Digital probes collect and send data to a computer app at which the data can be exported to a spreadsheet for analysis. Examples of probes include ones that measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and acceleration. Finally, depending on the spreadsheet tool, students can pool their data into a larger group.
Here are examples of how you can use probes and/or sensors to collect data.
Lesson Plan Example 1: In this Pasco Lab Experiment- Design an Insulator, students engineer an insulated container to minimize heat loss according to a set of design and performance constraints; a temperature sensor is used to assess insulator performance. Lesson Plan Example 2: In this experiment How Long Can You Go, students explore normal, melting temperatures of ice and investigate the addition of salt to melting temperature. Students participate in a contest to see which group can make their mixture reach the lowest temperature. Information from this investigation is used to make ice cream.