From a student perspective, one of the best parts of any science class is the chance to perform a lab. I remember lab days being a huge source of excitement when I was a student. Finally, I’d think, a chance to do science rather than just read and talk about it! The same held true when I became the teacher of a science class rather than the student: immediate engagement just at the chance to measure their pulse or spark a chemical reaction. Labs, when well-constructed, are the ultimate expression of how students learn and engage with the world naturally–trying something new, and learning by seeing what happens.

However, many teachers lack the ability to quickly and easily construct new lab experiments for their students to work through. Complex labs in subjects like chemistry and physics can require a lot of materials and specified sensors, while simpler labs often will settle for measurements that can be taken by hand–easier, but not nearly as accurate. The resulting labs often are either limited to just the classroom, or end up being only an approximation of the principle they’re trying to demonstrate. As a result, coming up with new labs that are both practical and scientifically engaging is one of the biggest challenges of the modern STEM teacher…

And it’s a challenge that’s been on our minds, too. Fortunately, we’ve found a tool that we believe will help.

Globisens’ Labdisc data logging solution is an all-in-one sensor designed for the easy collection and analysis of multiple kinds of data. The hardware itself is simple: using the disc alone, students have immediate access to a huge variety of data types, such as temperature, distance, moisture, pH, volume and light. There’s even a GPS built into the back! A full class set of Labdiscs can also be paired with additional sensors that can be connected to the original hardware. These sensors, which include add-ons for pulse, respiration, voltage and current, and more, further expand the Labdisc’s ability to collect data for any kind of experiment.

The beauty of the Labdisc system is that the logger itself is highly mobile and easy for students to use. With its small size and battery life of several hours, students can start an experiment in the classroom,

and then carry the hardware to where the data is–even outside!

The data your students will collect is stored inside the Labdisc until they return to the classroom, and analyze it using the GlobiLab or GlobiWorld software. In addition, the compacted nature of the tool makes both preparing for, and cleaning up after, a lab into a much easier task. Teachers never don’t have to worry about looking for specific sensors, because they’re all put together in one easy-to-use piece of technology.

We at Teq are thrilled to be adding the Labdisc to the family of STEM tools we supply to New York state and beyond. With this kind of flexibility, we think Labdiscs could easily change how science teachers approach their lab projects, and lead the way to an entirely rebuilt curriculum with a new focus on student-led experimentation. If you’re curious, check out a sample experiment that the Labdisc can facilitate here, or stay posted on our Online Platform–we’ll be adding PD sessions on this neat little tool very soon!