12.4 Challenges of Technology in Teaching Physics
Among different software packages, Coach has common measurement methods:
– Time-based measurement in which data are automatically gathered at regular time
intervals according to the sampling frequency; with this setting, it is possible to
specify a signal condition from which the computer automatically starts a measurement (i.e. triggering). For example, Fig. 12.1 shows time-based measurements of interfered sound and the obtained graph displays the sound signal.
– Event-based measurement in which measurements are taken each time a pulse
(i.e. an event) is received on an interface input. For example, in an experiment
with stroboscopic light, each light flash generates a pulse via a light sensor, and
then a measurement is taken.
– Manually triggered measurement in which a single measurement is taken every
time the user presses a button; this setting also allows to type in data
(e.g. observational data, standards, given values) via the keyboard. For example,
in the Boyle’s law experiment, pressure of air, which is trapped inside a cylinder
fitted with a piston, is measured by a pressure sensor each time a value of gas
volume read by naked eyes is manually entered in the software.
Data logging with sensors is a generic experimental tool for physics, chemistry
and biology.
12.4.1 Examples of Coach Data-Logging Activities
Figure 12.2 shows a screen shot of the measurement and signal analysis of the voice
sound “eeh” recorded with the €Sense interface, which is mostly used at primary
school or by beginners. The diagrams show that the sound signal is well described by
a sinusoidal signal that consists of four frequencies. A visual representation of the
€Sense interface with the built-in microphone is also present in the activity screen to
make the experimental setup clear to students. A text window is used for explanation
and description of tasks.
Fig. 12.1 Diagram of the tool for data logging with sensors (including sensor, interface and
computer with dedicated software)
12 Stem, Inquiry Practices and Technology in Physics Education
133
Among different software packages, Coach has common measurement methods:
– Time-based measurement in which data are automatically gathered at regular time
intervals according to the sampling frequency; with this setting, it is possible to
specify a signal condition from which the computer automatically starts a measurement (i.e. triggering). For example, Fig. 12.1 shows time-based measurements of interfered sound and the obtained graph displays the sound signal.
– Event-based measurement in which measurements are taken each time a pulse
(i.e. an event) is received on an interface input. For example, in an experiment
with stroboscopic light, each light flash generates a pulse via a light sensor, and
then a measurement is taken.
– Manually triggered measurement in which a single measurement is taken every
time the user presses a button; this setting also allows to type in data
(e.g. observational data, standards, given values) via the keyboard. For example,
in the Boyle’s law experiment, pressure of air, which is trapped inside a cylinder
fitted with a piston, is measured by a pressure sensor each time a value of gas
volume read by naked eyes is manually entered in the software.
Data logging with sensors is a generic experimental tool for physics, chemistry
and biology.
12.4.1 Examples of Coach Data-Logging Activities
Figure 12.2 shows a screen shot of the measurement and signal analysis of the voice
sound “eeh” recorded with the €Sense interface, which is mostly used at primary
school or by beginners. The diagrams show that the sound signal is well described by
a sinusoidal signal that consists of four frequencies. A visual representation of the
€Sense interface with the built-in microphone is also present in the activity screen to
make the experimental setup clear to students. A text window is used for explanation
and description of tasks.
Fig. 12.1 Diagram of the tool for data logging with sensors (including sensor, interface and
computer with dedicated software)
12 Stem, Inquiry Practices and Technology in Physics Education
133