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Data loggers have evolved into
low cost and innovative experimental tools and have been used
in classrooms for over two decades across a wide range of
subjects including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental
and Life Sciences. Collecting data into the classroom is nothing
new, data's been collected for a long time with thermometers
barometers and stopwatches. But today data loggers are highly
versatile and mobile with built in memory chips, individual
sensors and powerful software for data analysis.
How have data loggers revolutionized
data logging in the classroom?
 Students
are now free from the time consuming task of manually logging
and observing their experiment, and can focus on designing
the layout and analyzing their findings. With data loggers
students no longer need to simultaneously check readings,
take notes, time experiments and plot graphs at the end. Instead
students today focus on monitoring and reacting to their experiments.
Such features allow versatility in experiments and allow teachers
to take learning out of the classroom.
How do data loggers, sensors
and software work together?
 Sensors
including dissolve oxygenate radiation, heart rate, electrical
voltage, sound waves, light and distance can be connected
to a data logging device. The device can be programmed to
required parameters and values for data collection. More accurate
readings than the old manual methods allowed can now be collected,
as fast as microseconds or over long periods and in adverse
conditions, such as under water. Data is collected via the
sensors and then transmitted to a computer. The computer uses
the software to collect, display and store data. Once collected
the data can be displayed in different formats graphs, meters,
tables - and since the software displays the data very quickly
students can compare several sets of results in succession.
The results can be incorporated into a multimedia presentation
combining audio and video and saved for future reference and
for other students.
What kinds of experiments have
been made possible?
 Real
time data logging allows students to conduct experiments requiring
extremely high sampling rates previously impossible in the
classroom. For example measuring sound beats with microphone
sensors. This involves exploring the form of the composite
wave of two sound waves which have different but close frequencies.
Extremely accurate sensors and high resolution provides a
smooth and clean graph. Software allows complex mathematical
functions to be performed automatically allowing the student
a deeper look at the physical phenomenon.
What's
so special about Fourier data loggers?
Why is
hands-on scientific learning with data-logging devices good
for students?
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