Introduction to data logging

What is data logging?

Data logging is a way of measuring variables in a laboratory or outside. It uses a computer, an interface, or datalogger, and a sensor to monitor and record the results of scientific experiments.

Data logging is important because it:

• gives immediate feedback of results.
• gives easy analysis of results.
• allows experiments to run for long periods of time. 
• gives you quick repetition of experiments.
• helps you meet your science and ICT curriculum requirements.
• helps you improve the accuracy of your experiments.

Classroom equipment

There are different manufacturers of data logging equipment. Most equipment from manufacturers works in the same way. Therefore, to carry out data logging experiments you will usually need extra equipment and software, as well as a laptop. To this experiment we have used sensors and software from Pasco Systems that have sensors connected directly to the laptop.

As a teacher you need not worry about to go ahead with data logging with PasPort, although you do not have knowledge of the program DataStudio and the sensors.

It is the idea that pupils can work on their own after the teacher's introduction. Data logging is to be seen as an exciting addition to education.

Use of the computer as measuring instrument offers good opportunities to experimental studies. It is easy to set up the experiment and easy to read test results. The pupils will soon work as small researchers and questions will arise: What if? Could we not? A scientist is in the making …

 

Description
When data is collected in the classroom next to a computer, the USB Link is the most economical way to use PASPORT. Just plug the sensor into the USB Link, connect the USB Link to the computer's USB port, and begin collecting data. There is also an option for transferring the data wireless.

 

Computer Requirements

• Xplorer GLX
• GPS Position Sensor
• Weather Anemometer
  (The choice of sensor is up to you and depends on the experiment and topic. This experiment illustrates how to map the data to Google Eartgh after data collection.)
• USB storage device
• Google Earth application
  
  Click here to download the Google Earth application from Google.