Internet of Things sensor network to boost pupils’ data skills in Scotland

Next month, when all schools in West Lothian come on board, the ‘Internet of Everything Schools Network’ will double in size, becoming operational in 86 schools.

The Network is one of more than 3,000 research ventures which are part of the University of Edinburgh’s Data Driven Innovation (DDI) programme which, in turn, is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, funded by the UK and Scottish Governments.

Claimed to be Europe’s biggest Internet of Things network, the scheme is on target to provide every school in the south-east of Scotland with environmental sensors capable of measuring CO2, humidity, light, air pressure and temperature levels.

The £9.5 million scheme also provides some schools with outdoor air quality monitors, soil moisture sensors and weather stations.

Each sensor is linked to a high performance computer at Edinburgh’s International Data Facility – where the data is transformed into graphs and charts that pupils and teachers can access online.

Some pupils have used the data to improve their classrooms. Addiewell Primary School in West Lothian has installed a living wall filled with plants and the same class also compared the humidity levels of their classroom to that of the crocodile enclosure at the nearby Five Sisters Zoo.

DDI aims to establish the region as the Data Capital of Europe through drawing inward investment, inspiring entrepreneurship and delivering inward economic growth.

The programme strives to connect University researchers with business partners in the public, private and third sectors, using data to tackle real world challenges and inspire innovation.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Edinburgh, said: ‘Data is all around us, shaping the way we live, work and engage with each other: our goal to make the digital sector more accessible to young people is therefore clear.

‘The Internet of Things schools’ network aims to give pupils the confidence, competence and ambition to use data to benefit themselves and their communities in an ever-changing digital world. Today, even more schools are taking part and by the end of this school year we will have rolled the project out to the vast majority of south east Scotland’s local authority schools, making it Europe’s largest IoT network.’

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said: ‘The Internet of Things schools programme is an excellent example of how the City Region Deal is creating exciting opportunities for future generations, and innovating to tackle real-world issues.

‘This pioneering programme is empowering young minds to gather and use data to learn about their environment, and will hopefully inspire and prepare students for potential careers in the data-driven economy.

‘The UK Government is investing £261m in the Data-Driven Innovation programme and more than £380m in levelling up across South East Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray, said: “Internet of Things technology is transforming how we all live our lives, from checking the weather to inspiring green growing walls to improve the school environment. This Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal-funded project demonstrates to the next generation the value of science and technology.

‘By turning cutting edge research into businesses, we are supporting the entrepreneurs of the future and helping achieve the vision set out in the National Innovation Strategy for Scotland to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next decade.’

Photo: Callum Bennetts, Maverick Studios.