Activity 1: A Tool for Inquiry
ImagiProbe Temperature Sensor

What can I expect to get out of doing this activity?

The ImagiProbe system creates a portable data aquisition device using a handheld computer for collecting information about the world around you. With the ImagiProbe and the temperature sensor, you can become an active participant in the construction of your own understanding about your surroundings.

Because the experimental data is quickly taken and displayed in graphical form, the ImagiProbe opens the door for observation, investigation, interpretation, prediction, and analysis of data. The ImagiProbe provides you immediate feedback in the experimental process and allows you to see the data in an understandable form.

Sounds Techie

It is!

Warning:

 ImagiProbe is a blend of technologies. It combines a handheld computer operating Palm OS with a portable probe unit, a desktop computer, and interfaces between all three. Using handheld computers in education is a relatively new occurrence. You must know well and OWN or have at your site a handheld computer operating Palm OS.
The ImagiProbe system, once mastered, lets you bring note-taking, graphing, measurement, and opportunities for inquiry into your classroom at a wonderfully rich level. The learning curve is somewhat steep, but worth it.

Learning about the ImagiProbe system and the temperature sensor is the focus of this topic. ImagiLab General Science and Water Quality Activities, AND the ImagiWorks interface with temperature sensor complete the "techie" materials needed for this unit (see the ImagiWorks web site for ordering information). Both sets of activities are provided in PDF format so that you may print out copies at any time from the CD ROMs.

In this part of the activity you are going to read a bit about the ImagiProbe system. You will also do a simple experiment and begin to explore the options for investigation.

The goal of this first activity is simple:

  • hook up the pieces, then
  • get the temperature sensor going and make a graph with it.

You'll learn about:

  • real-time data collection,
  • the rationale for teaching with ImagiProbe,
  • using the temperature sensor as a research tool.
how long will it take? 10 minutes for the reading.
50 minutes for introductory work with the ImagiProbe and temperature sensor.
Assignments:
Readings

We assume you are familiar with using the stylus, IR port and synching capabilities of the handheld computer. The use of Graffiti is optional. The onscreen keyboard can be used.
  1. It is suggested that you review the "Getting Started" booklet provided with your Palm (or comparable Plam OS) handheld, as well as,the occupanying handbook. Pay special attention to entering data, managing and using basic applications.
  2. Visit and take the ImagiWorks Probe Tour.
Hands-On
Activity 1
TO DO Checklist
__ Print this page!

Readings & Hands On
__ Complete the reading assignments.
__ Make your ImagiProbe work!

Initial Thoughts
__ Post your initial comments on Activity 1 and read some of the module-based discussion in the ImagiProbe Discussion area. Check out the personal Introductions and Tech FAQ discussions there too.

Local Study Group Meeting
__ Attend LSG meeting where colleagues share their new "tools" for inquiry. Doing your presentation this week? Here are the notes you'll need.

Further Reflection
__ Visit the ImagiProbe Discussion area to read more of the dialogue and post additional comments.

Our goal is to get the ImagiProbe and temperature sensor functioning. To begin exploring the capabilities of the temperature sensor, we recommend you follow the order suggested below. If you run into problems, visit the ImagiWorks Probe Tour or download the ImagiProbe manual.
  1. Attaching hardware: Connect the interface unit to the handheld computer. Snap the connector into the small phone jack at the bottom of the interface unit. Make sure that the interface unit has two fully charged AAA batteries in it. Attach the connector to the temperature sensor by aligning the pins. If you are using the dual connector and only one sensor, place the sensor in the connector that is labeled Port 1. Keep in mind, if you ever use two different sensors you will need to note which sensor is placed in each side of a dual connector.
  2. Starting the software: Open the ImagiProbe software by clicking on the logo on the Home/applications screen. You will be prompted to add the name of a NEW Investigation.
If the software has been used before, you will arrive at the last screen viewed. If the screen is not the one shown, you should click on buttons on the bottom of the screen until New Investigation appears on the bottom left. Since many of us are used to the Back button in a browser, this may seem awkward at first. The limited size of the screen prevents a top header.
3. Naming the Investigation: Click on New Investigation and name the investigation by using the onscreen keyboard or Graffiti. But how do you determine a name that can be located easily in the future? Think of the Investigation as a folder. Within the folder there could be many Trials. For example, if you plan to visit Silver Lake with your students throughout the year, labeling your Investigation folder Silver Lake will provide you with a holding bin for all of the activities at that location throughout the year. Note that the date of the creation of the investigation is listed when you name your investigation. This will remain with the folder throughout the time that it remains on the handheld computer.
4. Naming the Trial: Once you have named your Investigation folder, you should click on the New Trial button. This will prompt you to name the trial. It is suggested that you name the subject and the date of the trial. For example, you might be testing the air temperature on September 23.
5. Selecting the Sensor: Click on Port 1 button. Use the slide on the screen to scroll down to the -15 to 110 C Temp sensor.

You need to just click on your selection. The screen will return to your trial with your sensor automatically identified.
6. Selecting Sampling Rate: Since you have only one temperature probe, you are ready to select a sampling rate. Click on the Sample button. You have many options. The default that is present at all times is 10 samples/sec. Click OK.

Again the screen will automatically return to your trial with your sampling rate identified. Notice that a new Preview button has appeared on the bottom of the screen.
7. Preview data: Click on the Preview button and observe the real time graph. Remember that the ImagiWorks interface must be securely attached to the bottom of the handheld computer and loaded with 2 AAA batteries.

8. Messing Around: Start investigating your surroundings. How does the graph change when placed at different locations? ...different substances? ...throughout the day?

9. Collecting Data: Design an activity to show the "hottest" and "coldest" locations in your classroom. Use the Notes button and the Collection button to record your procedure and data. Save your data so that you can review your graphs. You may wish to design several different activities and title them appropriately for comparison.

10. Moving Data to the Desktop: ImagiProbe provides a conduit to move data from the handheld computer to your desktop. It displays your data from each investigation/trial in a folder named for your handheld after you sync by using a cradle. Visit the ImagiWorks Probe Tour or download the ImagiProbe manual to see how to download to you desktop.
Reflection

While working with the materials take a few minutes to ask:

  1. How important is the opportunity for you to investigate on your own ("messing around") to inquiry?
  2. How does viewing a real time graph change your investigations? Note that the temperature sensor is not a fast response probe. You may need to hold the sensor (on the tip of the probe) at the location or in the substance tested for up to 3 minutes.