Two Days to Complete a Project, and Our Little Makers Did It!

curiosityacademytw
Jul 2
3 min read

Have you ever noticed how many sounds surround us in everyday life? We often don’t pay attention to them, yet they subtly influence us.

The notification sound on Line
The “ding dong” of a convenience store automatic door
The satisfying melody of a video game victory sound
Even the opening music of a school broadcast

These sounds are not just background noise; they trigger our memories, influence our mood, and even cause us to take actions subconsciously.

From sound psychology to interactive design, the kids handled it all!

In our two-day "AI Programming – Project Exploration Class," the kids started from the perspective of sound psychology and tried to create their own "Sound Habit Coach" – a small device that uses sound to influence behavior and adjust habits!

First, students learned to use the DFmini MP3 module along with sensors to create a "sound interaction system" that responds to specific situations.

Here is the DFmini MP3 Module Teaching Presentation.

Student Course Records

Next, we had the students observe which sounds trigger "conditioned responses" in themselves.

Is it the vibration of a phone that makes you instantly tense?

Or does a certain melody make you want to dance as soon as it plays?

These are all evidence of how sound impacts the brain!

We also analyzed different types of sounds, including: short sound effects, songs, ambient sounds, and human voices, among others.

We also asked the students, "What habit would you like to cultivate?"

The habits were categorized into five main types: learning, lifestyle, health, and time management.

Using design thinking, students were encouraged to sketch their own devices on paper.

In the course, we also gave students the opportunity to present their ideas on stage, exchange thoughts with their classmates, and brainstorm together!

Let’s take a look at the projects they created!

📖 Goodnight Reminder "Book Nest"

Yu-An, who loves reading novels before bed, made a gentle reminder device, which also serves as a home for novels.

When the device detects the book being picked up, the lights will gradually turn on in "green, yellow, and red." When time is up, the system will softly remind: "It's time to sleep~" and then play relaxing sounds to help wind down.

🛎️ Welcome Device "Welcome"

When the door opens, a pleasant melody and "Welcome home" voice greeting immediately play, making coming home feel more ceremonial. Since the project presentation was held in a café, Jing-Jia thoughtfully created a "Welcome" version, too. The voice, background music, and melody were all mixed and edited by him!

🦊 Sleep Officer "Sleepy Fox"

Every night at 10 PM, the device is activated. If the lights are still on in the room, the little fox will emit a magnetic reminder sound: "It's time to sleep." If the lights still aren't turned off... the little fox will sound an alarm and call on Dad, Bo-Rui, to scold! It's a strict sleep officer!

Project Presentation: Full of Creativity and Laughter

In just two days, our little makers took their projects from concept, recording, and sound design to building circuits and writing code, creating their very own "Sound Coach."

At the presentation, they confidently introduced their works and even simulated scenarios for the audience to experience.