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Module 2 Week 2 - 11 November

Assignment

Task - Create a Pomodoro for Self Study

I refered to this site: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/iwKvW9cTNfA for the pomodoro created and the code. I adapted the code to add in a buzzer with melody to make it relevant to the students.

Video

Reference for pomodoro design and code: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Elec_p099/electricity-electronics/pomodoro-study-clock

Pomodoro:

The Pomodoro Technique is developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, using a timer to divide work into 25-minute focused intervals called “pomodoros” (Italian for tomato, inspired by his tomato-shaped kitchen timer), followed by short 5-minute breaks. By eliminating all potential distractions and external stimuli during the 25 minute work sprints, one can achieve a state of intense focus and flow. This heightened concentration allows one to produce higher quality work in less time.

TinkerCad Circuit

The TinkerCad Circuit platform used will be the students’ first exposure. I will be sharing this pomodoro with my form classs when term starts in January 2026. They will be in Sec 2, 14 years old. A good study skill to introduce to them at the start of the year.

By sharing this platform with students and allowing them to edit the code to set their preferred study and break time duration as well as adding in the code for the different melodies to be played to mark the start of study session and their breaks, add personalisation to this pomodoro tool. This allows customization for students who might not be able to study/focus for 25 mins at the start.

This experience will also allows them to explore and use TinkerCad for future projects relevant to their curriculum for example physics - electricity.

Digital Fabrication with Students

Student will be provided the basic code and they will use it for their homework or studying session at home. They will read and try to understand the code for the pomodoro. They will then be required to adapt the code for their personalization. They can adjust the timing for their preferred study and break cycle. For those who would like to, they are encouaged to code their favourite tunes into the pomodoro or even add speakers or blinking light to their pomodoro.

There will be a session where students are to share their personalized pomodoro in pairs and then a few of them to share with the class.

Process

  • Modified code from [https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Elec_p099/electricity-electronics/pomodoro-study-clock] (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Elec_p099/electricity-electronics/pomodoro-study-clock) and code for buzzer with melody within the tinkercad circuit and obtained code from Chatgpt for a soothing melody to signal the start of study session.

  • Debug the code to make it work well. This program sets a timer for the “Pomodoro study method,” which consists of 25-minute study periods, each start with a soothing melody followed by 5-minute breaks, signal by a different melody. After every 4 study periods, one will take a longer 15 minute break.

  • Futhermore, the duration of each period and the number of repetitions are fully customizable in the code.

  • The code uses an LCD screen, LEDs and buzzer as outputs. Melodies are customisable from the code.

  • Benefits on the use of Bach music: 1. Bach’s precise counterpoint and mathematical patterns create a calm soundscape ideal for sustained concentration during tasks like reading or analytical work. 2. It lowers cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, helping students stay relaxed and avoid “fight or flight” distractions. 3.Neuroscientists note it conditions the brain for a “flow state,” improving productivity by up to 15% in some studies.

  • The use of chatGPT to refine the code to improve the playing of Bach minuet G major. Adding in code for note articulation and tempo expression. Articulation (notes play ~88% length, 12% rest) Tempo expression (slight slowing at phrase endings, emphasis on downbeats)

  • Link to two versions of TinkerCad design and code are here: TinkerCad Pomodoro with Bach and TinkerCad Pomodoro with 2 short melodies

Challenges, Reflection

  • Some of the challenges I faced is debugging the code found and adapted for my use. Support from the Fab Lab was much appreciated.

  • I like the fact that the user can modify the code to change the timing for the study and breaks as well as the melodies to be played. This allows students to explore the programming as well as personalised the pomodoro to their preferences, making it more useful and cater to individualised needs.

  • I will also share with students some existing pomodoro apps available for their usage. For example: https://pomofocus.io/

  • Next steps or improvements - Move on from a prototype in Tinkercad Circuit to a physcial pomodoro timer.

Tools

  • TinkerCad
  • Science Buddies
  • ChatGPT for the melody, articulation and tempo expression