Grades 6–12 (Kit)
Bring coding and circuits to life with real-world applications! This kit introduces students to relays and shows how an Arduino microcontroller can safely control high-voltage devices. By building and programming a relay system, students can power items such as a grow light or a sprinkler, making connections between coding, electronics, and agriculture.
The relay system can be used as a replacement for timers in the SpaceLite (Plant Light) Kit or Classroom Aquaponics Kit. This project gives students hands-on experience with microcontrollers, wiring, and design thinking while reinforcing STEM and agricultural technology concepts. Assembly instructions are provided in the downloads section below.
Downloads
Kit Contents
- Arduino Microcontroller (pre-programmed with Arduino)
- Breadboard
- Arduino and breadboard holder
- USB Mini-B cable
- Wall adapter power supply
- Solid state relay
- 6-foot extension cord
- Jumper wires
- Hook-up wire – black (22 AWG)
- Hook-up wire – red (22 AWG)
- Copper wire ends (6)
- Screwdriver
Additional Supplies
The following items are required but not included in the kit:
- Electrical tape or shrink tube
- Craft knife
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Computer (Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux)
- Arduino software
Lesson Plans
Use this kit with related lessons available on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix.
Extend the Learning
Encourage students to apply their relay system in classroom projects such as automated watering, grow lights, or other controlled systems. For beginners, explore tutorials on our Arduino resource page to learn coding basics and circuit design.
