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The
Science department at Lake Forest High School received
funding to purchase the SPARK Science Learning System,
complete with a set of Biology and Earth Science sensors,
available for use by students in Biology, Chemistry,
Physics and AP Environmental Science classes. |
The SPARK System is a handheld probeware device with a color
touch-screen display designed to collect, analyze and organize
experimental data. The device is battery powered giving
the students mobility to collect data outside of the classroom. The
devices come equipped with four ports for the sensors required
for a variety of experiments and two USB connections for
a computer, printer or flash drive.
The sensors collect data allowing students to experience
and understand more concepts than is possible with other
measurement techniques. Data can be shown in a variety of ways -
graphically, digitally or in a table - as it is collected. The
visible representation of the data enhances the students’ understanding
of the scientific concept being studied. “Frequent data
can be collected because results are immediate. It is
far superior to our previous methods which could take up to
fifteen minutes,” said Jim Sullivan, Instructional
Director of the Science Department.
Mary Beth Nawor and Jim Sullivan have
already used the new SPARKS System this fall
in their Environmental Science AP class for
a water quality study at Elawa Farms. The fieldwork assignment was to determine
the health of a stream by measuring temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity
and total dissolved solids. The students will now be constructing their own
closed ecosystem using a three canister arrangement. Each ecocolumn will
consist of aquatic, terrestrial and decomposition chambers all connected to
each other. The SPARK system will be used to collect
and analyze various data to test the progress of their ecosystem.
| “We’re
so happy to have the Spark testing equipment,” said Mary
Beth Nawor.. “From a practical
standpoint, it saves us time and money compared to
doing chemical testing. It’s also good
for the environment because no extra chemicals are
needed. In addition, kids love it. The
technology is easy to use and gives them a sense of
how research scientists really collect data. A
great big thank you to the Foundation for supporting
this—it has been a wonderful addition to our
science labs and it’s already well used.” |
Teacher
Mike Kollasch recently used SPARK
System for a chemistry lab experiment to measure and graph
temperature as it changed due to the combination of various
chemicals. “The sensors were great for this experiment
because the temperature changes were often quite small,” Mike
noted. “They might not have been noticeable with
a standard thermometer. The graphs, however, showed
these small changes in temperature quite clearly.”
“We have already made extensive use of the SPARK System to the benefit
of our students,” said Jim Sullivan. “We
are grateful for the work of the Foundation and the generosity of its donors. Your
contributions are making a tangible difference to the students and teachers
here at the high school. This is especially true in these economic times.”
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