This Circuit’s on Fire!
In this unit, students learn that Flanner-Larson All Media Enterprises (FLAME) is facing challenges with their newest phone, the XPhone 16, which overheats when placed in confined spaces. To help the company, students design a mathematical model that predicts when a cellphone will overheat and use a micro:bit to prototype an audible and visual alert system that warns users when the phone is “getting hot.” Using the Engineering Design Process, students analyze and graph data, apply linear algebra concepts, and explore real-world problem-solving through technology integration. After testing and refining their designs, students present their final recommendations to FLAME, justifying their solutions with evidence and data.
Core Content: Math/Algebra 1
Grade Levels: 8th Grade Math
ME Connection: The microcontroller on the micro:bit acts as the core of the system, processing temperature sensor data and controlling the visual and audible alerts when overheating is detected.
Engineering Design Project: Design and prototype a micro:bit-powered system that detects and alerts users when a cellphone begins to overheat, supported by data analysis and mathematical modeling.
Short video overview of the unit.