Tag: Success Stories

Overview

With 29 watersheds in Saskatchewan, it is easy to take water for granted. Students at Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School in Regina are conducting authentic water quality assessments in the local Wascana watershed, and are gaining first hand experience in the value of protecting our water resources.

Desmond Hartney is a science teacher at Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School, and is using PASCO probeware with his students in the Environmental Science 20 course. Back in 2015 after speaking with a colleague about PASCO, Desmond decided to bolster his environmental science course with a datalogging solution that was compatible with a mixed device setting of iPads and smart phones.

Investigation

Today, Desmond’s grade 11 students create their own investigations in which they test the water quality in the Wascana Creek and Wascana Lake at a number of different sites within the area. In doing so, Desmond has empowered students to gather relevant and reliable data. “Using PASCO’s Advanced Water Quality sensors, students measure the chemical indicators of the local water, such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids. Students also collect water samples to take back to the lab, and use the water quality colorimeter to test ammonia, phosphate and nitrate levels within the water using the PASCO ampoules”.

Outcome

According to Desmond, gathering data with PASCO probes has enabled students to obtain firsthand water quality information that can be compared to provincial standards. “With the Bluetooth technology, students have the ability to download all the data directly to their phones, which simplifies the data collection process. Students then compare their findings to the Saskatchewan surface water quality objectives and assess the health of the watershed.” “The PASCO sensors provide students the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology that biologists would be using in the field, while also allowing students to investigate issues that they are passionate about” says Desmond. In providing his students with access to these tools, Desmond is empowering them to develop technical, science-specific, employment critical skill sets. Providing access to tools used by real scientists!

Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School 2330 25 Ave, Regina, SK

PASCO Products

• Advanced Water Quality Sensor PS-2230
• Colorimeter PS-2121
• Carbon Dioxide Sensor PS-2110
• Oxygen Sensor PS-2126A
• Light Sensor PS-2106A
• AirLink Interface PS-3200

Overview

With roughly 840 students, Bernice MacNaughton High School (BMHS) in Moncton, strives to provide a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, active citizenship, and involvement in the community. The Anglophone East School District works closely with local high schools to provide access to cutting edge technologies and resources. Recently Bryan Ouellete – Educational Support Teacher at the District – hosted a working session at the annual NBTA conference titled ‘Hands-on; Mind-on Learning (STEM)’, which focused on implementing inquiry-based learning strategies that provide students with experiential learning opportunities using PASCO probeware. BMHS has worked with the District and with Brilliant Labs in order to secure enough funding to acquire probeware for science instruction.

Investigation

PASCO probes are used in grades 9-12 to collect real-time data for student experiments. Bryan Ouellete asked the teachers at BMHS how the use of probweare has transformed the way their students learn. “When students are measuring data with PASCO they can receive immediate feedback. They can witness how moving a plant closer to the window can increase oxygen production and decrease carbon dioxide inside the Ecozone. Students can measure air pressure daily and relate it to weather conditions. Furthermore, students can measure pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature in our local stream and relate that to water quality”. The school is making the most out of their resources by using the probes across multiple grades and courses. The water quality sensors are used for Science 9/10, Enviro Sci 12 and Bio 11. The motion sensors combined with the Matchgraph software are used in Science 10 and Physics 11, and the Ecozone system, oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors are used in Bio 11 and Science 9/10.

Outcome

When asked if the teachers found the tools beneficial, the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Absolutely! The probeware combined with the Airlink and tablet devices have taken our activities out of the classroom and into the field. We are no longer measuring results from ‘canned’ lab activities. Students are experimenting in realtime and can see instant results. It’s taken our students from being passive recipients of knowledge to being investigators. My plans are to create more opportunities to incorporate investigations with the probes into science classes at BMHS. Perhaps using the water quality sensors in Science 10 in order to combine the chemistry unit with the ecosystems unit.” “The hands-on investigative nature of probeware has allowed students to investigate, measure, collaborate and report in realtime. Why look at data from a text or internet source when we can have the students design an experiment and measure the results for themselves. I would love to have additional sensors in order to create more opportunities for experimentation.” Sharing resources to benefit all!

PASCO Products

• Advanced Water Quality Sensor PS-2230
• Oxygen Sensor PS-2126A
• Carbon Dioxide Sensor PS-2110
• Ecozone ME-6667
• Motion Sensor PS-2103A
• Anemometer PS-2174
• Turbidity Sensor PS-2122
• pH Sensor PS-2182
• Airlink PS-3200

Overview

In 2013 the Avon Maitland District School Board began an iPad initiative that would see a 1:1 iPad to student ratio for all grade 7-10 students in the board. Mitchell District High School – with a student population of roughly 500 students in grades 7 to 12 – was one of the pilot schools for the project. Today, all grade 7-10 students at MDHS have their own iPads. Edward Havenga is a Tech Coach and Science Teacher at MDHS, and has seen the project evolve since its’ inception. “The science department at MDHS quickly recognized that those students with iPads could now obtain data directly on their devices, thereby saving time in data collection and analysis,” says Ed. “This allowed students to spot data trends immediately as well as to quickly spot errors.”

