Using Technology in
Science Teaching
How Technology Can Help with
Analysis and Synthesis of Data
Dr. Colleen Sexton
6th International Educational
Technology Conference
19-21 April 2006
What is Data?
• Another name for facts,
information, numbers, records,
statistics or figures.
• Information we encounter on a
daily basis.
• Its interpretation and display is
what gives it meaning.
What is Data Analysis?
• A logical way of making meaning
out of that information, fact, or
figure.
• It requires knowing which
questions to ask about the data.
• It requires understanding the
context upon which the data was
collected.
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked?
• In January of 1986 the Space Shuttle
Challenger was launched from the
Kennedy Space Center in central
Florida, USA.
• The night before the launch there was
a three-hour teleconference between
the NASA (National Aeronautics and
Space Administration) managers and
Morton-Thiokol Engineers, the
company that manufactured the solid
rocket motors.
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
• The main topic of discussion was on
the solid rocket boosters and the
performance of the O-Ring seals at the
o
o
predicted air temperate of 31 F (-14.7
C) at launch time.
• The O-rings seal the joints between
different sections of the solid rocket
motors. Basically, each O-ring is like a
large rubber washer about 35 feet in
diameter and ¼ inch thick.
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
• After a launch the rocket motors
land in the ocean and are
recovered. They can be examined
to determine if any damage
occurred to the O-Rings during
launch.
• Prior to the Challenger launch
there were 23 other flights where
data on the O-Rings was recorded.
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
• On the night before the launch the
engineers and project managers
met to look at the previously
recorded data.
• The information the engineers from
Morton Thiokol shared with the
NASA project managers looked
like this:
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
Incidents of O-Ring Failure
Flights with Incidents of
O-Ring Damage
4
3
2
1
0
50
60
70
Air Temperature at Launch
in Fahrenheit
80
What happens when the right
questions aren’t asked? (cont.)
• Management engaged in deep discussions
with the engineers; according to the Rogers
Commission Report on this space shuttle
tragedy, at one point during the meeting one
engineer was asked to put aside his “engineer
hat” to look at the data as a manager to help
make the decision on whether or not to launch
in the morning.
• The decision was made to launch despite the
31o F air temperature on the morning of the
launch.
• What if they had looked at their data
differently?
Incidents of O-Ring
Failure
Flights with Incidents of
O-Ring Damage
4
3
2
1
0
50
60
70
Air Temperature at Launch
in Fahrenheit
80
Incidents of O-Ring
Failure
All Space Shuttle Flights
4
3
2
1
0
50
60
70
Air Temperature at Launch
in Fahrenheit
80
What question did management
fail to ask the engineers?
• Where is the data from ALL of the
space shuttle flights?
• Would you have made the decision
o
to launch with a 31 F air
temperature if you had looked at
the data displayed like this?
Incidents of Damage
All Space Shuttle Flights
4
3
2
1
0
0
20
40
60
Temperature at Launch
in Fahrenheit
80
100
Display of Analyzed Data
• A good display of graphical data
will help the reader see patterns,
trends, or other configurations
which could be hidden in another
form of display.
• Here are some examples of good
display found in the daily
newspaper.
Data Display
Data Display
Data Display
Data Display
Display of Analyzed Data
• Our citizens encounter data displayed in
both good and bad forms quite often.
• Whether in print or television advertisers
have become masters at manipulating
data to make their side look good or right.
• Many are quick to make judgments based
on a simple statement which used data,
without questioning where the data came
from, how it was collected, and how it was
analyzed.
• Our students of today may become the
NASA managers of tomorrow.
What does this mean for
Science Teaching?
• Science should be taught so that students
learn to value the essential attitudes of
science:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Longing to know and understand
Questioning of all things
Searching for data and their meaning
Demanding verification
Respecting logic
Showing consideration for premises and
consequences
What does this mean for
Science Teaching?
• We must change from a science
curriculum where the information is
presented part to whole with
emphasis on basic skills; and
• Where the curriculum is fixed,
relying heavily on textbooks,
workbooks, and solely verification
lab books.
What does this mean for
Science Teaching?
• To a curriculum presented whole to
part; with an emphasis on big
concepts and thinking skills.
• It must be responsive to student
questions and interest; and
• Rely heavily on primary sources of
data and manipulative materials.
