Applications of Probeware for Earth Science

Scroll Down for Table of Contents

Introduction

Earth Science presents many opportunities for students to measure, record, and observe quantitative data in order to learn and understand more about the physical world around them. CoachLab probeware makes experiments possible that could not have been attempted ten years ago.  On this page you will find information about using CoachLab software and hardware (as well as TI-CBL) in Earth Science.

  
 

Benefits of Coach Probeware

for Earth Science Teachers

  • Coach can record data for long periods of time (many days) thus allowing you to record events and  monitor processes that take a long time (such as weather).
  • Coach can control outputs and equipment thus allowing you to control and manipulate a variable in an experiment.
  • Coach has tools that let you integrate mathematics into your Earth Science lessons.
  • Coach's predict feature puts the hypothesis back into your science lessons and labs.
  • Graphical Modeling allows you to use Coach to teach mathematical concepts in a graphical way.
  • Coach's authoring feature allows you to create your own activities or modify existing ones to suit your needs, your text book, or your other lab equipment.
  • Coach probeware, along with appropriate sensors replaces a large amount of expensive equipment in your science lab.
  • Coach is portable (with ULAB, TI-CBL, or Vernier LabPro)
 		  

Activity Ideas for Earth Science

  • Observe and Record the Weather
  • Land and Sea Breezes
  • pH analysis of rocks and minerals
  • Measure Seismic Activity
  • Measure Radiation.
  • Measure Soil Moisture and Temperature.
  • Exploring models of population growth in a species
  • Changes in temperature produced by sunlight.
  • Control the environment inside an aquarium or terrarium
  • Integrate math concepts and practice in your Earth Science lab
  • Sample dissolved oxygen in a pond or stream
 

Table of Contents CoachLab for Earth Science

Recommended Hardware and Software for Earth Science Educators
ULAB (Universal Lab Interface)

ULAB is a 100% portable data logger designed to fit the needs of an Earth Science or Ecology instructor.  ULAB is rugged and very easy to use.  ULAB can display data as graphs, values, or tables and in real time.  ULAB can record multiple data sets while in the field.  ULAB does not require a computer or calculator in order to use, but is 100% compatible with Coach software for data analysis and manipulation back in the classroom.  ULAB uses built in rechargeable batteries.

With four BT style analog inputs for Vernier, TI, and CMA brand sensors, two digital inputs for other types of sensors, and eight analog outputs for controlling external devices  the ULAB portable data logger is ideal for the Biology and Ecology classes at all grade levels. 

ULAB can measure and record pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Dissolved Ions, Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen Gas, Turbidity, Humidity, Pressure, EKG, Respiration Rate, Micro Voltages, and more.

Click Here to see full specifications on this product.
Coach 5 Author Software (for data analysis and modeling)

With the ability to record and analyze data, create graphical and text concept models of equations, and interface with ULAB, CoachLab, TI-CBL, TI-CBL2, and Vernier LabPro Coach 5 Author Software is the perfect choice for Earth Science education.  Lessons can be presented with on screen instructions, images, and even video clips.

Students can learn concepts of Earth Science while reinforcing math concepts and skills.

Click Here to learn more about Coach Author Software.
 

Note: If you teach life science at Elementary or Middle School Level you may wish to choose Coach Junior software instead of Coach 5 Author Software.

Note: If you already own or use TI-CBL, TI-CBL2, or Vernier LabPro then you can use Coach Author software and/or Coach for CBL software to interface those products to a PC, perform data analysis, and extend those products capabilities.  To learn more about software for TI-CBL and related products click here.

Note: If you have computers in your Earth Science lab, and you do not require portability then you may wish to choose the CoachLab II Interface Panel.  Click here to learn more about the CoachLab II.

Click here to return to the Table of Contents

Using CoachLab as a Weather Station

CoachLab probeware systems can make a very effective weather station for the science classroom.  By using sensors for relative humidity, barometric pressure, and temperature students can learn how these factors effect day to day weather.  In many ways CoachLab can be a more educationally sound tool to teach weather than normal weather stations.

Click Here to read a full article about using CoachLab as a weather station in your Earth Science lessons.

{Pictured to the Right: Weather data over 24 hours including a thunderstorm taken with CoachLab}

Click here to return to the Table of Contents

Using CoachLab as a Seismograph (Build your Own Seismograph!)
Seismographs are devices that measure and record vibrations from events such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.  Since CoachLab probeware can accept input from any analog device or sensor, and since Coach software can be used to configure those sensors and display their data in any way that is useful for you, it is easy to create your own working seismograph for under $25.00

Click Here to read a full article about building a Seismograph for use with CoachLab in your Earth Science class.

{pictured to the right: Vibration data for 30 seconds recorded using a prototype seismograph made out of cardboard}

Click here to return to the Table of Contents

More Information Coming Soon!

Including:

  • Building your own wind speed sensor for under $5.00

  • Links to Earth Science Probeware Resources on the Web

  • Free Earth Science Activities for Download

  • Information about Coach and TI-CBL for Earth Science

  • Tips for Earth Science Teachers using CoachLab

Please contact us if you need more information NOW

 

Please Click Here to Return to the Probeware Homepage

 

Site Design and Content Copyright 2003 Harris Educational (All Rights Reserved)

This site best viewed at 1024 x 768 Resolution

Tested for MS-IE 6.0, Netscape 6.2 and Opera 6.0

Includes Flash (tm) Animation Generated by SWiSH 2.0

If you experience problems viewing these pages please upgrade your browser

Please contact us with any broken links or other viewing problems
 

Now Available for Purchase: Reinventing Science Kits (works with or without probeware)

Reinventing Edison

Build your own

Light Bulb

Reinventing

Morse

Build your own

Telegraph
 

Click Here to Learn More about Reinventing Science Kits

Click Here to Return to the Harris Educational Main Site

With Lesson Plans, Free Resources, and Information for Educators and Students

Not Just Probeware! (see below for other pages of interest to educators)
 

Reinventing Science  *  Science Kits  *  Seibun Science *  Workshops  *  Lesson Plans