Tools/Data logging

Data logging is the process of recording measurements from sensors. A weather station pretty well fits this definition. The station records readings from numerous devices and it may also display what is happening right now. The station offers such a better way to study the world, scientists would dream to have such a useful thing.

Today there are hundreds of sensors that can respond to variables such as temperature and light. They enable us to measure force (in our weighing scales); acceleration (in our car air bags) and location (in GPS navigation). Sensors help us to 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 provides students with a tool 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 technology*.

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

• You can monitor extremely fast or tediously slow events. Thus you can now investigate a whole range of things you would have needed to overlook.
• You can design and make equipment to solve problems for 'technology' or 'D&T' projects.
• You can measure tiny changes with precision, to find out whether wearing white clothes could offer comfort on a hot day. (The measured difference between black and white clothes is slight, by the way).
• You can see results immediately, get a tacit understanding for what’s happening. And you can modify your experiment if it appears to be going awry.
• You can gain data to analyse, evaluate and test hypotheses, much as the science and maths curriculum require.

In short data logging offers ways to do 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 have good investigative science happen in schools. When you come to use the technology, a slight change of mindset 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 full ebook to download: Data logging and Control