Middle Learning Students Explore Wearable Technology

by Assistant Head of School for Academics David Long

One of the hallmarks of Middle Learning is the rich elective offerings from which students are able to choose. These classes give students hands-on opportunities to learn something new while developing the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Middle Learning technology teacher Mark Gerl’s 7G Wearable Technology elective class is a great example of this!

In a recent project, students learned how hardware and software work together and created a device that is usable and fun to wear. Students used Adafruit Circuit Playground Express as a design platform to program a sensor for a game called Zombies, Humans, and Healers. The game is very much like tag, but rather than tagging people with their hands, students wear a Circuit Playground badge, which flashes signals depending on if you are a zombie, human, or healer. Zombie signals take away one human life point, and the badge turns off one of 10 lights on the badge each time. Healer signals restore one life point and turn a light back on.

The original project idea came from the Adafruit website; however, after the students played it, they decided the pause between flashing signals was too slow, and they couldn't run as fast as they like while still transmitting and receiving the signals. Students made necessary adjustments by programming audio feedback, retested their sensors, and continued this process until they were satisfied with the final product. They also added sound effects for losing or gaining lives so players could both hear and see the "tag". 

In the end, these seventh graders created a game that featured all of the fun of playing tag while allowing for social distancing. “I'm tremendously proud of them, as they took on the project with no real previous experience,” said Mr. Gerl. “They each brought new ideas, input, and solutions to the game, so that it truly is theirs now. That blending of curiosity and creativity is the heart of project-based learning.”