Student Story
Flush Tracker – Monitoring Water Usage with Micro:bit
“Before starting the Flush Monitor Project, I never really thought about how much water we waste in school. But thanks to Kinia Tech and the Micro:bit, I now understand how small changes can make a big impact!”
The Experience
At first, setting up the Micro:bit was a bit tricky, but once we figured out how to attach the tilt sensor to the toilet handle, it was exciting to see the data being collected in real time.
We programmed the Micro:bit to count each flush and display the number on its LED screen.
Every time someone flushed, it logged the data and stored it in a spreadsheet. After one month, we had recorded over 500 flushes in our school! When we calculated how much water this used, it was shocking! This project helped us work with our Green Schools Committee to introduce a campaign on water conservation.
Pros of Using Kinia Tech
for This Project
Easy to Use for Beginners
The Micro:bit and MakeCode were simple to understand, even for those of us who had never coded before.
Real-World Impact
Seeing actual water usage data made the project feel meaningful. It wasn’t just another classroom activity—it was something that
could help our school save water!
Encourages Problem-Solving
We had to troubleshoot sensor placement and adjust code, which made us think critically about how technology can solve environmental issues.
Works Well with Green Schools Goals
This project aligned perfectly with our school’s Green Flag for Water Conservation, helping us take action to reduce waste.
Cons of Using Kinia
Tech for This Project
Sensor Placement Was Challenging
It took some time to figure out the best way to attach the tilt sensor so it would detect every flush accurately.
Data Collection Required Monitoring
Some students accidentally triggered the sensor without actually flushing, so we had to double-check and clean the data.
Limited Battery Life
Since the Micro:bit was on all day, the battery drained quickly, and we had to replace it often. Connecting it to a USB power source helped.
Final Thoughts
“This project was a fun way to mix technology
and sustainability. It opened my eyes to how
much water we use (and waste!) every day. The
best part? Our school is now installing dual-flush
systems in all toilets because of the data we
collected! I’d definitely recommend using Kinia
Tech for more Green Schools projects.”
Diana Tumashova, age 16, Youthreach Cappawhite
Ár bPáirtnéirí & Maoinitheoirí
