As part of the Science taught course, we have been shown how to use data loggers, and how these fit into the National Curriculum. The introduction to the 2014 KS1/2 Curriculum states that: 'pupils should seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data'. Specifically, in Years 3 and 4, children should be: 'making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers'. In the non-statutory guidance for LKS2, it is recommended that children: 'should learn how to use new equipment, such as data loggers, appropriately. They should collect data from their own observations and measurements, using notes, simple tables and standard units, and help to make decisions about how to record and analyse this data'. The course has provided us with an EasySense Q3 Data Logger, which can measure:
These data loggers can also be connected to a computer via a USB port, and the data can be recorded and plotted via software from the company's website. This software can produce graphs, tables and charts to show the different varieties of data that is collected. We discussed how we could use these data loggers as part of Working Scientifically, a key part of the curriculum. This emphasises scientific methods, process and language, and prepares children for higher-level science in KS3 and KS4. It encourages observation skills, precise data collection, evaluation, rational thought, and fair testing. These skills are related to computational thinking, a key part of the Computing National Curriculum. I taught a unit on Seasonal Change during GPP, and I now wish that I had used data loggers to record the changing temperature and light levels over the Autumn term. The change from September to December is quite considerable, and this could have been a good way to bring the topic to life. In future, I will think more about how I could use equipment such as this in my Science lessons. The link to computers could also be used to help teach data processing and Office skills; we could make a link to Microsoft Excel, or use a computer to model the changes via an animation or 3D graph. Links
Science National Curriculum (2014) - www.tinyurl.com/ks1-2-science EasySense Q3 - www.data-harvest.co.uk/catalogue/science/secondary/data-loggers/secondary-science-data-logging/4030
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