MLHS Science Department adds LabQuest 2 hand-held data collection devices, probes
Science is more than a school subject, or the periodic table or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world . . . — President Barack Obama, March 23, 2015.
In a world that’s increasingly more complex, success is driven not only by what one knows – but by what one does with what he or she knows.
All young people should be prepared to think deeply and to think well so that they have the chance to become innovators, educators, researchers, scientists and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world – both today and tomorrow. To that end, it is more important than ever that youth are equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle and solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence and also be able to make sense of that information.
These skills are accumulated by students by studying science, technology, engineering and math – subjects that are collectively known as STEM.
Unfortunately, not enough youth have access to quality STEM learning opportunities, and too few students see these subjects as springboards for careers.
The Science Department at Mountain Lake Public High School (MLHS), comprised of teachers Jaime Banks and Jayme Fast, know it is critical that, in order for students to “blossom” – they need a strong STEM. The duo have added 10 LabQuest 2 devices and supporting equipment as part of their students’ classroom curricula with the support of a pair of grants from the Remick Foundation and the Mountain Lake Area Foundation (MLAF). Future equipment update needs will be backed by the Mountain Lake Public School (MLPS) School Board.
The LabQuest 2 units are hand-held data collection devices made by Vernier. According to Fast, “They allow students to digitally collect a wide variety of data types, i.e. temperature, force, acceleration, oxygen and carbon dioxide quantities, motion, speed, current, etc. We also now have 15 different types of data collection sensors on inventory for our students to use.”
Fast was able to make a small purchase of Vernier equipment last school year for her college physics class. She had utilized this hands-on equipment in the previous district in which she had taught, and knew first-hand the impact they have on students. Prior to the addition of LabQuest 2, all of the students’ data collection capabilities were analog.
Each LabQuest 2 unit features wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a high-resolution touch screen with both portrait and landscape orientations and are compatible to Windows and Macintosh computers. They have real-time graphing and live sensor data display. Included is a built-in periodic table, stopwatch, scientific calculator, etc., along with sensors such as GPS (Global Positioning System), microphone, accelerometers and relative light sensors. The devices have fast data collection of 100,000 samples per second. Each unit has a rechargeable, high-capacity battery.
Different probes that are utilized with each device can monitor and/or measure temperature, pH, carbon dioxide, colorimeter, conductivity, oxygen, relative humidity, magnetic field, turbidity, current, motion, force, etc.
“These devices allow students to manipulate digital graphs, extrapolate relationships, compare results and digitally share results to cell phones, computers, iPads and Chrome books,” explains Fast.
Total cost for the devices and accompanying probes was $8,362.
The Remick Foundation provided $6,362 for the equipment. Four members of the Remick Foundation were in Fast’s chemistry classroom of junior class students Friday afternoon, September 30, to get a first-hand look at how the devices and probes work as the students conducted a LabQuest 2 “Scavenger Hunt” and a pH Investigation. Several senior class physics students also participated by presenting additional demonstrations. On hand were foundation members Howard Davis, Lynne Kessler, Jean Pike and Lynel Nelson.
The MLAf added an additional $2,000 to fulfill the need. MLAF members include Chair Wade Nelson, Treasurer Tim Swoboda, Secretary Misty Karschnik and Board Members Vern Peterson, Brian Harder, Sharron Hanson, Joyce Bucklin, Pat Weir and Kris Langland.