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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Minich from Wyomissing, PA is requesting technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Minich is requesting

Smart Pod Internet of Things

My students need an Amazon Echo, a Wink Hub, and Philips Hue lights to enhance their award-winning Smart Pod project.

  • $1,167 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

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My Students

My students are advancing to unprecedented levels of learning. Last year, they won the regional PA Governor’s STEM competition and advanced to the state finals. They even met the governor and had the opportunity to explain the project’s technical intricacies in a face-face meeting.

I teach a five course sequence that includes computer science, robotics, and electronics.

Approximately ten to twenty seniors reach the last course of the sequence. They learn computer science and work on robotics projects that involve 3D printers, quadcopters, Raspberry Pi, Arduino boards, and more. Not only do their engaging projects provide cutting-edge learning opportunities but they also help recruit new batches of students into the introductory courses in our program. Many of the students teach these exciting technologies in summer workshops for elementary students and some travel to our elementary schools each year for an annual Science Day to share their enthusiasm for STEM to youngsters.

My Project

The students’ project in the state competition was a unique, custom-programmed smart home hub with sensor modules named Smart Pod. It has features that rival commercial systems but uses inexpensive Raspberry Pi, Arduinos, and sensors. Now they want to integrate features including voice control and lighting to the next version. They also want to learn how systems can work together despite the lack of standards in the Internet of Things. For example, with IFTTT and Raspberry Pi hacks, the students can learn to connect Wink and Smart Things hubs with an Amazon Echo and their existing Raspberry-Pi and Arduino-based Smart Pod.

This project will help students build the skill set and self esteem to allow even more impressive advances in learning.

They have already taken the first version of their Smart Pod to a few showcases and local exhibitions. Recently, they were accepted as a showcase exhibit to demonstrate the Smart Pod at the prestigious New York City World Maker Faire. Their Smart Pod project is on the move and more and more students are being attracted to this exciting project.

Mr. Minich Wyomissing Area Junior Senior High School Grades 9-12

More about Mr. Minich

Wyomissing, PA View local requests

More than a third of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

35 students impacted 12donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Philips 431643 Hue Personal Wireless Lighting, Starter Pack, Frustration Free • Amazon Business $199.00 1 $199.00
Amazon Echo • Amazon Business $179.99 1 $179.99
SmartThings Hub • Amazon Business $99.00 1 $99.00
Belkin WeMo Light Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled, Compatible with Amazon Echo • Amazon Business $38.33 1 $38.33
Belkin WeMo F7C029fc Wi-Fi Enabled Insight Switch for Smartphones, Tablets and Amazon Echo • Amazon Business $59.99 1 $59.99
SmartThings SmartPower Outlet • Amazon Business $55.00 1 $55.00
Wink Connected Home Hub • Amazon Business $49.99 1 $49.99
SmartThings SmartSense Motion Sensor • Amazon Business $49.00 1 $49.00
GE Link Starter Kit, PLINK-SKIT, Wireless, A19 LED Light Bulb, Pack of 2 • Amazon Business $45.90 1 $45.90
SmartThings SmartSense Open/Closed Sensor • Amazon Business $45.00 1 $45.00
Belkin WeMo Switch, Control Your Electronics From Anywhere with the Home Automation App for Smartphones and Tablets, Wi-Fi Enabled, Compatible with Amazon Echo • Amazon Business $44.99 1 $44.99
SmartSense Presence Sensor • Amazon Business $31.00 1 $31.00
Voice Remote for Amazon Echo • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Philips 433714 9W A19 Hue LUX LED Personal Wireless Lighting Single Light Bulb • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99

Materials cost

$947.17

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$14.21

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$991.38

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$174.95

Total project goal

$1,166.33

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $1,166.33

10 Donors

-$991.38

Donations toward project cost

-$991.38

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$0.00

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$174.95

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Minich and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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