Smart Streetlight Control Kit

Classes 9-10, typical ages 14–16. 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
• LDR Sensor (Light Dependent Resistor) - 5mm — 1 photoresistor
• 10K Ω 1/4 Watts (10 PCS) — 1 resistor
• 5mm LED - Red Color — 1 LED
• 330 Ω 1/4 Watts (10 PCS) — 1 resistor

What you learn

• Two switching thresholds can prevent chatter.
• PWM provides gradual brightness changes.
• A sensor should be shielded from its own controlled light when appropriate.

Connection guide

• 5 V → LDR → A0 node → 10 kOhm → GND.
• D9 → 330 Ohm → LED anode; cathode → GND. Keep the LED from shining directly on the LDR.

Steps to make it

1. Disconnect all power and identify the supplied part labels and pinouts before wiring.
2. Build the divider and LED output; upload and observe raw light values.
3. Select darkOn and brightOff values between your covered and uncovered readings, keeping darkOn lower.
4. Move slowly across the boundary and observe whether the output chatters.
5. Compare this two-threshold behaviour with a single threshold and record the difference.
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.

Uses the selected board core libraries.

Download starter sketch

Test challenge

Hover light level near the boundary and count unwanted toggles over 30 seconds.

Observation task

Raw light, selected thresholds, LED state and toggle count.

Expected result

The LED turns on below the dark threshold and stays on until light exceeds the higher threshold; PWM changes brightness gradually.

If it does not work

Recalibrate thresholds for the room and check divider orientation; do not use this low-power LED model to switch mains lighting.

Try next

Add time-based dimming while keeping the hysteresis decision separate.

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.