Abstract:

Most students entering the university today have access to a mobile phone. They are adept at using their phones for all manner of social networking, but most have not fully explored the possibilities of using them for scientific purposes. Modern sciences rely on objective data and data analysis, both of which can be easily accessed using built-in and third party apps on mobile phones and tablets. A high quality science education program equips students with skills, knowledge and excitement about learning scientific principles. These skills can best be developed with a hands-on approach that engages students to pose questions and to develop protocols for data collection unrestricted by intimidating, expensive equipment. The ability to ask meaningful questions, plan experiments, utilize technology to obtain objective quantitative data and analyze that data in order to solve problems are valuable in all careers not just those that are within the STEM fields. We must give our students a solid foundation to successfully solve problems and tackle the complex issues that face current and future generations. Guiding students with experiences in appropriate uses of technology with devices that they already own will offer science in ways that are portable, personally available, and do not require additional expense. With this foundation, students will develop literacy in science, and become better able to think critically and analytically.

A Smart Phone has an ever expanding array of applications that make it an effective device for a wide variety of scientific explorations. Some will require a free or inexpensive app, yet others use features already built into the phone itself. Many of the explorations can be done with no other equipment. Several may use the phone in conjunction with standard lab equipment such as a light microscope or with easily constructed materials, such as an observation chamber/photo booth. Although initially designed for use in college science courses, these exercises are easily adaptable for use by all students from middle school to college age.

Objectives:
• Introduce the technical utility of personal Smart Phones and Tablets
• Provide an array of accessible apps and ways that they can be used in basic science exploration
• Open avenues for technically assisted investigations for both classroom and independent use
• Make investigations possible without expensive additional purchases
• Encourage independent exploration

Outcomes:
• Student will gain confidence in devising their own experimental observations and techniques using apps.
• Students will be encouraged to use technology for lifelong learning.
• Student will be able to collect data using Smart Phone technology
• Student will use statistical principles and technology to analyze data.
• Student will construct graphical representations of data for display and analysis.
• Student will be familiar with the use of Smart Phone apps in the collection and analysis of data.

Some topics to be included are:
1 – Response time
2 – The frog is quicker than the eye
3 – Photomicroscopy
4 – Time lapse Photography
5 – Habituation of Earthworms
6 – Can you hear me now? (Frequency range of hearing)
7 – Hacking HoneyBee communications
8 – Treasure Hunt
9 – Field Identification and Mapping
10 – Give a hoot (bird calls)
11 – Celebrated jumping frog
12 – Heart rate
13 – Accelerometer
14 – Sky Lab

Keywords:

Smart phones, scientific investigations, science education, data collection, data analysis, using technology, accessible technology.