Probeware 'LabQuest' for Inquiry-Based Lab Activities

Ontario curriculum strongly emphasizes learning science by the inquiry-based framework, as inquiry is central to the teaching and learning of science. Inquiry-based learning is based on the constructivist approach as it encourages learners to learn inductively through concrete experiences and observation with the help of real-world exemplars (Colburn, 2004).

Collecting data through observations or measurements is a key element in science education. Often times, students use a wide range of instruments to collect, analyze and interpret data. For example, most widely used equipment are thermometers, pH paper, ammeters, voltmeters and hygrometers. The collected data is written down and then represented in tables/ graphs for further calculations, interpretations or to draw various conclusions. Until recently, this was done and still being done in many parts of the world manually. Today, however, another dimension of technology being used in science labs (besides Simulations) known as 'Probewares' has made it very easy to collect and present the data and support inquiry-based learning in the science laboratory.

Probeware also referred as Microcomputer-Based Labs (MBL) or Calculator Based Labs (CBL) is basically a tool that connects probes and sensors with a computer system running suitable software.  It helps to collect, display, and record or analyze data over a short period or very long period of time.(To learn more, please visit the website http://probesight.concord.org/ ).

Probeware eliminates tedious laboratory setups and helps to collect or record data that sometimes is difficult to collect with traditional laboratory instruments.  Thus, they reduce the mechanical aspects of data collection in an experiment that often impede student learning.  There is a large range of probeware applications being used in school science laboratories and scientific labs.  
One such probeware, I found worth having in high school Physics laboratory is LabQuest from ‘Vernier Software & Technology’. It is a standalone interface used to collect sensor data with its built-in graphing and analysis application. It also offers the latest version ‘LabQuest 2’ that has wireless capability and touch screen interface. Interestingly, Vernier also provides free on-line training webinars and videos to teachers.
Following video provides a good illustration of its functions.


Reference:
Colburn, A. (2004). Inquiring Scientist Want to Know. Educational Leadership : Teaching for Learning, 62(1), 63-67

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Teach Science using Twitter

Image
                                                              Not anymore kiddie, I tweeted it!       Kids love working on the cellphones, iPads or computers. So why not use them for their studies. Many teachers worldwide are using various forms of technology in their lesson plans. And Twitter is one of them and that does not need any introduction. A great deal of information is available for educators on how to maximize its use. It is a great tool to announce homework, due dates, and providing links to useful resources, books or videos. I am really interested in knowing how a Science teacher can incorporate it in his or her lessons, so I have come up with a list of few ideas: Remind about bringing your/their favorite science textbook to the class on a specific day Post latest research and ask thei...
Read more

Flipping the Classroom

In this post, I am again going to refer to the parents and teachers regarding one of the latest trends in K-12 education, “flipping the classroom.” The model better known as ‘ Flipped classroom ’ needs no introduction, in the education community.   In the simplistic form, flipping the classroom means teacher provides their lessons as homework to the students; that implies much of the direct instruction is sent home, and the homework is done at the school. The homework (lectures or the  learning material) is in the form of videos, podcasts or audio lessons and can be seen or heard on the computer, iPads, cell phone or television. The aim of flipping the classroom is varied ranging from the introduction, exploring, reviewing the topics/lessons, and also to supplement the classroom experience/material. It also provides the opportunity to the students to rewind or re-watch the lessons. This helps to create more classroom time   that can be used for in-depth discus...
Read more

Teaching with Open Content

After working on the topic of ‘Open Content’, I feel that the educator in me is now on a journey of new kind! The words of David Wiley make me think over and over again about the concept of being open in education, “Openness is the sole means by which education is affected. If a teacher is not sharing what he or she knows, there is no education happening. In fact, those educators who share the most thoroughly of themselves with the greatest proportion of their students are the ones we deem successful.” No doubt that sharing knowledge not only helps in building it but also broadens one's horizon of knowledge. Following this philosophy, I have come up with my own initial agenda on how I can contribute to the community of dedicated teachers, students and thousands of volunteers, involved in this cause. Below is the list of few websites for finding open content materials specifically for high school science and mathematics where students can find unlimited information on many topic...
Read more