What does this mean for
Science Teaching?
• Students must be given
opportunities to:
– collect data,
– ask what it means,
– and ask how to display the data to
make connections, to look for
trends, and to draw conclusions
Why?
• National and International Assessments
use more than pure knowledge
questions;
• Many require skills in analysis and
synthesis of data; making sense of data
tables and data graphs.
• Scores on the TIMMS assessment show
that lack of experiences in analyzing and
synthesizing scientific data is a global
issue.
TIMMS results – Earth Science
Earth in the Japan
Universe
76.6%
Diversity of
Structures
Japan
63.6%
Earth
Processes
Hong Kong
70%
Earth
Features
Hungary
69.1%
TIMMS results- Life Science
Life
Latvia
Processes
and Function
Life Cycles & Czech
Genetics
Republic
81.8%
Interactions
of Living
Things
Human
Biology and
Health
Singapore
69.5%
Chinese
Taipei
80.2%
76.3%
TIMMS results –
Physical Science
Properties
Korea
and
Classification
of Matter
Structure of Slovak
Matter
Republic
62.5%
Energy and
Physical
Processes
Physical
Changes
Singapore
67%
Chinese
Taipei
76.7%
71.1%
Analysis of Statewide
Science Testing
• Out of 50 states only 26 have a
graduation qualifying exam; and 23/26
require passage to graduate.
• 1 in 5 require science testing at grade 4;
1 in 4 require science testing at grade 7
or 8.
• 30% use the National Assessment of
Educational Progress – given at grades
4, 8, and 12 to determine student’s
science knowledge. Only given once
every four years. Participation is strictly
voluntary.
Tasks required of students
on the Illinois state
achievement test
ISAT Gr. 4
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 4
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 4
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 4
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 7
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 7
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 7
Tasks required of students
on state tests (cont.)
ISAT GR. 7
So how can technology help?
• Tools to collect data – real world
applications for data collection and
analysis
• Vernier LabPro Interface
– Computer
– Handheld Device (Palm® or Graphing
Calculators (TI®)
• ImagiWorks ImagiProbe Interface
– Handheld Device (Palm®)
• HOBO® Data Logger
– Free of computer and/or handheld
The Vernier LabPro
• Connects to the
computer to
collect and
analyze data
using a variety of
probes and
LoggerPro
software.
Over 50 sensors available such as:
Thermometer
pH Sensor
Relative Humidity
Voltage
Salinity Sensor
Sensor
Light Sensor
Current
UVA
EKG Sensor
Gas Pressure
The Vernier LabPro
• Can also connect to a
Palm® through a
specialized adapter using
the LabPro or with a
graphing calculator (TI84® using the LabPro or
the Vernier EasyLink®.
• The data is analyzed and
graphically displayed on
the handheld using
LoggerPro software.
• Data can also be
downloaded directly onto
the computer for analysis.
The Vernier LabPro
• Launch the LabPro to
collect data.
• Collects data in a data table and
simultaneously provides a Graphical
Display via the LoggerPro software.
• Can connect up to four probes
• Can collect digital images using a
web camera and those digital images
can be synchronized with the data
collection.
The Vernier LabPro
• Using the Palm® to
connect to the
interface, can
launch up to four
probes at once.
• Limited by size of
Palm® screen;
therefore can only
see the Graphical
Display or the Data
Table at one time.
Ball Toss
The Vernier LabPro
• Can analyze data on
the Palm® using
Data Pro software, or
you can transfer data
to the computer for
similar analysis as
when the LabPro is
launched directly
from the computer.
• Palm® connection
allows for portability.
Ball Toss
The Vernier LabPro
• TI® (graphing
calculator)
connection display
similar to Palm®
display.
• Can analyze data on
calculator or
download onto
computer and use
the LoggerPro
software for analysis.
Ball Toss
The Vernier LabPro
• Vernier provides lab manuals for:
chemistry, physics, physical
science, biology, human
physiology, and water quality.
• Developed by practicing
teachers or content area experts
in conjunction with classroom
teachers.
The Vernier LabPro
Innovative uses
• Edberg from Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena, CA
developed labs to study space
science. One is a simulation using
the Magnetic Field Sensor for
students to investigate magnetic
interiors of planets. View this at:
http://www.vernier.com/physics/vernier_planetmagfield.pdf
The Vernier LabPro
Innovative uses
• Vernier developers looked at the
question of force associated with
juggling balls based on a question
by a high school physics teacher.