Investigation

“We use PASCO probes in several different courses; the sensors are used by teachers for class demos, as well as by the students in student-led experimenting,” explains Ed. “Our grade 10 science students (SNC2P/SNC2D) use the sensors to evaluate the properties of acids/bases, and to study neutralization reactions. The students complete very simple titrations of acids/bases to watch the neutralization reaction progress. The use of the sensors enables the students to quickly visualize this chemical process. Our grade 11 chemistry students (SCH3U) use the probeware in solution chemistry. At the end of the unit, students are given an unknown solution and they analyze it for a variety of different properties. The study culminates with a written report on the purity of the water. Meanwhile in our grade 12 chemistry course(SCH4U), the sensors are used for titration curve analysis, calorimetry experiments and evaluation of electrochemical cells. We also have locally developed science classes in which we use the noncontact temperature probes on various light sources to gauge energy efficiency. We also use the sensors to measure voltage in parallel and series circuits. Prior to incorporating the PASCO probeware, it took teachers a long time to explain complicated concepts to students in a lab based setting because the graphing component was taking the students a long time to set up properly.”

Outcome

Ed has seen how much the students benefit when given the opportunity to use PASCO sensors. “When students are able to see their data being collected and immediately graphed, it makes them more excited about their data. Prior to incorporating probeware, my experience was that students loved doing the experimenting but when they began creating the graphs they would lose interest and connection to the lab. Now with the SPARKvue App, data can be collected and graphed simultaneously (eg. titration curve) allowing students to visualize processes and results within the experiment, which reinforce the concepts we talk about in the class component of the course. This helps students with significant learning needs to access the data quickly without having to worry about setting up graphs and data tables. I find the probes simple to use and I can easily connect them to iPads or Chromebooks. The PASCO website has a wealth of information, including links to prepared labs that can be easily downloaded onto the iPads. SPARKvue is user friendly and it enables students to quickly and easily examine data in different forms.”

Hands-on learning at every grade

PASCO Products

• SPARKvue Software – FREE
• Airlink – PS-3200
• Chemistry Sensor – PS-2170
• Motion Sensor – PS-2103A
• Temperature Sensor – PS-3201
• Force Sensor – PS-2104
• Hand-grip Heart Rate Sensor – PS2186
• Blood Pressure Sensor – PS-2207

Overview

Byrne Creek Community Secondary School first opened its doors in 2005. Since then the school has enjoyed tremendous success, being the only school in Canada to have been awarded the ASCD Award for the work they have done to ensure students are academically challenged, healthy, safe, engaged and supported. Stephen Fuerderer is the Science Department head at Byrne Creek, and has been teaching science in the Burnaby School District since 1986. As an early adopter of technology to enhance instruction, he has seen schools purchase and stockpile various sensors and interface devices that were pricey, had a steep learning curve, and left teachers to learn how to use them without support. Today, Stephen is happy to say that “the PASCO sensors are very affordable, easy to use, much more intuitive to setup and use, and the learning curve isn’t too steep”.

Investigation

Stephen has acquired a variety of new PASCO sensors (Voltage-current, Gas Pressure, Light, Magnetic field sensor to name a few), which he uses for live, in-class demos with real-time data acquisition. The collected data is projected onto a large screen for all students to visualize. Students ask questions, discuss how the experiment might be modified, and predict the outcome of those modifications. Stephen has been using the Voltage-Current sensor in a variety of experiments. Simple Circuit Experiment: using a small light bulb and battery, students investigate what happens to the amount of current in the circuit when more batteries are used. They determine if the light bulb is Ohmic and if a resistor Ohmic. Students are able to explore Kirkhoff’s Laws and Ohm’s Law. RC Circuits: students evaluate which factors affect the charging rate of a capacitor. Investigations are conducted to determine what the effect on charging rate is when capacitors are added in series and parallel. They are also able to investigate the potential difference across capacitors arranged in series or parallel.

Outcome

What started out as a teacher guided demo, turns into an open-inquiry lab where students decide how to design the experiment and which measurements should be made. Once the students start asking questions and suggesting modifications to the experiment, things get very interesting. “The best way to learn science is by doing science”, says Stephen. “These sensor-based investigations provide students with experiential, hands on science. The new wireless sensors are amazing. They provide me with the freedom to quickly setup an experiment in one corner of the room and then have an interactive scientific discussion with my students.” Talk about student engagement!

Byrne Creek Secondary, 7777 – 18th Street, Burnaby, BC

PASCO Products

• Wireless Voltage Sensor PS-3211
• Wireless Current Sensor PS-3212
• Voltage-Current Sensor PS-2115
• AirLink Interface PS-3200

Overview

Over 15 Years of Technological Innovation – T.L. Kennedy Secondary School in Mississauga Ontario, is a learning community that encourages academic excellence in learning through communication, collaboration and cultural diversity. Teachers assist a population of aproximately 640 students in acquiring the skills and knowledge that will make them successful learners.

Over 15 years ago, the school started out using PASCO’s Science Workshop equipment (mainly motion sensors) along with Data Studio software. As the years passed and technology improved, they adopted the PASPORT interfaces and corresponding sensors.

