study comprises several stages: first, identifying the primary issues in chicken farming in Malaysia, such as monitoring environmental conditions to ensure healthy poultry. Next, it involves reviewing previous research on applying IoT in chicken farming to gather insights and best practices. Following this, an overview of the smart chicken farming working principles is provided, detailing how IoT technology works and improves farming efficiency and chicken welfare. The next step is designing a hardware prototype, which employs a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller, a DHT22 humidity and temperature sensor, an MQ-137 ammonia gas sensor, and DC fans. These components are integrated to monitor environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and ammonia levels. The smart system is tested under various conditions to ensure reliability and effectiveness. It uses the Blynk Application to notify authorized users within seconds when monitored parameters exceed specified thresholds, enabling timely intervention and maintaining optimal conditions for the chickens. This practical application not only enhances learning but also demonstrates the real-world impact of STEM education.