Hello, If you have experience using RFID technology or UPC scanners in exhibits or classroom activities, I could certainly use your help. I'm working up a proposal for a classroom activity on solid waste that would link either system to a database. Kids will be given a bag of garbage items and then work with a database to sort the items into the appropriate disposal categories: recycle, compost, e-waste/ universal hazardous waste, and landfill. I think using either system would greatly simplify the activity as kids would just have to simply scan or, in the case of the RFID chips, place the items in the appropriate bin to get feedback from the database.
I'm currently leaning toward using a UPC scanner system because I believe it would be easier for the center's staff to periodically update the activity with new items. What are the benefits or tradeoffs to each system? How technically challenging is it to program RFID chips? How have these systems been used in exhibits or classroom activities? Any information you have would be really helpful. Thank you, Ned Zimmerman-Bence
