Mini Weather Station Kit

Classes 7-8, typical ages 12–14. Age ranges vary by learner. Guided low-voltage electronics.

Activity engagement

60–90 minutes. Explore 10–15 min · Build 20–30 min · Test and discuss 30–45 min. Estimated time for building, testing and discussion.

What you need

A computer with a USB port and Arduino IDE is required and is not included.

Included components

• Small Breadboard / Mini Solderless Board - 400 points — 1 breadboard
• Jumper Wire Combo - Male to Male, Male to Female and Female to Female Breadboard Connecting Wires (10 Qty Each) — 1 set
• Illustrated Activity Guide and Observation Sheets — 1 set
• Fitted Headers and Labelled Connection Leads — 1 set
• Arduino Uno R3 CH340G version compatible Arduino Development Board — 1 controller board
• USB A to B Programming Cable for Arduino Uno/ Arduino Mega — 1 data cable
• DHT11 — 1 sensor module
• 10K Ω 1/4 Watts (10 PCS) — 1 resistor

What you learn

• Digital sensors exchange encoded readings.
• Sampling rate and invalid readings matter.
• Room observations differ from a calibrated weather instrument.

Connection guide

• DHT11 labelled VCC → 5 V; GND → GND; DATA → D2.
• For a bare four-pin DHT11, supplied 10 kOhm pull-up connects DATA to VCC; unused NC pin stays unconnected.

Steps to make it

1. Disconnect all power and identify the supplied part labels and pinouts before wiring.
2. Identify DATA/VCC/GND using the supplied sensor pin card.
3. Install the listed libraries, upload and open Serial Monitor.
4. Record readings for three minutes with at least two seconds between samples.
5. Move the sensor away from a hand or warm device, allow it to settle and compare.
6. Change only the named parameter for the extension, repeat the controlled trials, save observations and disconnect power afterward.

Programming resources

Arduino IDE: select Arduino Uno and the USB port. Use the supplied USB data cable. Serial Monitor/Plotter: 115200 baud.

Libraries to install

• DHT sensor library (Adafruit)
• Adafruit Unified Sensor

Download starter sketch

Test challenge

Compare a stable room position with a gently changed room location, allowing settling time.

Observation task

Time, temperature in degrees C, relative humidity and any invalid sample.

Expected result

Valid readings are printed as temperature/humidity pairs; failed reads are explicitly flagged.

If it does not work

Check the DHT11 type, DATA pull-up, pin order and two-second sampling interval.

Try next

Discuss sensor resolution, placement and how repeatability differs from accuracy.

Use and supervision

Use only the supplied low-voltage DC parts. Disconnect power before rewiring; check polarity and labelled pinouts. No soldering or exposed mains connections. Adult guidance is recommended.

How this experiment works

Download class activity guide

Cover illustrations show component types. Functional animations explain principles and are not recorded prototype tests. Follow the supplied connection labels and pinouts.