Although this project was based on the Ecolog, any of these data loggers could be used:
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Ecolog
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(NOTE - This product has now been superseded by EasySenseQ )
EasySense Q
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Setting up the Ecolog: there is an easy-to-follow guide at Hitcham's School.
Lesson 1. Using the light sensor
We were studying light and shadows in science and I decided to combine this with the data logging unit Unit 5F from the QCA ICT scheme of work.
The children had never used data logging equipment before. I set up the light sensor and data projector and discussed with them what a sensor is used for. We revised the definition of a shadow. I then asked the children to watch the graph on the screen and raise their hand when they thought that the sensor was nearest the light bulb, in a shadow, or being held still.
This is the graph from the first lesson:
Using the graphs
One of my school's targets is to improve children's interpretation of graphs. Data logging is invaluable in helping us to achieve this because we are using real data. Children can see the line graph being created quickly in front of them.
A useful element of Ecolog is that it allows you to annotate the graph when you have finished recording data. Yellow text boxes are drawn and a label, to explain the point on the graph, is typed in. The boxes can be placed anywhere on the graph and a black line connects it to the given point. So as a class we labelled our light graph accordingly.
The graphs are much clearer on Ecolog's own software but do not give a clear view when copied and pasted into other programs. The package doesn't allow you to change text size, colour etc. (not that I've found) but this is a minor inconvenience.
Lesson 2. Using the Ecolog light sensor in science
Over the next few weeks, children worked in pairs using an activity sheet to investigate which types of paper were most translucent. The lesson revised a science concept but mainly gave the children an opportunity to use the sensor themselves and to see how it works. The children were able to do this task independently on a laptop at the back of the classroom. The only minor problem came when a grey message box appeared asking you to check that the Ecolog was connected, which it was, but the batteries had run flat, so make sure that you have a spare supply!
Lesson 3 Using the sound sensor in Mathematics and Science
For a maths lesson on real data I linked data logging with the science topic of sound. I set up the data logger to record the sound levels in the staffroom for a school day (as the main ecolog sensor is internal there were no wires so I just fixed it to the wall with tape). I collected the data and printed out a graph. The children had to draw their own labels giving suggestions for peaks in the graph. From the timing on the x axis the children worked out that the noisiest times were break and lunch! Next time I will collect data from several locations from within the school to see if the children can guess where the sensor was placed, by comparing the peaks of sound with the time.
Detail of graph showing the sound levels throught the day:
Lesson 4 Using the temperature sensors in Science
The package also came with two external temperature sensors. I used these to follow the suggestions in ICT unit 5F to investigate good insulators. This links to the work in the science Key Stage 2 programme of study Sc1,Scientific Enquiry and 2F, making systematic observations and measurements including the use of ICT for datalogging.
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