Design of an Interactive Device for Children’s Environmental Science Education on Plastic Pollution in Polar Regions Based on Open Source Programming Language

Abstract

With open-source programming languages, Processing and Arduino, this device realizes man-machine interaction. It has the characteristics of a wide application range and a strong visual expression. Designers and artists can make their ideas real through Processing and Arduino. In recent years, plastic waste can be seen in every corner of the world, which means that raising people’s awareness of environmental protection is urgently needed. Childhood is a key period for developing environmental awareness. In this paper, a popular science device related to environmental protection, taking children as the main target group, was designed and produced. The device provides a combination of technology and art to educate children about environmental enlightenment through external hardware configurations (switches, light sensing and pressure sensing) and on-screen images that show polar bears living in large amounts of plastic pollution.