oceanography

I am a researcher at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, we have a project starting now that plans to teach schoolkids (12-13yo) to build marine sensors (basically a temperature and fluorescence data logger) and deploy them at three local harbours and onboard three boats/vessels.

Our idea was to use arduino + shields (solar+GPRS/GPS+SD+RTC) to build the devices. Our plans were to use these parts:

-Arduino Uno
https://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Arduino-Uno-Rev3-p-694.html

-GPS + GPRS shield
https://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/SIM808-Shield-GSMGPRS-GPS-p-2524.html

-RTC + SD:
https://www.adafruit.com/products/1141

-Solar Charger shield:
https://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Solar-Charger-Shield-v22-p-2391.html?cPath=1_75

-Solar Panel:
https://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/2W-Solar-Panel-80X180-p-921.html

-Lipo battery 3.7v 2500mA

While looking for alternatives I found this website. unfortunately we won’t be able to use the mayfly logger since we should start teaching the kids how to build the devices next month.

I’ve been recommended the SODAQ Mbili (https://mbili.sodaq.net/). This board seems to be discontinued/replaced by the Autonomo (https://shop.sodaq.com/en/sodaq-grove-shield-usb-cable.html).

My questions are,
– what are the pros and cons of using a board that integrates the different components vs the arduino + shields versions?
– anyone has got experience with the Autonomo board?
Thanks
Angel