Classroom (Group Learning)
February 6, 2025
Before beginning this unit, students should have:
If students don’t have these prerequisites, consider spending 2-3 weeks covering:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
This term-length unit guides students through creating a mobile application that helps track and monitor local wildlife. The project combines coding fundamentals, database design, user experience principles, and conservation science into a meaningful STEM learning experience.
Hardware:
Software:
Additional Materials:
1. Development Environment Setup Guide
a. Install required software
# Install Git
# Windows: Download from git-scm.com
# Mac: brew install git
# Linux: sudo apt-get install git
# Install Node.js (if using React Native)
# Download from nodejs.org
# Install Android Studio
# Download from developer.android.com/studiob. Configure development tools
# Configure Git
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
# Initialize project
git initc. Set up version control
# Create new repository
mkdir wildlife-app
cd wildlife-app
git init
# Create initial structure
mkdir src
mkdir docs
mkdir tests
d. Test basic functionality
# Basic test script (test.py)
def test_environment():
try:
# Test database connection
import sqlite3
conn = sqlite3.connect('wildlife.db')
print("Database connection successful")
# Test GPS module
from gps import GPS
gps = GPS()
print("GPS module loaded")
return True
except Exception as e:
print(f"Setup error: {e}")
return False
if __name__ == "__main__":
test_environment()1. Data Modeling Step-by-Step
a. Design database schema sql
-- Create Species Table
CREATE TABLE species (
id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
common_name TEXT NOT NULL,
scientific_name TEXT NOT NULL,
conservation_status TEXT,
description TEXT,
habitat TEXT
);
-- Create Sightings Table
CREATE TABLE sightings (
id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
species_id INTEGER,
latitude REAL NOT NULL,
longitude REAL NOT NULL,
timestamp DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
notes TEXT,
photo_path TEXT,
observer_id INTEGER,
FOREIGN KEY (species_id) REFERENCES species(id),
FOREIGN KEY (observer_id) REFERENCES observers(id)
);
-- Create Observers Table
CREATE TABLE observers (
id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
name TEXT NOT NULL,
email TEXT UNIQUE,
registration_date DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);b. Define relationships (python)
class Species:
def __init__(self):
self.id = None
self.common_name = ""
self.scientific_name = ""
self.conservation_status = ""
self.sightings = [] # One-to-many relationship
class Sighting:
def __init__(self):
self.id = None
self.species = None # Many-to-one relationship
self.location = {"latitude": 0, "longitude": 0}
self.timestamp = datetime.now()
self.observer = None # Many-to-one relationship
c. Implement data validation (python)
def validate_sighting(sighting):
errors = []
# Check coordinates
if not (-90 <= sighting.latitude <= 90):
errors.append("Invalid latitude")
if not (-180 <= sighting.longitude <= 180):
errors.append("Invalid longitude")
# Check species
if not sighting.species_id:
errors.append("Species must be specified")
# Check timestamp
if sighting.timestamp > datetime.now():
errors.append("Future timestamps not allowed")
return errorsAPI Development Guide
a. Create endpoints (python)
from flask import Flask, request, jsonify
app = Flask(__name__)
@app.route('/api/sightings', methods=['POST'])
def create_sighting():
data = request.json
# Validate data
errors = validate_sighting(data)
if errors:
return jsonify({"errors": errors}), 400
# Create sighting
sighting = Sighting(
species_id=data['species_id'],
latitude=data['latitude'],
longitude=data['longitude'],
notes=data.get('notes', '')
)
db.session.add(sighting)
db.session.commit()
return jsonify({"id": sighting.id}), 201
@app.route('/api/sightings', methods=['GET'])
def get_sightings():
sightings = Sighting.query.all()
return jsonify([s.to_dict() for s in sightings])b. Implement authentication
c. Test API functionality
d. Document API usage
Tip: Use sample data sets initially to test database functionality before implementing live data collection.
Accessibility Tip: Ensure the app is usable in various lighting conditions for field work.
For each technical concept:
Break down complex tasks:
This unit requires careful preparation and a solid foundation in programming concepts. While challenging, it provides students with real-world experience in software development while contributing to environmental conservation. Regular assessment and feedback help ensure students grasp both the technical and conservation aspects of the project.
Remember to adapt the pace and depth based on your students’ existing knowledge and capabilities. Consider breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks and providing additional support resources where needed.
Note: This unit guide should be adapted based on local wildlife, available resources, and specific curriculum requirements. Regular consultation with local conservation experts and technology professionals is recommended for optimal implementation.
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