February 2008 Issue

In this Issue:

Visit Fourier's Booth #2263 at the 56th Annual NSTA Conference
   
Teacher Query of the Month – How can 5 to 8 sensors be simultaneously used on the Nova5000 or MultiLogPRO, despite the fact that there are only four inputs?
   
Mary Sue Burns, Participant and Master Trainer in the West Virginia 1:1 Pilot
   
Zvia Kaberman's Chemistry Class with the Nova5000
   
Probe of the Month: Distance Sensor and Free Lesson Download
   

 
Visit Fourier's Booth #2263 at the 56th Annual NSTA Conference
     
 




Visit Fourier Systems at Booth #2263, in Boston, USA, for NSTA's 56th National Conference on Science Education.

The Nova5000 science teaching technology corresponds perfectly with this year's theme: Bridge to the Future, as it reflects the latest teaching and learning approaches to a Science and Math from within a total learning environment. The conference runs Thursday, March 27 to Sunday, March 30. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Click here to visit the NSTA Conference website
 
   
Teacher Query of the Month – How can 5 to 8 sensors be simultaneously used on the Nova5000 or MultiLogPRO, despite the fact that there are only four inputs?
     
 



An Instructor from Michigan State University recently wrote to Fourier Systems with the following question:
"I am working with 5th grade students on a project. We are trying to track temperatures within an outdoor worm composting bin. The goal is to monitor the temperature in five different locations within the composting bin. The temperatures are not extreme, probably +/- 15 deg F from atmospheric. What data logger systems does Fourier have in order to track something like this? I'd like it to be educationally friendly so the 5th graders can help. I was looking for a data logger with five inputs, does Fourier have a data logger with these capabilities?"

Answer: With the Nova5000 and MultiLogPRO a splitter cable allows each sensor port to be duplicated for two sensors. However, using the splitter cable, the sensors are not automatically recognized, so the procedure should be:

  1. Uncheck the Auto Detect Sensors checkbox
  2. Select the desired sensor from the drop-down sensor list near each input

Frequently in Biology and Environmental experimentation a large number of sensors are required. One typical experiment that can be found in the Nova5000 Biology Experiment guide uses five thermocouples – Measuring the Temperature of Exterior Walls and Roofs of Buildings.

If you have any questions about our products contact us at support@fourier-sys.com
 
   
 
Mary Sue Burns, Participant and Master Trainer in the West Virginia 1:1 Pilot talks to us about her experiences with the Nova5000 so far
     
 



"I am a science teacher and department chair at Pocahontas County High School. I teach Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and sometimes 9th grade science..."

Click here to read the full article
 
   
 
Chemistry with the Nova5000 - Case-based Computerized Laboratories (CCL), and Computerized Molecular Modeling (CMM) text books
     
 



Dr. Zvia Kaberman is a Chemistry teacher at the Nesher High school where the Nova5000 is used along with CCL and CMM curriculum.

Click here to read the full article
 
   
 
Probe of the Month – Distance Sensor with Free Lesson Plan Download
     
 



The Distance sensor is featured as this month's newsletter probe of the month. Working on the same principle as a sonar system, the probe measures the distance between the sensor and an object in a range of 0.2 m to 10 m. The sensor can sample data at up to 50 times per second, making it excellent for motion and movement experiments.

Typical experiments include:

  • Investigating dynamic cart motions on a track
  • Studying motion graph matching
  • Investigating simple harmonic motion, such as a mass hanging on a spring
  • Measuring the free fall acceleration

To learn more about the Distance sensor click here (PDF file)
   

This month's free Experiment download considers the energy of a tossed ball. When a body moves under the influence of gravity alone, its mechanical energy (the sum of its kinetic energy, KE, and potential energy, PE) is conserved. When a ball is tossed up in the air it is released with kinetic energy. As it rises it slows down, losing kinetic energy and gaining potential energy. In its way down the potential energy transforms back to kinetic energy.

Perform this experiment, analysis and further suggestions with your class. Click here to download the experiment PDF.
 
   
 
 
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For any further information regarding marketing collateral please contact Rebecca Posen, Marketing Communications Manager at Fourier: Rebecca@fourier-sys.com