How forces change over time and
with increase in number of balls
juggled can be analyzed. A movie
of this with sample data is found at:
http://www.vernier.com/innovate/juggle.zip
The Vernier LabPro
Innovative uses
• Science teacher from Kansas took students to
Texas to explore Laguna Madre, a large body
of shallow water that separates Padre Island
in the Gulf or Mexico from the mainland of
Texas.
• Students used Salinity Sensor with the
LabPro and a PC using LoggerPro software to
collect and analyze data on the lake. Also
used a GPS unit to collect latitude and
longitude for each collection site. This data
was entered into LoggerPro software also.
View this at:
http://www.vernier.com/innovate
The Vernier LabPro
Advantages
• Complete lessons
• Multiple probes
• Data Collection of up
to four probes
simultaneously
• Synchronize data
collection with digital
video.
• Grades 6 through
college.
• Launch with computer,
Palm, or Graphing
Calculator.
• Detailed analysis of
data.
Disadvantages
• Size of LabPro
• Professional
Development needed
- Teachers need to
understand power of
statistical analysis
provided by
LoggerPro software
• Time needed to teach
students various ways
to analyze data.
• Can not leave
unattended for long
time frame.
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
• Software loaded
onto the Palm®
handheld.
• The ImagiWorks
Interface
connects to the
Palm® m130
with a direct
connection
using Vernier
probes.
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
• Newer
interface
allows for
infrared
(wireless)
connection to
Palm® Zire in
conjunction
with Pasco
probes.
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
View
Data
Setup Trials Notes
• Allows up to 2 probes
per interface with Palm
m130.
• Uses Vernier® probes
• ImagiWorks software
allows user to choose
sampling amount and
duration.
• On the Palm® it will
provide line graph view
or chart view of data
collected.
• Hot sync to computer,
will only load data set.
• Transfer to Excel for
manipulations of data.
The ImagiWorks Interface
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
View
Data
Setup Trials Notes
• Allows multiple probes
with wireless interface.
• Uses Pasco® probes,
more than 25.
• ImagiWorks software for
students to collect data;
graph data as it’s
collected, annotate it,
analyze it to discover
relationships, and
transfer the data to a
desktop computer for
more detailed analysis
once data is transferred
to statistical software.
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
• Provide CD with lab
activities for: physical
science and water
quality.
• Used mainly by middle
grade level teachers
for better
understanding of
physical science
concepts (Grades 5-8).
The ImagiProbe
Innovative uses
Forest Ecology
•
Driving Question: What is the relationship
between light intensity, vegetation, and soil types
in a forest?
•
Used by Forest Ecology teacher for lessons on
soil analysis, optimal soils for tree seedlings,
photosynthesis, light intensity, and tree
identification.
•
All lessons developed and presented to high
school students by pre-service secondary
science teachers.
The ImagiProbe
Innovative uses
Evaporation of Alcohols
•
Driving Question: Do all alcohols have the
same intermolecular attraction?
•
2 Temperature probes were used for
students to compare rate of evaporation of
ethanol and methanol. The resultant graph
lead to a discussion about rate of
evaporation of different alcohols. The
methanol evaporated more rapidly - means
intermolecular attraction of ethanol not as
large as methanol.
The ImagiWorks ImagiProbe
Advantages
• Uses Palm® connected
to small interface.
• Very portable, complete
with carrying case for
outdoor labs.
• Provides sample lessons
for Physical Science and
Water Quality.
• Data Collection with two
probes simultaneously
via Vernier probes, up to
25 with wireless Palm via
Pasco probes.
• Easy to use and teach,
especially with students
in grades 4-8.
• Digital camera attaches
easily to Palm m130 or
comes with Zire to collect
descriptive information
on data collected.
Disadvantages
• imagiCalc software
must load separately
to do statistical
manipulations.
• Limited to
Temperature, pH,
Dissolved Oxygen,
Light, and Voltage
probes from Vernier.
• Data only viewed as a
line graph unless
transferred to Excel
spreadsheet.
• Separate views of
data table or line
graph on the Palm®
screen.
• Can not leave
unattended for long.
