Lightweaver - Education, Making Climate Change Accessible

About Lightweaver

Lightweaver was founded on July 1, 2025, by three high school students who met at an AIGO-sponsored day camp. United by a shared concern for climate change, we formed our team. Our "Environmental Memory" time capsule project uses ESP32 to monitor local environmental data (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure), capturing weather changes and generating engaging AI stories. These stories inspire people to care about climate change issues, shifting from passive awareness to active engagement.

With a youthful perspective and technology, we aim to spark a sustainable future.

Our Founders

Zhang Huan

I’m Zhang Huan, a Wenhua High School student passionate about blending technology and design. Skilled in web development and hardware implementation, proficient with ESP32 and Arduino, I’m dedicated to transforming creative ideas into interactive projects. I focus on the human warmth in technology, aiming to create memorable designs.

Xu Yijia

I’m Xu Yijia, a Xinmin High School student focused on artificial intelligence and programming. I’m currently designing intelligent AI applications for my school and proficient in advanced languages like C/C++. Guided by Benjamin Franklin’s integrity and innovative spirit, I continuously explore the boundaries of technology.

Zhang Mingjia

I’m Zhang Mingjia, a Junyi High School student skilled at turning creative ideas into practical projects. Specializing in algorithm optimization and information security, I enjoy analyzing complex problems and finding optimal solutions. I plan to combine algorithms and cybersecurity expertise to develop groundbreaking intelligent systems in the future.

Environmental Memory Time Capsule

Project Vision

The "Environmental Memory" time capsule, created by Lightweaver, integrates environmental monitoring, AI story generation, and interactive experiences. Using ESP32 to collect data (e.g., temperature, PM2.5), it generates compelling stories to inspire all ages to care about the environment, aiming for a global environmental memory network.

Creative Highlights

The project uses gamification and social sharing, blending local culture with environmental data to create vivid stories. From schools to museums, its modular design suits diverse settings, motivating actions like energy saving or tree planting to spark environmental passion.

Hardware and Software Design

ESP32 with sensors (e.g., DHT22, BMP280) collects environmental data, supporting battery or solar power. AI story generation balances local and cloud modes, with a mobile app offering AR displays and data visualization for simple, immersive interaction.

Global Network Vision

Build a global environmental memory network, connecting data and stories from schools, homes, and communities to foster cross-cultural exchange. Future integration of AR/VR and IoT will offer immersive experiences, with data supporting environmental research and policy advocacy.

Technical Details

ESP32 and Sensor Integration

We use the ESP32 microcontroller, connected to various sensors (e.g., DHT22 for temperature/humidity, BME280 for pressure), to collect real-time local environmental data, ensuring accuracy and immediacy.

Data Transmission and Google Forms

The ESP32 connects to the internet via Wi-Fi, automatically uploading environmental data to Google Forms. The form serves as an intermediary, structuring data for further processing and storage.

Excel Data Storage

Google Forms data is synced to Google Sheets and exported to Excel files, serving as the foundation for long-term data storage, enabling backend analysis and visualization.

Python Flask Backend

We use the Python Flask framework as the backend, reading environmental data from Excel files, processing it, and providing API endpoints for real-time display on the frontend.

Web Data Visualization

The frontend webpage, via Flask’s API, dynamically displays environmental data (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure charts) collected by ESP32, allowing users to intuitively understand local climate changes.

AI Story Generation and Memory Capsule

When users click the "Preserve Memory" button, the system connects to a large language model (e.g., Grok) via API, generating localized climate stories based on environmental data to inspire engagement and action.

Timeline

2025/7/1 Team Formed

Joined AIGO event, proposed "Environmental Memory" concept.

2025/7/1 ESP32

Designed ESP32 hardware, started data collection.

2025/7/1 AI Testing

Developed AI model, tested initial stories.

2025/7/19 Website Presentation

Built website, prepared for presentation to everyone on July 31.

FAQ

What is Environmental Memory?

The Environmental Memory time capsule is an interactive device combining ESP32 sensors and AI to collect environmental data (e.g., temperature, PM2.5) and generate stories tied to local culture and context. Through gamification and psychological design, it inspires users to shift from passive awareness to active environmental concern, suitable for schools, homes, and museums.

Why use ESP32 instead of existing APIs?

ESP32 enables hands-on collection of local environmental data, enhancing the authenticity and engagement of the educational experience. Unlike standardized data from APIs, ESP32’s modular design adapts to various settings (e.g., outdoor parks or indoor classrooms), allowing students to learn environmental monitoring principles through practical application.

How does AI generate climate stories?

AI analyzes environmental data from ESP32 (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure) and user inputs (e.g., mood or local cultural elements) to create context-specific stories. For example, in a school setting, AI might generate a story like “the classroom air tells a tale of energy saving,” ending with actionable suggestions to motivate environmental action.

Why focus on climate education?

Climate change impacts everyone, yet many lack a personal connection. Through AI stories and data visualization, we transform abstract climate issues into vivid experiences, especially for younger generations, fostering environmental responsibility from classrooms to daily life, encouraging sustainable actions like reducing energy use or joining community greening efforts.

How does the project ensure accessibility for all ages?

We designed a simple touch interface and voice input for easy use by young or elderly users. Story styles (e.g., adventure or heartwarming) are customizable and incorporate local culture to appeal to all ages. Gamified tasks (e.g., data logging to unlock badges) and AR displays lower barriers and enhance immersion.

Our Vision

We dream of bringing "Environmental Memory" to every classroom, letting students feel the real impact of climate change through AI stories. We also look forward to collaborating with more youth and tech enthusiasts to build a generation that is concerned about the environment.

Education, Making Climate Change Accessible