In this article Dave Vernier describes how he turned the total eclipse on August 21, 2017 into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) lesson by taking data. He asked teachers and former teachers to join in collecting data and to share it. The most frequently monitored parameters were illuminance (a measure of light brightness as…

Micrometeorites originate from small pieces of rock from space colliding with the Earth's atmosphere at high velocity, such as the Perseid meteors which hit the atmosphere at 60 km/s. When they do so, they burn up, causing a flash of light that we see as a meteor. Many groups have been successful collecting these particles using various devices.…

In a previous article we demonstrated that a simple, passive external circuit incorporating a thermistor, connected to a mobile device through the headset jack, can be used to collect temperature data. The basic approach is to output a sine wave signal to the headset port, through the circuit, and input the resulting signal from the headset…

Understanding how scientific conclusions are drawn from data is central to learning about the nature of science. Many students struggle with aspects of reasoning from data, including identifying relationships among variables, interpreting graphs, coordinating theory and evidence, and not allowing personal beliefs to outweigh the data when forming…

Oranges, flying disks, pool noodles, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe may seem like items discarded after a Rube Goldberg experiment, but in fact, these objects were used in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This article describes a project in which The Center of Ocean Sciences Education Excellence SouthEast (COSEE SE)…

Understanding the fundamentals of data acquisition and control is an important part of learning about the use of small computers in chemistry. Data acquisition and control principles can be taught at moderate equipment cost using micrcomputer game ports. Therefore, the components of the Apple II microcomputer game port are described. (JN)

Scientists often use more than the results of experiment to arrive at a result; they use anticipation and analogy to arrive at the results that fit their theories, and sometimes they correct results in the light of analogy. They also need to be clear about the difference between accuracy and precision. They do all this using not only theories, but…

Describes an inexpensive and versitile interface which can be readily adapted to many on-line experimental projects in scientific fields by educators who are not computer experts. Hardware and software requirements are noted. (JN)

Describes a "no-cost" apparatus designed to demonstrate rotational inertia. Also describes and evaluates a microprocessor-based instrument (Versatile Laboratory Aid) that performs a large variety of timing and data acquisition tasks encountered in introductory and advanced physics laboratories. (JN)

Reviews three functions performed by modern computing integrators: (1) data acquisition; (2) data processing; and (3) communication. Also shows with examples how new electronic components enhance the functions of this popular analytical instrument in those areas. (JN)

Advantages of computerized data acquisition and three approaches to data collection are discussed. Interfacing techniques and use of microcomputers as physiological recorders are also discussed. Examples of computerized data acquisition are provided. These include computer monitoring of animal activity and collecting data from species distribution…

This monograph is intended to guide teachers of water resources, technicians and university students in establishing physical facilities which can introduce learners to methods, techniques, and instruments used in water resources management and assessment. It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of equipment and their descriptions or as…

Reports the results of a radioactivity survey in England. Discusses the aim of the survey, experimental procedures, analysis, and results. Shows several diagrams, graphs, and tables. (YP)

Describes a system of interfacing allowing a range of signal conditioning and control modules to be connected to microcomputers, enabling execution of such experiments as: examining rate of cooling; control by light-activated switch; pH measurements; control frequency of signal generators; and making automated measurements of frequency response of…

Describes an interface designed to meet the requirements of an instrumentation teaching laboratory, particularly to develop computer-controlled digital circuitry while exploiting electrical drive properties of common transistor-transistor logic (TTL) devices, minimizing cost/number of components. Discusses decoding for Pet, switches, lights, and…