Overview
Tools:
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Nuts and bolts
- Rubber bands
- 3 x Paper clips 32mm
Electronics options:
- Calliope mini
- Servo board
- 1 x 180deg micro servo
- 1 x DC motor
- Neopixel module
- BBC Micro:Bit
- Adapter
- 1 x 180deg micro servo
- 1 x DC motor
- Neopixel module
Building time:
2 hours
Difficulty:
Medium
Building manual
Design plan
Download printable design plan:
Project info
Educational Smart Home is a model designed for hands-on STEAM learning.
This project is simple to build, making it highly accessible for classroom use. It is powered by the Calliope mini microcontroller, which includes a range of built-in sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling a variety of interactive programming tasks.
What does the smart home include?
The model incorporates several functional elements that can be used to explore coding and electronics:
- Electric Door – can be opened and closed through code
- Window with Opening Sensor – doubles as a burglar alarm
- NeoPixel Lighting – capable of producing dynamic, colorful lighting effects
- DC Fan – simulates air conditioning
- Integrated Sensors – detect temperature, light levels, motion, and magnetic fields via Calliope mini
These components serve as a foundation for numerous coding challenges and allow students to develop programs that respond to environmental inputs or user actions.
Coding examples will be provided in upcoming videos.
Suggested coding activities
The smart home model provides many opportunities for creative and meaningful coding, such as:
- Turning on lights automatically when it becomes dark
- Activating an alarm when the window is opened
- Starting the fan when a high temperature is detected
- Connecting remotely via Bluetooth to create simple control applications
This last feature is particularly useful for introducing students to human-computer interaction, mobile app design.
Modular and creative by design
The smart home is built with modularity in mind. If you do not have access to a specific component (such as a DC motor), you can simply omit it and still complete meaningful activities. Its minimal cardboard structure also invites artistic expression—students can decorate and personalize their homes, adding an additional layer of creativity to the learning experience.
If your class builds multiple models, you can even link them together to simulate a smart city environment, adding elements such as gates, infrastructure, and street lighting.
