EcoTech Intent – Sophia CC
Light pollution makes it harder for fireflies to signal potential mates. I would like to make a sort of enclosed diorama to help visualize this effect. It would take the form of a closed box with a peep hole to keep any outside light out. Inside, there would be a mini environment built with models of fireflies that have LEDS worked into them. The LEDS would be run through an arduino to blink in an accurate pattern, and there will be a button on the outside of the box to trigger a light pollution effect. This will show how much of an effect the pollution has on the visibility of the fireflies’ signals.
The project would be left in a public space (probably the IMRC) accompanied by an artist’s statement outlining the problems associated with light pollution.
Potential budget:
Arduino: I already own one, so practically this would not cost me anything, but if I had to buy one it would cost around $20.
LEDs: $8 for 100 LEDs.
Materials to make the fireflies: hard to pin down an exact number because I’m not sure how I want to make them yet, but probably around $10-15
Materials for the box: I would be using foam core to construct the diorama, which costs $17 for a pack of 10 11” x 14” sheets. I own the other materials required.
Other electronics: If I do not own them, they shouldn’t cost more than $10.
3 thoughts on “EcoTech Intent – Sophia CC”
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This is a really great idea! The only thing I would add would be that the “light pollution” effect button could have various levels that give an idea for what light pollution is in like, say, New York City, Boston, Portland, etc. so we have a way to compare the intensities of light pollution.
I hadn’t actually thought about that, but you’re right. I could do that with a potentiometer.
I love this idea. I think it would be very intriguing to people walking in and out of the IMRC, it’s a very appealing way to educate everyday students on the effects of light pollution to the world around us. It would be even better to add possibly a poster to display some literature next to the box explaining some background information.