After winning the third national programming competition on micro:bit devices, we had the opportunity to speak with the mentor of the winning team - Sanja Čolaković Šišević. We discussed the project with which the elementary school "Vladimir Nazor" presented itself at the competition, what this kind of project means for the children and what their plans for the regional competition are.
Can you tell us more about the project you won the national competition with - what was it about, how did the kids react?
The winter is the most critical time for many species to survive, especially because of the lack of food that is rare and often covered with snow. We decided to implement with the help of a micro:bit Winter Bird Shelter. We are witnessing that many birds also die in national parks because they do not have the necessary protection from humans when they need it the most.
PURPOSE OF OUR PROJECT:
The purpose of the project is to protect the resident birds in the winter (with the modification of the cottages it can also serve to protect other animals). This project would be beneficial at the municipal, state and global level. Potential users are urban and rural areas, as well as national parks where shelters would be built for endangered species and bird protection.
IMPACT OF OUR PROJECT:
The number of sparrows is decreasing and the ecosystem is severely disrupted by reducing their numbers. We have noticed that the region is raising awareness of their threat, but we have not seen that there is an adequate solution for them and for all endangered species.
Our state is endowed with one of the largest bird reserves of National Park Skadar Lake, we came up with the idea to point out through this project the fact that we can protect birds in a better way. We expect from this project that it will awaken awareness among individuals, institutions and authorities that can act in this area. We want to show how much modern times can provide a better quality of life for not only humans but also birds.
As a mentor, I can say that I am pleased with their dedication, cooperation, teamwork, confidence and freedom to express opinions and come up with new ideas. They have developed a competitive spirit and excitement about new competition, desire for progress and new challenges.
MICRO:BIT = CHALLENGE
The smart bird house solution is a sustainable system that aims to conserve bird stocks, but this type of house is also feasible and can be implemented to protect other animals. Such shelters could be made for animals close to humans (dogs, cats) as well as for wildlife. The cottage at first glance is one beautifully designed bird habitat, however this cottage is more than that. A great deal of automation is displayed in this cottage. The door of the house, the feeder, the drinker as well as the temperature maintenance system are automated and all four systems operate with the help of micro:bit devices. By installing solar panels, the cottage is sustainable. Homes like this could also be used for various animal research and monitoring by installing cameras.
The children responded positively to this great challenge for them. They were happy to accept the idea of this project and were looking forward to every workshop. They sought to improve the project, develop critical thinking, find solutions to new situations, and seek the assistance of the coordinator and other associates.
