Development of Indoor Aquaponics Control System Using a Computational Thinking-based Convergence Instructional Model

Abstract

Attempts have been made to introduce computational thinking (CT) into STEAM education as part of the training of creative and convergent talents. In this study, we designed a CT-based convergence instructional model for creative and integrated education and we developed a system to solve real-world problems using this model. The system developed as a product for convergence education is an indoor Aquaponics model. The Aquaponics model is a circulating model that takes advantage of fish culture and hydroponics cultivation and has recently been highlighted for its eco-friendliness, productivity improvement, and labor reduction. However, it has the disadvantage that continuous monitoring of growth and cultivation environment is necessary. Therefore, with the instructional model we designed, we implemented a remote automatic control using the IoT (Internet of things) to solve the problem of manual monitoring of the Aquaponics model. The results of this study are expected to be the basis of convergence education, leading to creative real-world problem solving through the fusion of science, engineering, and technology, based on CT.

Increasing Understanding on Basic Aquaponic Topic with Animation Video

“…Teachers need to apply the use of technology in teaching in class to increase student understanding. The technology-based learning model is expected to improve students' ability to solve problems creatively with effective learning [23].…”

Automated, technified and traditional aquaponic systems

“…In industrial aquaponic systems, understanding water flow allows estimating the capacity of mechanical filtration and biofiltration, as well as determining the availability of nutrients for plants. To achieve the above, using mathematical computational models such as those stated by [58], [59] and [60], an algorithm is generated in which the best crop environment for certain species of fish and plants is established, then sensors and actuators are adapted in conjunction with a controller (Figure 18) that will be evaluating the model and making adjustments according to the levels measured by each sensor. Although measurement and control are fundamental, data access is a critical factor to understand what is happening in the system, for this reason IoT technologies are gaining strength in aquaponics, [61] and [62] have implemented a data acquisition and control system in conjunction with web and mobile applications through the integration of web servers, receiving the information either by GSM, WiFi or wired networks and displaying it in applications that allow the user to know the system status at any time.…”