This thesis project investigates the viability of using interactive handheld and RFID technology in the Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University. The project involves the integration of technologies such as RFID, Flash, Embedded Visual Basic and XML to develop a usable interface on a Pocket PC.

The Plant Scanner Project is designed to teach children introductory plant biology and enhance their exploration of the Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden. The results from initial testing suggest that students learn more about plants by using the Plant Scanner, students use the technology with ease, students engage with the technology, the Plant Scanner works better in the outdoor garden, and that learning with the Plant Scanner is enhanced when a plant expert accompanies children.