Impression 5 Genome / Plant Migration Map
Overview
The Genome Map exhibit at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, MI teaches young visitors about the historical migration of plants across continents. This is the Arduino firmware that drives the interactive hardware.
How the Experience Works
- A visitor picks up a physical tablet (a small card or tile representing a specific plant) and places it on a designated spot on the tabletop surface.
- An RFID reader identifies the plant tablet and starts the experience by illuminating its origin region on the map.
- On-screen clues prompt the visitor to find the plant’s migration path. They select regions by touching the map surface.
- Correct region selections flash green, then draw a connecting line to the next waypoint.
- Incorrect selections flash red and remain interactive until the right region is chosen.
- Once the full migration path is identified, the completed route illuminates.
An idle timeout detects when no one is interacting and causes regions to flash in a cycle — drawing in new visitors and encouraging participation.
Electronics
The system is built around an Arduino with:
- RFID reader — identifies which plant tablet is placed on the activation spot
- Capacitive or resistive touch inputs — detect map region touches
- LED arrays — per-region illumination for green/red feedback and path drawing
Hardware Platform
The PCB foundation is the Impression 5 SMASH Shield — an Eagle CAD Arduino Mega shield designed specifically for Impression 5 exhibits, providing standardized connectors for display, input, and power wiring.