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PASCO Scientific Wireless Sensors & SPARKVue- Changing the Way Teachers Teach Science

Not a day goes by without educators hearing the need for new innovative practices that can stimulate and engage students in the learning process. For the past 5 years we have seen schools begin to focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) through Makerspaces and providing students the opportunity to do cross-curricular projects that entail a variety of academic subjects and design thinking. With the adoption of the <a href="http://www.nextgenscience.org/" target="_blank">Next Generation Science Standards</a> many schools have begun to shift their science programs that now include systems thinking and giving students the opportunities to do hands-on experiments and conduct investigations. With the movement away from rote learning, teachers will need to develop new skills and strategies to have students do science both inside and out of the classroom. A recent study by the Amgen Foundation, <a href="http://changetheequation.org/students-stem" target="_blank">Change the Equation</a>, found that teenagers enjoy science and would welcome the opportunity to do more hands-on learning in their science classrooms. Teens noted that they wanted more hands-on experiences in the classroom and wanted to take more field trips to explore their science interests.  In the past giving students the tools they needed to do hands on experiments could be costly and difficult to manage. However, all of this is changing as companies begin to create tools that are easy to use and at a price point, that makes it is now possible to provide these tools to each student in a science classroom. I recently had the opportunity to review the PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor which really changes the paradigm for doing <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTiVwh96BLrO5Mlsc-_QVQB9HloVhY_xXxypotkNG5bvL7lW6-Wp_euRZ_dbsz1lNurwJ6EgZHinlMPyzNEpbAZPD6o0yQ_1yAC1dL8dK_HgbW8R1fomY7-tQP8K9nKu4LHcDgPqQ-k4/s1600/pascowireless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTiVwh96BLrO5Mlsc-_QVQB9HloVhY_xXxypotkNG5bvL7lW6-Wp_euRZ_dbsz1lNurwJ6EgZHinlMPyzNEpbAZPD6o0yQ_1yAC1dL8dK_HgbW8R1fomY7-tQP8K9nKu4LHcDgPqQ-k4/s320/pascowireless.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor</td></tr></tbody></table>science in the classroom. I would like to thank PASCO for sending me a review unit. The PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor is a marvel of technology for $39 dollars that quickly pairs via Bluetooth to just about any device you may have in your classroom. This can include Windows, Mac, IOS, Android, Chromebooks as well as smartphones (iPhone, Android). Using the new Low Energy (LE) Bluetooth standard the PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor pairs almost instantaneously and is ready to start collecting real time data. Using SPARKVue software which can be downloaded for free to IOS, Android and Chromebooks students will be able to log data. SPARKVue has some excellent built-in analysis tools and allows students to look at the data in a various graphical views as well as looking at the data table, which can be easily exported. The PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor can handle variable sampling rates as well as logging data for <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSh1LVptj6FZxgGEKRiynupLl2ytgp8HAlGMe8STFA_6m0siOjI7AgquvDJdJ0_m4AsEeKMIW1KJfNMXwDnMa30gris1csCKZ97RaZ2rhdYAVi_s4vIBpOyfKV5_CvvvNgYCcBteb48M/s1600/20160223_234956000_iOS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSh1LVptj6FZxgGEKRiynupLl2ytgp8HAlGMe8STFA_6m0siOjI7AgquvDJdJ0_m4AsEeKMIW1KJfNMXwDnMa30gris1csCKZ97RaZ2rhdYAVi_s4vIBpOyfKV5_CvvvNgYCcBteb48M/s320/20160223_234956000_iOS.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPARKVue application</td></tr></tbody></table>extended periods of time directly on to the device for long term data collection. I have been really impressed with both the PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor and the accompanying software which I have used on a <a href="http://www.kangaroo.cc/" target="_blank">Kangaroo PC</a> (Windows 10), iPhone 6, <a href="http://assistivetek.blogspot.com/2016/01/review-of-dell-chromebook-13-sleek.html" target="_blank">Dell Chromebook</a>, and iPad Air. Under all conditions the PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor seamlessly connected to the devices and I was collecting data. When using my Surface Pro 3, and Chromebook, I used the <a href="https://www.pasco.com/prodCatalog/PS/PS-3500_usb-bluetooth-adapter/index.cfm" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">PS-3500 USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter</a> which is available from PASCO and simply plugged it into the USB port. Collecting data using the PASCO Wireless Temperature Sensor and the SPARKVue software cannot be any easier and you can tell that PASCO has spent a great deal of time to ensure that the out of the box experience is optimal. PASCO has developed a wide range of wireless sensors that are now available and there are more in the pipeline for the upcoming school year. If you go to the <a href="https://www.pasco.com/" target="_blank">PASCO website</a> you can get more information about the wireless pH sensor, wireless pressure sensor, and the wireless force acceleration sensor. For schools that have invested in the PASSPORT sensors take a look at the <a href="https://www.pasco.com/prodCatalog/PS/PS-3200_airlink/index.cfm" target="_blank">PASCO airlink</a> which can be used as a bridge to make your legacy sensors send data directly to your devices via USB or Bluetooth.  For science teachers who are looking to change their classroom practices and give their students more hands on experience, you need to consider using the latest wireless temperature sensors from PASCO. Using the PASCO Wireless Sensor technology will change the way you teach and give students the perspective of being a scientist doing investigations and collecting data. The PASCO Wireless Sensor gives students the opportunity to log data for long periods of time and analyze data using the tools built into the SPARKVue application. PASCO provides teachers with wonderful resources and <a href="https://www.pasco.com/downloads/sparkvue/sparklabs/index.cfm" target="_blank">activities</a> on various topics that can be used with their sensors to explore science. You will also find handy <a href="https://www.pasco.com/prodCatalog/PS/PS-3301_wireless-sensor-starter-bundle/index.cfm" target="_blank">videos</a> on YouTube and on their website to get you up and running quickly with their sensors. <a href="https://www.pasco.com/" target="_blank">PASCO</a> has hit it out of the ballpark with their new family of wireless sensors, when taking into account cost, ease of use and instructional value. If you have been on the fence about integrating sensors into your science classroom, now is the time to jump in- you will be glad you did!  All ideas and opinions are my own and there was no exchange of money in doing this review <div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>

