Activity 3: 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 allows you the opportunity to view a real time temperature-time graph. But how do you know that it is providing you a true reading?

The 'Calibrating Temperature Tools' activity allows students to calibrate a thermometer and a temperature probe at the same time to take the mystic out of their readings.

Users can observe the temperature of boiling water and ice water and relate it to the temperatures of other mixtures.

How does the ImagiProbe Temperature Probe really help my students understand the underlying concepts of calibration?

How do students stop viewing temperature sensors as 'black boxes'?

How do students transfer the knowledge gained?

The connection between temperature and graphic representation must be made crystal clear. The best way is to have the students calibrate their own sensors. The goal of this activity is simple:
  • use the temperature probe and an ImagiLab activity to analyze the potential for temperature data logging related to traditional thermometers,
  • to forge the link between temperature and graphical representation using the temperature probe,
  • to build abstract understandings of graphs and graphical language by using concrete phenomena as a source of data.
how long will it take? 60 minutes for the hands-on activities with the ImagiProbe System.
Assignments:
Readings
Read both the ImagiLab General Science Activity and Teacher Notes for 'Calibrating Temperature Tools' (Activity 10) found in the General Science: Learning In Context CD ROM from ImagiWorks. Review the Student Report by Joe found also on the same CD ROM.
Hands-On
Activity 3
TO DO Checklist
__ Print this page!

Readings & Hands On
__ Complete the hands on assignment.

Initial Thoughts
__ Post your initial comments on Activity 3 and read some 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 ImgiProbe Discussion area again to read more of the dialogue and share your insights and questions.

  1. Perform the 'Calibrating Temperature Tools' activity. Record your trials in Notes including sketches, predictions, experimental design, and conclusions. How does a two-point calibration allow all other points between the two known points to be derived? Do electronic temperature sensors offer better accuracy and precision than traditional thermometers?
  2. Use your temperature probe to investigate the boiling and freezing point of other solutions. 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). Make a single graph using a spreadsheet program to overlay both pure water and salt water data. How does the boiling and freezing point relate to that of pure water?

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 uses the button press and the manual trigger. Review the procedure for this type of setup with the ImagiProbe Tour or download the ImagiProbe manual.