Section 1
The Global Context: The “Integrated Ecosystem” Model
Modern problem-solving rarely relies on just a website or just a physical device — it requires hardware and software communicating seamlessly. Students design “Integrated Ecosystems” modeled after industry leaders across eleven real-world sectors.
The Tesla Model
Physical vehicle (hardware machine)
Telemetry collection & remote commands via custom mobile app
The SpaceX Model
Rockets & rovers (complex physical hardware)
Live, web-based mission control dashboards
Smart Agriculture (AgTech)
IoT soil moisture & temperature sensors
Web dashboard controlling automated irrigation
Wearable Health Tech
Biometric IoT wearables collecting health data
Mobile app tracking metrics & sending alerts
The Apple Ecosystem Model
Smartwatches, phones & laptops sharing biometric & location data
Unified cloud architecture seamlessly handing off tasks between devices
The Amazon Smart Home Model
Smart speakers, security cameras & automated thermostats
Unified mobile app & cloud backend for central monitoring
The Connected Fitness (Peloton) Model
Exercise equipment with embedded sensors
Live-streaming platform tracking real-time metrics & adjusting resistance remotely
The Disney MagicBand Model
Wearable IoT wristbands functioning as room keys, tickets & payment terminals
Central management app routing traffic & customizing the user experience in real-time
The Modern Logistics Model
Automated warehouse robots & handheld inventory scanners
Central inventory management web dashboard coordinating live stock & shipping data
The Smart Energy Grid (Sustainability)
IoT smart meters, solar/wind output sensors & automated load-balancing switches
Web dashboard visualizing real-time consumption, predicting demand spikes & routing power to minimize waste
The Connected Assistive Tech (Accessibility)
Smart environmental sensors, vibration-alert wearables & automated assistive triggers (door openers, lighting)
Mobile app adapting the environment in real-time — adjusting navigation cues, alerts & sensory modes to each user
Section 2
Authentic Performance Task: The “Double Dip”
Students work in interdisciplinary “startup” teams to solve a specific community or global issue. The project requires two halves to succeed — neither works without the other.
Computer Studies
Hardware / IoT Half
Students design, wire, and code a physical IoT device (e.g., using ESP32/Raspberry Pi and sensors) to collect data or perform a physical action.
- Sensor selection & wiring
- Firmware programming (MicroPython / C++)
- Data transmission via Wi-Fi / MQTT protocol
- Physical enclosure design
Web Development
Software / App Half
Students design and code a web application or mobile interface that receives the IoT data, visualizes it for the user, and allows remote hardware control.
- Real-time data dashboard (React / Next.js)
- API endpoint to ingest sensor data
- User controls to send commands back to device
- Responsive design for mobile access
Section 3
Integration with Research Chair Objectives
This project is the live environment for rotational specialization. Teams divide responsibilities based on interest and aptitude, fostering deep student agency, ownership, and expert-like engagement.
Hardware Engineers
Computer Studies
Design, wire, and program physical sensors and IoT components.
Frontend / UI Developers
Web Development
Build the user interface and visual dashboard for the software app.
Data Architects / Backend
API & Networking
Connect the hardware data stream to the software platform securely.
Project Managers / UX
Design Cycle
Manage project timelines, conduct user research, and oversee evaluation.
Section 4
The Design Cycle Framework
Each team progresses through four MYP Design-aligned stages, with role-specific deliverables at each checkpoint.
Inquire & Analyze
Teams define the core problem and research industry analogs to understand how leaders use sensors and data.
Develop Ideas
Students split into specialized roles to wireframe the software application and map out the hardware circuitry.
Create the Solution
Teams execute their builds, focusing on API handshakes and integrating the IoT device with the web platform.
Evaluate
Teams conduct user testing across the complete ecosystem, evaluating hardware reliability and software UX.
Section 5 · Evaluation & Study Metrics
Architecting Agency Research Alignment
This unit acts as a primary data collection site for the longitudinal study. Outcomes are measured against established pedagogical frameworks across both semesters.
Student Agency & Autonomy
Self-Determination Theory · Deci & Ryan, 1985
Evaluating perceived control and ownership within specialized roles. Students select their domain based on aptitude and interest — a direct instantiation of SDT's autonomy construct.
Depth of Learning & Transfer
Webb's Depth of Knowledge · Perkins' Whole Game theory
Assessing students' ability to connect digital and physical solutions to real-world contexts. Hardware-software integration inherently demands higher-order synthesis.