PASCO Scientific Wireless Sensors & SPARKVue- Changing the Way Teachers Teach Science

Not a day goes by without educators hearing the need for new innovative practices that can stimulate and engage students in the learning pro...

June 19, 2016

Using Vernier Go Wireless Sensors in the Classroom

I have always enjoyed my science classes when I was in school, especially when we did hands on labs. Unfortunately, as I reflect on my education many years later, there just were not enough labs integrated into my science classrooms. In retrospect, with the equipment we had <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="7fdec801-bf4d-45ef-9cc2-1ee4e2b65520" id="db1b8ae4-0978-417f-b62f-27b6f573684b">in</gs> the day, it just took too much time to set up and labs took an inordinate amount of time which were always thought to take away from the instruction at hand. Nothing could be further from the truth-but it was the best we could do at the time when I was in high school science classes in the early 1970s. Jump to 2015, and there is a vast array of technology that science teachers can use in their classrooms to help students to better understand key scientific concepts.  Giving students the opportunity to experience firsthand how to collect data with science probes and sensors lets them quickly and efficiently collect real time data very much as a scientist would. While we often struggled to collect accurate data when I was in high school this factor is eliminated when using digital probes and sensors. Now students can spend their time analyzing and making sense of the data collected instead of expending all their energy in pursuit of recording the data. Using probes and sensors with the iPad has revolutionized the way students can collect data in real time and now with the advent of a family of probes with built-in wireless technologies from <a href="http://vernier.com/" target="_blank">Vernier Software & Technology</a>, students don’t need to be tethered to the device to collect data during an experiment. I recently started to use the Vernier Go Wireless Temp and the Vernier Go Wireless pH with my iPad Air and want to share my impressions.   <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MyoL4WZr-XJnTyKoBwPAWHritKy-T2sBzgo2Vq5tuinZF5MJXlcafzTR0YZOBS4zV9-OWBJ0NGEnhXSQOdxcpyMBqQV91LqTesNe3E1pWlHoHDAL-MibFSgO1MYsSPO126h7NxKIq4/s1600/VernierTemp.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4MyoL4WZr-XJnTyKoBwPAWHritKy-T2sBzgo2Vq5tuinZF5MJXlcafzTR0YZOBS4zV9-OWBJ0NGEnhXSQOdxcpyMBqQV91LqTesNe3E1pWlHoHDAL-MibFSgO1MYsSPO126h7NxKIq4/s1600/VernierTemp.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plotting Temperature Data Using Vernier Go Wireless Temp Probe</td></tr></tbody></table>The first thing you will need to do before using the Vernier Go Wireless Temp ($75) and the Vernier Go Wireless pH ($99) is download the Vernier Go Wireless app from the Apple App Store. To use the probe you simply hold down the power button to turn it on and then launch the Go Wireless app. Select the sensor that you are using, in this case we will start off with the Vernier Go Wireless Temp. Once you select the sensor you are ready to begin collecting your data. To switch between Centigrade and Fahrenheit simply tap on the oval with the current read out. To begin your data collection simply press on Collect which is at the top of the window. As soon as do this you will begin to see your data points graphed against time. For me, what is really exciting is how this technology allows students multiple representations of the data as it is being collected which is really important for the type of students I work with learning differences. It can provide a digital read out in a numeric format, and as visual bar chart and in a graphical format. Students can click anywhere on the graph and find out the temperature value at a specific time. If a student is using <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="e32c7b15-0eec-4343-8765-88c803cf9aaa" id="9e886c6b-fa8b-4d75-a593-57fadacc0573">VoiceOver</gs> ton he iPad it will read aloud the data value on the screen. For students who would like to do further analysis they can always email the data set and open the file in Excel.  