Activity 2: A Tool for Inquiry
ImagiProbe Temperature Sensor

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

The ImagiProbe system and the temperature probe as a sensor provides you with a unique opportunity to observe the graphing of motion while it is happening.

You will explore the results on a real-time calibration of temperature tools including a thermometer and temperature sensor.

In this activity you will explore the capacity of the ImagiProbe system to visualize:

  • real-time temperature data collection,
  • the rationale for teaching with ImagiProbe,
  • using the temperature sensor attached to a handheld computer as a research tool.

    • In this activity you will explore the capacity of ImagiProbe system to support:

  • observation,
  • inference,
  • experimentation,
  • prediction, and
  • conclusions.

We assume you got the ImagiProbe system to work!!
Are you comfortable with the ImagiProbe system?
Can you navigate quickly through the screens?
Does the handheld computer feel like an easily accessible research tool or does it still seem like a 'techie' toy?

The use of small handheld computers are often more familiar to the students then we realize. The ever present GameBoy is part of 'their' world. To help make the use of handheld computers a natural fit in your classroom, teachers must also become familiar with the tool. Try using the handheld to take notes, draw sketches, record predictions, collect data, analyze results, etc. Applications and hardware like the ImagiProbe system will make the use of handhelds a 'natural' in student research. To help familiarize you with some of these options, visit ProbeSight.

In this activity we are going to extend only slightly the capacity of the ImagiProbe system. There is plenty of time to work with the ImagiProbe system and the many sensors that can attach to it. The goal of this second activity is simple:

  • real-time data collection,
  • the rationale for teaching with ImagiProbe,
  • using the temperature probe as a research tool.
how long will it take? 60 minutes for continued work with the ImagiProbe system.
Assignments:
Readings
Read both the ImagiLab General Science Activity and Teacher Notes for 'Exploring Environmental Temperatures' (Activity 1) found in the General Science: Learning In Context CD ROM from ImagiWorks. Review the Student Report by Joe and Molly found also on the same CD ROM.
Hands-On
Activity 2
TO DO Checklist
__ Print this page!

Readings & Hands On
__ Complete the hands on assignment.

Initial Thoughts
__ Post your initial comments on Activity 2 and readsome of the module-based discussion in the ImagiProbe Discussion area.

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 again to read more of the dialogue and share your insights and questions.

Obtain the General Science: Learning In Context CD ROM. Predict and experiment finding environmental temperatures.
  1. Perform the 'Exploring Environmental Temperatures' activity. Record your trials in Notes including sketches, predictions, experimental design, and conclusions. This activity also requires the transfer of data from ImagiProbe into a spreadsheet program either on or off the handheld computer (refer to Technical Hint 1). How did temperature vary at your site? How are the patterns for high and low temperatures related?
  2. Design some investigations involving various environments. Keep in mind that not all of your environments need to be outside. What temperature patterns are similar between sites? Did you perform the tests at each site at the same time of the day? ...at the same height? ...within the same amount of sunlight?

TECHNICAL TIPS:

  1. This activity requires you to transfer data from ImagiProbe into a spreadsheet program either on or off the handheld computer. QuickSheet is available from Cutting Edge Software. It provides spreadsheet and data visualization for importing data directly on the handheld computer. If this is not available, review how to transfer data from a web browser after synching ImagiLab to your desktop computer with the ImagiProbe Tour or download the ImagiProbe manual. Copy and paste the data from the web browser to the spreadsheet of your choice.
  2. This activity also introduces the button press and the manual trigger. Review the procedure for this type of setup with the ImagiProbe Tour or download the ImagiProbe manual.