Transforming Learning Through Real-World Data

What Makes This Different?

Rather than simulated experiments or theoretical examples, your pupils work with live environmental sensors collecting real data from their school environment. They analyse temperature fluctuations, monitor air quality changes, track lighting patterns, and investigate how their school building responds to weather, occupancy, and seasonal variations. This isn't just technology for technology's sake—it's genuine problem-solving applied to questions that matter to young people.

Curriculum Integration That Actually Works

The project seamlessly aligns with Curriculum for Excellence across multiple subject areas.

During science lessons, teachers can use sensor data to explore scientific investigations and environmental monitoring. Math lessons benefit from rich datasets for statistics, graphing, and pattern recognition. Technology activities examine the need for sensors and how they can process information. Geography topics incorporate climate data and environmental change. Even literacy and language lessons benefit as pupils communicate their findings and debate environmental issues through writing, discussion, and presentation.

No Technical Barriers

You don't need to be a technology expert to implement this successfully. The University provides sensors, wireless gateways, and web-based data visualisation tools—all configured and ready to use. Our comprehensive lesson guides, created by teachers for teachers, offer flexible starting points while encouraging you to adapt activities to your pupils’ interests and your curriculum priorities.

Proven Educational Impact

After years of development and implementation across hundreds of schools, we've seen significant improvements in student engagement within STEM subjectsrelated activities, enhanced data literacy skills, and promoted stronger connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. Teachers report increased confidence in delivering practical science-based investigations and greater enthusiasm for data analysis activities.

Complete Support Ecosystem

From initial setup through ongoing curriculum development, the project provides professional learning opportunities, peer networks, and direct support. Join a community of innovative educators who share lesson ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate student achievements together.

Ready to bring authentic scientific enquiry into your classroom? 

Explore our learning resources, examine examples of pupil work, and discover how IoT sensors can provide unique challenges for your learners.

The IOT in Schools project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Deal and delivered in partnership with East Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, and West Lothian local authorities.