Ideas for investigating with sensors in Science

As events happen, results are instantly displayed on the screen, prompting discussion.

It is easy to measure rapid events and slow changes with accuracy.

Software provides a range of aids for analysing and getting information from data.

Data can be stored for later use.

It is easy to repeat an investigation.

It has to be said that the quality and range of the sensor work is far better using the LogIT or DataMeter. However, many schools have the RM Number Magic sensors which are an option with new WindowBox desktops. There are two sensors - one for temperature and one for light. They connect to the joystick port (not standard on laptops).

How to set up detectors for RM Number Magic: RM Support Site

Pupils investigate melting ice cubes with the Number Magic temperature sensor

Work with sensors and data logging software enriches and enhances learning in other subjects. There are opportunities to manipulate and interpret data represented graphically, linking to Mathematics. Pupils develop ICT skills through working with an increasing range of different types of software. Graphical displays can be incorporated into word processed documents, and captured data may be transferred to a spreadsheet for further analysis (e.g. to determine the mean, highest and lowest result).

Ideas for Science

Pupils should be taught to make observations and measurements in a precise and systematic way ... They should be helped to present their findings concisely and accurately in a variety of ways including drawings, diagrams, graphs and charts. They should have some opportunities to carry out the whole process of investigating an idea and to make decisions about what to do.

Experiments with sensors provide opportunities for pupils to ask "What if .?" questions. Central to all the following investigations is the idea of a 'fair test' to enable comparison.

Temperature sensors can be used to monitor the effectiveness of thermal insulation materials. Place the Number Magic temperature probe inside a polystyrene cup filled with ice cubes. How long did they take to reach the air temperature, and melt? Did we carry out a fair test?

Temperature sensor:

Which material keeps a cup of tea the warmest?
How quickly does an ice cube melt in water?
What happens to the temperature inside a compost heap?
What happens to grass cuttings left in a pile?

Light sensor:

How much light is reflected by clothes? Try a range of fabrics with different colours and textures.
How much light passes through leaves? Try with different coloured leaves in Autumn.
Measure the brightness of bulbs of different voltage in a circuit.
How does wind affect evaporation? Moisten the tip of a temperature probe and blow across it.

Sound sensor:

How much do windows reduce noise? Place a sensor by an open window, then close the window.
How quietly can you close a door? Tape the sensor to the door and try opening and closing the door.
Sensors can be used out of doors, to measure outdoor temperature accurately over a period of time.
The light sensor may be used to record differences in day length.

The graph below was produced overnight to see the pattern of changes in the light level. The children noticed that the light sensor produced gradual changes, compared with the sharp changes shown by the sound sensor.