Ms. Cheung - Chanhee & Melody
Teacher - Ms. Cheung
Subject Area - Science (Chemistry 12)
Technology Used - LabQuest Units, Probes, LoggerPro software
Subject Area - Science (Chemistry 12)
Technology Used - LabQuest Units, Probes, LoggerPro software
Description of Project:
Ms. Cheung wanted to use probe technology and the LoggerPro software to enhance her science labs. Our main role was to test the labs in the Vernier Science manuals using the probes, and then to analyze the data collected for accuracy. For successful and feasible labs, she wanted lab handouts to be created or modified so that it would be more convenient for other teachers to use the probeware and LabQuest Units in future. The lab handouts ensure that the labs using probeware are ready-to-go and already tested, which will encourage them to incorporate this technology in their labs.
At our initial interview, we collected all the information we needed. Ms. Cheung gave us an overview of her Chemistry 12 lesson plan, and we picked out the appropriate labs that we could test. Next, she gave us the Vernier Chemistry lab manual, online instructions on how to use the LoggerPro software, and the probe inventory.
Before every lab, we confirmed with Ms. Cheung through email if all the materials available. During period 1, whenever Ms. Cheung was available, we conducted the lab. We then compared our results with the data shown in the Vernier Chemistry lab to deduce any problems if there were any differences. Sometimes, the lab was unfeasible because we did not have the right equipment (i.e. a stirring plate). At other times, there were problems with the probes. For successful labs, we would then create or modify the lab handouts from the Vernier Chemistry manual because some of the instructions or materials written on the manual were redundant. Next, we sent the completed lab to Ms. Cheung for approval and edits.
Additionally, Ms. Cheung wanted us to test all the pH and temperature probes that were necessary for the Chemistry labs, to see if they were all functional. However, we found that many of the pH probes were miscalibrated and they affected the results of the labs. We suggested calibrating the pH probes using buffer solutions. The buffer solutions did not solve the problem and so, Ms. Cheung has decided to buy new pH probes for the Science department. As well, Ms. Cheung wanted us try and find the reason why some LabQuest units did not work. After downloading instructions from the LoggerPro website and testing the units, we concluded that the batteries were broken. We were informed that Vernier is going to send Ms. Cheung new batteries.
Ms. Cheung wanted to use probe technology and the LoggerPro software to enhance her science labs. Our main role was to test the labs in the Vernier Science manuals using the probes, and then to analyze the data collected for accuracy. For successful and feasible labs, she wanted lab handouts to be created or modified so that it would be more convenient for other teachers to use the probeware and LabQuest Units in future. The lab handouts ensure that the labs using probeware are ready-to-go and already tested, which will encourage them to incorporate this technology in their labs.
At our initial interview, we collected all the information we needed. Ms. Cheung gave us an overview of her Chemistry 12 lesson plan, and we picked out the appropriate labs that we could test. Next, she gave us the Vernier Chemistry lab manual, online instructions on how to use the LoggerPro software, and the probe inventory.
Before every lab, we confirmed with Ms. Cheung through email if all the materials available. During period 1, whenever Ms. Cheung was available, we conducted the lab. We then compared our results with the data shown in the Vernier Chemistry lab to deduce any problems if there were any differences. Sometimes, the lab was unfeasible because we did not have the right equipment (i.e. a stirring plate). At other times, there were problems with the probes. For successful labs, we would then create or modify the lab handouts from the Vernier Chemistry manual because some of the instructions or materials written on the manual were redundant. Next, we sent the completed lab to Ms. Cheung for approval and edits.
Additionally, Ms. Cheung wanted us to test all the pH and temperature probes that were necessary for the Chemistry labs, to see if they were all functional. However, we found that many of the pH probes were miscalibrated and they affected the results of the labs. We suggested calibrating the pH probes using buffer solutions. The buffer solutions did not solve the problem and so, Ms. Cheung has decided to buy new pH probes for the Science department. As well, Ms. Cheung wanted us try and find the reason why some LabQuest units did not work. After downloading instructions from the LoggerPro website and testing the units, we concluded that the batteries were broken. We were informed that Vernier is going to send Ms. Cheung new batteries.
A sneak peak of what we do at our placement
Possible Uses in Other Classes:
This placement is very relevant when it comes to other Science areas -- Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The Vernier Science manuals for the LabQuest Units come in all three Science subjects, so there is already a collection of labs, using probeware and LabQuest Units, available for these subjects. The same procedure of testing, then modifying the handouts would be needed for these subjects. By integrating this probeware technology in other Science subjects, students will be able to conduct much more fun and engaging labs. As well, lab results would be more accurate (i.e. a pH probe is more accurate than litmus paper). Already, Ms. Cheung has told us that a few Biology teachers are very interested in using probeware. Going forward, we will be conducting Biology labs and creating lab handouts according to the difficulty that the Biology teacher(s) want.
This placement is very relevant when it comes to other Science areas -- Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The Vernier Science manuals for the LabQuest Units come in all three Science subjects, so there is already a collection of labs, using probeware and LabQuest Units, available for these subjects. The same procedure of testing, then modifying the handouts would be needed for these subjects. By integrating this probeware technology in other Science subjects, students will be able to conduct much more fun and engaging labs. As well, lab results would be more accurate (i.e. a pH probe is more accurate than litmus paper). Already, Ms. Cheung has told us that a few Biology teachers are very interested in using probeware. Going forward, we will be conducting Biology labs and creating lab handouts according to the difficulty that the Biology teacher(s) want.
Different Vernier Science manuals with labs that can be modified to suit grade 9s, 10s, 11s and 12s
PORTFOLIO PIECE
For our portfolio piece, we created a video to show teachers how to use probes and hopefully encourage them to use it. It is a also a summary of how we test labs using probes in our placement.
2 of the lab handouts we created!