Contributors: Alun Dobson, Lyminge Primary School, Frances Fish, Wentworth Primary School, Claire Coombes, Willesborough Junior School

Introduction with supplier details
Data Logging with a Year 6 class
Ideas for using sensors in Science
Ecolog experiments

The LogIT Explorer is available from Tag Learning and major suppliers. We are currently evaluating and it is emerging as a strong recommendation. At £179.99, it includes built-in sound, light and temperature sensors and has a small LCD display. The kit includes a fibre optic extension to the light sensor, which enables precise timings of movement to be measured. Stainless steel temperature sensors are optional extras. It can be used away from the computer to record changes in the environment. It requires 4 x AA alkaline batteries.

Schools in the NGfL projects have used the Datameter. This has a rechargeable battery and a range of plug-in sensors. It can be also used away from the computer, to log changing variables such as temperature, sound and light levels.

Many schools have the LogIT LIVE, a cheaper system which can only work in real time, i.e. when directly connected to the computer. It is perfectly acceptable as a starter system, although applications are limited - it can't be used away from the computer.

You may connect up to three sensors to a Datameter to measure variables such as sound, temperature and light level. The Datameter takes accurate readings at regular intervals. You may read straight from its display or connect it to the PC. With suitable graphing software such as Junior Insight, measurements are plotted to display a graph of change over time.

The equipment is easy to set up, and children quickly learn to use it. Use of the laptop is an advantage, in that you have space on the table for other apparatus.

In real time graphing, data is displayed directly, usually as a line graph. It is also possible to measure data away from the computer. The Datameter may be taken out of doors. Later, the device is connected to the computer. The stored data is 'fetched' and displayed as a graph.

In the NGfL evaluation, schools were loaned the following:

Datameter supplied by Griffin and George

Junior Insight software

PC link cable

light sensor

sound sensor

three heavy-duty stainless steel temperature probes

three extension leads

The temperature probes enable highly accurate monitoring in cooling and insulation experiments. The 1m extension lead ensures there's no risk of the Datameter dropping into hot water!

The Junior Insight software detects automatically which sensors are connected, and scales axes appropriately. The menu features options such as setting the time span for continuous monitoring. If the Datameter has been used away from the computer, the x-axis will be scaled automatically to show the time span. It is not always necessary to use graphs to monitor change. For example, the sound-proofing qualities of different materials only requires single readings. Where change takes place over time, line graphs are of value in profiling the change. Insulation experiments demand accurate measurement of small changes in temperature, and the results are best displayed visually as a cooling curve.

Children should be taught to appreciate why we use ICT in measuring, analysing and interpreting data. The computer enables large amounts of data to be stored and displayed in graphical form. But we also need to judge when digital sensors are an unnecessary sophistication. For example, we can trust our senses in making simple comparisons. Inexpensive testers will display spot readings, if that is all that is required. Teachers should provide all these experiences, and discuss the choice of measuring device.