Tools/Data logging

Data logging is a way to measure using a sensor and some means to record its readings. A weather station pretty well fits this definition. The station keep a record of what has happened and it may also display for us what is happening right now. Do you ever wonder what temperature changes the central heating achieves? How could you use the information to good effect? Any scientist with such questions or looking for a better way to study the world would try to invent a thing to find the answers. So not surprisingly, they have now invented hundreds of sensors that can respond to variables such as temperature and light. Their list continues to enable them to measure force (in weighing scales); acceleration (in car air bags); location (for GPS navigation).

Sensors help investigate science. If you wonder about the G-forces you might undergo on a theme park ride, or how long it takes to cool a can of Cola, you are in the business of investigating science. Data logging technology offers students tools to operate scientifically, solve problems in technology lessons, or analyse data in maths. All through the 1990's and ever since, UK schools have acquired equipment for measuring using sensors, largely because the National Curriculum (~1990) encouraged teaching science with them*.

While many people would say that measuring with technology is more accurate; more modern or 'the way to go', there are advantages for learning. Some are less than obvious:

• You can monitor fast and tediously slow events. Thus you can investigate a whole range of interesting new things.
• You can design and make equipment to solve problems
• You can measure tiny changes with precision, to find out whether wearing white clothes has any effect on comfort on a hot day. (The measured difference is very slight by the way).
• You can see results immediately, get a tacit 'feel' for what’s happening. And you can modify your experiment's technique as you go.
• You gain data to analyse, evaluate and test hypotheses, much as the science and maths curriculum require.

In short data logging offers ways to recreate core science experiments, such as study insulating materials; or acceleration of a trolley on a ramp; or electromagnetic induction. But it also offers a strategy to get good investigative science happening in schools and go further by say, analysing data. A slight change of mindset when you come to use the technology will make this happen. But what do you think that might be?

Notes

• Most UK school science departments own a quantity of data logging sensors. How often it’s used varies from never to several occasions per year.
  
• Ideas for experiments and investigations can be found in the ORBIT resource "Data logging activity"

LINK TO ACTIVITIES SEARCH - DATALOGGING BOOK