Using the Vernier Go Wireless pH sensor it is just as easy, select the sensor from the Vernier Go Wireless app and place the probe in the liquid solution and press on the Keep button which will then allow you to record the pH for the sample. When you press the Keep button a small dialog box opens up that lets you enter a description and your observation along with the pH reading. Students have the opportunity to enter a note in the Observation field which would be a good place to record their observations. If you like students could also record their observations using the built-in speech recognition feature found in the iPad. Again, students are given a clean and simple interface to record the pH of the solutions that they are working with. The pH readout is clearly delineated on the top left of the screen along with a bar that runs along the left side of the screen that clearly marks the pH <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQ2X8j1tUN1O9rPsn4C6rjw11YwyIHYqQHXElX97THbRBBV4HngQriXOFWowtZ-pJdOw2fFo9JsZlaXtb445gq9kHGPpU5ouc1eTM5eEgc6xxYWIdEKQoX_nvgY4IafqiZKn5MekXjw/s1600/VernierpH.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ph Data" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpQ2X8j1tUN1O9rPsn4C6rjw11YwyIHYqQHXElX97THbRBBV4HngQriXOFWowtZ-pJdOw2fFo9JsZlaXtb445gq9kHGPpU5ouc1eTM5eEgc6xxYWIdEKQoX_nvgY4IafqiZKn5MekXjw/s1600/VernierpH.png" title="ph Data" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recording pH with Vernier Go Wireless pH Probe</td></tr></tbody></table><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="8296cb55-5c49-4c1f-bee1-5d0ea9a0a574" id="ff74f800-3c9e-47c7-af18-d43209b2681e">range</gs> which goes from 0 to 14. A demarcation line makes it easy for students to clearly see the pH of the solution. Students can export the data table to Excel for further analysis. As you can see in the screenshot, I recorded the pH of tap water, vinegar, shower cleaner, and bottled water with my observations. Recording the pH of the solutions was very quick and straight forward. For advanced data analysis and graphing capabilities with the Go Wireless sensors on the iPad you can download the Vernier Graphical Analysis. Using the Vernier Graphical Analysis students can annotate their graphs and obtain statistical data on their data set. From my perspective, Vernier has spent a lot of time making the experience of using the wireless sensors as full proof as possible so students can spend their energy collecting and analyzing the data. Setting up the Vernier Go Wireless sensors were a breeze and were immediately recognized on my iPad, without the need for me to manually pair them in any way. This point is important because it is these little details that can bring a <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="43b24cdd-71ef-4665-a253-701c5beb4f46" id="1e530a6e-eb9f-4bdc-b0cc-91a7ccb58b39">lab</gs> down when you are using technology in the classroom. If you are not using sensors in your classroom you need to take a look at the Vernier Go Wireless sensors to get you started. Having access to tools like the Vernier Go Wireless sensors will empower your students and let them have hands-on experience collecting data as a scientist would do. So jump in and see how you can provide your students with experiences that can transform their understanding of scientific concepts with <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/wireless-sensors/go-wireless-sensors/" target="_blank">Vernier Go Wireless</a> sensors for more information go to <a href="http://vernier.com/">Vernier.com</a>  <div> </div>

Using Vernier Go Wireless Sensors in the Classroom

I have always enjoyed my science classes when I was in school, especially when we did hands on labs. Unfortunately, as I reflect on my educa...