The HOBO Data Logger
• A HOBO data logger is
a small (matchbox
size), battery-operated
measuring device that
can be put anywhere.
• HOBO's include a
microprocessor, data
storage, and a sensor.
• Can measure
temperature
(Fahrenheit and
Celsius), relative
humidity, light intensity,
external temperature
and voltage sensor.
The HOBO Data Logger
• The HOBO data logger is
attached by a serial cable to a
personal computer.
• HOBO software is used to
launch the data logger. At this
point you can choose when
you want the logger to start
and how often you want it to
take what type of reading.
• The HOBO data logger can
then be disconnected from the
computer and put anywhere.
• Return the HOBO data logger
to the PC and, using the
software, readout the collected
data in graph or table form.
The HOBO Data Logger
Innovative uses
• Student activity book for
grades K-6; plays on the
theme of a “Hobo” after the
people that used to ride trains
across the country in the
1920’s and 1930’s. Felt these
are like Hobo’s in that they can
be moved around collecting
data and sharing information.
• Designed to help young
learners construct an
understanding of the concepts
of temperature, light intensity,
and relative humidity through
simple data collections based
around a HOBO storyline.
HOBO iScience Projects
http://www.iscienceproject.com
HOBO iScience Projects
http://www.iscienceproject.com
The HOBO Data Logger
Advantages
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Size – little bigger than a
matchbox, extremely
portable and can purchase
outdoor and underwater
loggers.
Launch with computer, then
disconnect; duration over
600 days.
Complete lessons for K-6
students; web based
lessons for upper grades;
teachers can provide
lessons to be included on
iScience website.
Data Collection of up to four
parameters simultaneously;
3 of which are internal, one
external probe
Data displayed in graph and
data table simultaneously.
Can also export data for
more detailed analysis to
Excel.
Cost
Disadvantages
• Limited to
temperature, light
intensity, relative
humidity, and voltage
studies
• Export data to other
software for more
advanced statistical
analysis.
Conclusions
• Students are bombarded with data on a daily
basis. The ability to ask critical questions on
data collection and analysis are necessary
skills to become critical consumers of
information.
• Students need more experience in the science
processes of data collection, analysis, and
synthesis.
• Technology can assist in teaching these
processes.
• Vernier, iMagiWorks, and HOBO are data
collection devices which can help students
collect and analyze data, to learn to think
critically about the data, and to make sound
decisions based on the analysis of that data.
Disclaimer
• The ideas offered on the Advantages and
Disadvantages of the data collection devices
provided by different manufacturers are purely
the opinion of this researcher. They are based
on my current experiences in using the
devices. Other users of these devices may
agree or disagree with my experiences.
References
• The New Dimensions of Science
Adventures of the American Mind
website was designed to model the use
of primary sources in the classroom.
Look in the science dimension The
History and Nature of Science to find the
slides from this presentation.
• URL: http://aam.govst.edu/sexton
References
• The Rogers Commission Report is
an example of using a primary
source to collect information and
draw conclusions. All information
concerning the Challenger Shuttle
came from this site.
• URL: http://history.nasa.gov
References
• The USA Today Data Tables This US
daily newspaper broke new grounds
when it first came out because of its
extensive use of data tables. Excellent
examples of how to display data.
• USA Today – Interactive media website
• URL:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/intera
ctive-media.htm
References
• Sample test items for science can
be found at each state department
of education’s website. The sample
test items found in this presentation
came from the Illinois State Board
of Education website.
• URL:
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/asses
sment/htmls/sample_books.htm
References
• Teaching Science for ALL Children – An Inquiry
Approach is an elementary science methods
textbook co-authored by myself, Dr. Teresa
Franklin and Dr. Ralph Martin at Ohio
University (Allyn & Bacon, 2005; 4th ed.)
• In the book detailed information is provided on
science process skills, national and
international science assessments, and
constructivist science teaching principles.
• URL of companion website:
http://www.ablongman.com/martin4e
References
• Vernier LabPro http://www.vernier.com
• imagiWorks imagiProbe http://www.imagiworks.com
• HOBO Data Logger http://www.iScienceProject.com
Contact Information
Dr. Colleen Sexton
Science Education
Governors State University
University Park (Chicago Suburb),
Illinois – USA
c-sexton@govst.edu