Today, students enjoy access to a school-wide SPARKvue software site license. In addition, the school also has one copy of Capstone software for advanced physics applications. Rob Vucic – the Curricular Head of Math and Science – explains how the PASCO sensors are used at his school. “We have a mobile windows tablet lab that runs SPARKvue software. Those tablets connect via USB interfaces to a variety of sensors including: motion and acceleration sensors, force sensors for physics, and the temperature, pressure and pH sensors for chemistry.

Investigation

Rob likes approaching the concepts that students are studying in either a ‘discover or confirm’ process. “I might use some guiding questions and have the students do the ‘walk the graph activity’ with a motion sensor – with questions like ‘How did you know when to stay still?’ or ‘How did you know which way or how quickly to move?’ Students will build their own knowledge of physics quantities that way.

I have a visual accelerometer that I use to discuss and show the direction of acceleration in circular motion. This is visually very effective. Meanwhile, our chemistry program involves students confirming gas laws or getting actual titration curves. Once again this approach brings a connection between what they learn while providing them with a practical hands-on opportunity.”

Outcome

The students at T.L. Kennedy enjoy tremendous success with this experiential learning. According to Rob, he has witnessed some striking outcomes when his students use PASCO probeware. “I might use a force sensor and slide a textbook across a surface to discover what factors affect friction. Students operate the software and help me with the experiment. We come away with a collaboratively designed note.

I might also use sensors to confirm an idea like momentum conservation in a linear elastic collision. This time, I would use photogates and the Capstone software to collect the information and have the students do their own inquiry with calculations to see if momentum is indeed conserved and because it isn’t perfect, there must be an external force acting on the system.

This leads them to thinking about friction. The laws we talk about are now something tangible and measurable, confirmed by the students with real equipment. In this situation, students also ask ‘What if we change some aspect?’ What is nice, is that I can say, ‘Go ahead and try that and see what happens’.”

T.L. Kennedy – early adopters of technology

PASCO Products

• Sparkvue Software PS-2400
• Capstone Software UI-5401
• MatchGraph! – FREE
• Motion Sensor PS-2103A
• Acceleration Sensor PS-3202
• Force Sensor PS-3202 / PS-2104
• Temperature Sensor PS-3201 / PS-2125
• Pressure Sensor PS-3203
• pH Sensor PS-3204 / PS-2102

Overview

Marina Petrychkovch is the Head of Science at Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School and has been teaching for 13 years. “I am a big advocate for the proper and effective use of technology in the classroom, and a strong believer in inquiry and project based learning” says Marina. “Inquiry based learning is critical to students’ understanding of science, which is enhanced through the use of sensors. Datalogging promotes creativity and enables students to benefit from an authentic learning environment based on real data. Our school has a wide selection of PASCO sensors and a Capstone site license. PASCO has a huge variety of sensors – they are easy to use, come with a fantastic warranty and allow for quick and accurate collection of data.”

Investigation

“For the last eight years of my teaching career I have focused on how I can use probeware to help me turn traditional ‘cookie cutter labs’ into open ended inquiry investigations that promote student engagement and critical thinking. Today, all of our senior science students design and carry out an open-ended experiment using probes. By the end of the course, students have completed number of labs, have had a chance to design at least two experiments, and have received lots of descriptive feedback to be able to successfully design their summative lab which is worth 10% of their final mark. Over the course, students acquire critical scientific investigation skills, which they can apply to their own experimental design and investigations by asking their own questions.

Students that are enrolled in biology and chemistry are encouraged to conduct a cross-curricular lab. They design an experiment to see how different colored light affects the production of O2 gas and the consumption of CO2 gas during photosynthesis of spinach leaves. Over the course of four days, students work in teams to design and conduct the experiment. The project culminates with the presentation of a report and an interview with both chemistry and biology teachers.”

Outcome

“Students use the CO2/O2 probes to monitor both gases under different light sources. The spectrometer is used with DCPIP dye to determine the rate of photosynthesis. Students also investigate whether chloroplasts are necessary for reduction of DCPIP, and whether light is a key factor for reduction. Students quickly grasp the cross-curricular aspects of the experiment.

Procedure: DCPIP becomes colorless when reduced. It has a higher affinity for electrons than ferredoxin which mediates electron transfer in photosynthesis. Thus, instead of reducing NADP+ in the electron transport chain, DCPIP is reduced. This process results in DCPIP reducing in light absorbance when added to chlorophyll as it photosynthesizes which can be quantified using a spectrometer. Biology Application: Using spectrometer students test and determine the wavelength of light (red, blue, green light etc). Using CO2/O2 probes they monitor both gases under different light sources/colors and then calculate the rate. Chemistry Application: Students prepare the spinach chlorophyll extract, add DCPIP and use the spectrometer to monitor percentage of transmittance values over time by periodically exposing cuvette to light and measuring transmittance over time.” Cross Curricular Experiential Learning Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School, Mississauga, ON

PASCO Products

• Capstone Software – UI-5400
• Oxygen Sensor – PS-2126A
• Carbon Dioxide Sensor – PS-2110
• Spectrometer – PS-2600
• Spectrometry Software – FREE