April 11, 2015

Science Under the Lens: ProScope Micro Mobile from Vernier

<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Getting students engaged in the learning process is paramount these days and what better way to do this than with computer technology. As our American education is going through a transformation there is an understanding that the students in our classrooms today need to become well versed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Looking at the <a href="http://www.nextgenscience.org/" target="_blank">Next Generation Science Standards </a>it is clear that this document is a real paradigm shift in how we deliver instruction in the classroom in these areas. It is clear that the shift <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w1XRnNctMAtaDF1-OfeqIRJx1fWTH1g8_E-XfbePHrGeNU293qcAMfxrgbcibyAw9QGeWJ-a93ohcstyYylINcV5wZfxLagP3NoDqHtAScJYQgLfU40aAJRt_azVUM47mH6U3PVmv_s/s1600/Proscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w1XRnNctMAtaDF1-OfeqIRJx1fWTH1g8_E-XfbePHrGeNU293qcAMfxrgbcibyAw9QGeWJ-a93ohcstyYylINcV5wZfxLagP3NoDqHtAScJYQgLfU40aAJRt_azVUM47mH6U3PVmv_s/s1600/Proscope.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ProScope Micro Mobile</td></tr></tbody></table>is a move away from rote memory to a performance based model of students demonstrating their knowledge by doing and showing their conceptual understanding of the material. It is in this context that <a href="http://www.vernier.com/" target="_blank">Vernier Software and Technology</a> has been providing educators and students with sensors and probes to provide students with the opportunity to perform scientific inquiry. It is clear from the <a href="http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/main2000/2002452.pdf" target="_blank">research</a>, that giving students hands-on experience with the tools that scientists use is one way for students to develop a deeper understanding of scientific processes and concepts. With many schools adapting the iPad for instruction it is exciting to see how many companies have begun developing accessories that can transpose the device into a tool that students can use for scientific inquiry. It is in this light that V<a href="http://www.vernier.com/" target="_blank">ernier Software and Technology</a> just released the <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/lab-equipment/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile/" target="_blank">ProScope Micro Mobile</a> which turns the IOS devices and Samsung Galaxy S4 into a digital microscope with 20x-80x magnification utilizing an Edmund high quality glass optic lens. The ProScope Micro Mobile has a built-in lithium battery which keeps its charge for up to 5 hours and has a fast 2 hour charging cycle via a USB cable. The out of box experience was very positive and the Quick Start Guide got me up and running quickly, once I had fully charged the ProScope Micro Mobile.  When you purchase the ProScope Micro Mobile you will need to decide which device you will be using it so that you get buy the proper housing for the lens. The lens can be used with many devices as long as you buy the appropriate housing for your device. Having said this, I fit the lens assembly into the housing and snapped it onto my iPad Air. The lens fits over the camera on the iPad and has a ring of LED's which can be adjusted for the best lighting effect and to reduce surface reflection. At this point you can open your Camera app on your iPad, turn on your ProScope Micro Mobile, adjust the LED's, and adjust the magnification to see what is under your microscope. I placed a strand of my hair under the ProScope Micro Mobile and was amazed at what I was able to see. To capture the strand  <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncetgBjekWWKKi_PnCwDP0ST_zYWsAHd8CxnG0d06MJgTOJRFDqgefzlpGYO-UEYErZEJVlm3PRAocwX6aidyTh2Nmb8OM2xlkpHdNIKn-cFknBKpJcx_MJJIghyphenhyphenbgxaoNJiYom_22Zk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncetgBjekWWKKi_PnCwDP0ST_zYWsAHd8CxnG0d06MJgTOJRFDqgefzlpGYO-UEYErZEJVlm3PRAocwX6aidyTh2Nmb8OM2xlkpHdNIKn-cFknBKpJcx_MJJIghyphenhyphenbgxaoNJiYom_22Zk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captured with IPEVO Whiteboard aa on iPad Air</td></tr></tbody></table>of hair under the ProScope Micro Mobile you simply click on the Camera button to capture the image. The ProScope Micro Mobile allows you to use whichever camera app you elect, which gives you a wide range of options.  Teachers in the classroom may want to consider using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ipevo-whiteboard/id594766738?mt=8" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 23px;" target="_blank">IPEVO WhiteBoard</a> or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stage-interactive-whiteboard/id584574701?mt=8" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 23px;" target="_blank">Belkin Stage app</a> with the ProScope Micro Mobile to give students more options for capturing and annotating what they capture under the microscope. Using the included built-in hands free stand, teachers have the capability of capturing and saving video as well that is under the microscope that they can share with students. For <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX4Uaq6zzo4BAWEduSbfeFJzeZFopvTFqWDnVC8_kv6bRCro4bGsjKaHQ8rff9KaBXHkNy1N35GW22bBVhkt9qJsYiGclEI1giIZ7UKhSED6XH5erS54Phf3QnyuI7cEZsLxONbR_gJo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX4Uaq6zzo4BAWEduSbfeFJzeZFopvTFqWDnVC8_kv6bRCro4bGsjKaHQ8rff9KaBXHkNy1N35GW22bBVhkt9qJsYiGclEI1giIZ7UKhSED6XH5erS54Phf3QnyuI7cEZsLxONbR_gJo/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf Under Microsocope</td></tr></tbody></table>$149 dollars the ProScope Micro Mobile is a high quality iPad accessory that can bring science to life for students in the classroom. I for one know that students will get really excited about using this tool in the classroom or in the field to bring science to life. If you are looking for ways to bring excitement back into science and engaging your students in the process then look no further and consider requisitioning the <a href="http://www.vernier.com/products/lab-equipment/proscope/proscope-micro-mobile/?search=mi&category=autosuggest" target="_blank">ProScope Micro Mobile</a>.

Science Under the Lens: ProScope Micro Mobile from Vernier

Getting students engaged in the learning process is paramount these days and what better way to do this than with computer technology. As ou...

September 07, 2014