Exoplanets: an easy, practice-oriented and fun project with Arduino

Abstract

Planets outside the solar system are not covered in most curricula, but the methods of exoplanet research have already appeared in high school physics education in connection with certain physics matura exam tasks. Exoplanet research is one of the most successful, modern, and evolving fields of today’s astronomy; thus, it is worth addressing in high schools. In the field of physics education, it is necessary to broaden the range of methodologies. The process of educational development and changing curricula requires the use of new ideas in addition to traditional methods. In this paper, we introduce a project-based lesson plan that follows the principles of competence-based physics teaching methodology, which guides high school students from the basics towards more complex and abstract knowledge. The aim of the project is to give students the opportunity to get involved in the classroom work and in their own learning processes, practice through interactive activities, acquire useful and practical knowledge, and develop skills, such as designing a measurement setup, digital data processing, evaluating measurement data and outcomes, and representing data graphically. The existence of these skills is essential for success in the field of engineering, technology and research. Student experimentation with the application of Arduino in the topic of exoplanets provides the opportunity for students to participate actively in the lessons, use digital devices, and develop skills and competences while participating in a fun project.