Soil moisture datalogging

Tomorrow we will begin using this soil moisture sensor and handheld monitor. We will monitor soil moisture in a plant just outside our classroom, either a strawberry or courgette.

The readings are uploaded in a simple form which feeds a Google spreadsheet.

Soil moisture levels are typically measured by running a small voltage through two metal conductors placed close together, and measuring the voltage passing through them - this will vary according to the medium they're placed in, and water will ease the flow of electrons from one post to the other. The data logger translates this to the percentage of water in the soil (volumetric water content). Typical soil is about half solid matter (dirt, rocks) and half air gaps which can be filled with water. So the soil sensor typically gives values from 0 to 50 percent, indicating how much of those air gaps are filled by water.

An identical sensor has been tested with Kenyan students, in the VeSeL project.

Link with Silanga School, Kenya

We wrote the following letter to Silanga School in Kenya. You can see their reply to us here.

Dear Silanga School,


How are you? We are writing to you from Newick Primary School in England. We have heard about you through Sussex University in England.


We would like to tell you a bit about ourselves. Here at Newick we are a very sporty and creative school. We have a spacious field to play sports and games. We are very lucky because we have mini learning projects (a different one each term) AND we learn a new language (French). After school and at lunchtimes, there are lots of clubs on offer run by our talented teachers. School starts at 8.50am and ends at 3.15pm. There are 8 classes in the school and 215 children! How many children and classes do you have in your school?


As a class, we are also very talented. Some of us play a variety of instruments. We work as a team to gain marbles in a jar to earn a special treat. So far we have had a pyjama party, a Diwali day and a golden day! Our topic at the moment is World War Two and we went on a trip to the Imperial War Museum in London!

How long is your school day and what activities do you do?


We would love to hear from you so please get in contact soon! We have sent you an email so that you can view our blog at http://newickseals.blogspot.com/



Please write back soon,


Love from Miss Riggs all the children in Seals Class at Newick Church of England Primary School.

A day at our school

Today we made 'photo stories' about a typical day at our school.

First Miss Riggs showed how to use Comic Life software.

Then students set about making their own comic using pictures taken with the digital cameras.

Some worked together, others on their own photo story.

Then some students got to present their photo stories on the digital whiteboard.

Find more photos from the day here.

e-science kit

Here are some of the things we will be using in our e-science work:

Macbook laptop, with external rechargable power supply.

Folding solar panel for charging laptop, battery and other devices.

Two digital cameras.

MP3/4 player/recorder.