STEMLabs

Vernier sensors and probes provide a number of opportunities to add Mathematics to Science Design Briefs.  The sensors link to a computer and with the Vernier software provide real-time data in tabular and graphical formats.  You can set experimental factors such as rate and length of data collection and determine whether the collection will be time-based or event-based. The resulting data can be used to determine if a particular device (a wind turbine for example) met the criteria set in the Design Brief. The software, depending on version, provides a number of tools for analyzing the data, from basic statistics to modelling and curve-fitting. The software is available in Windows, Mac, and Chromebook App versions.  The Chromebook Graphical Analysis App and the Logger Lite software are free downloads from the Vernier site.  The Logger Pro version is available as a school site license for $249.00.  You can download a free 30-day demo version, fully working, fro...

Two items in the STEMLabs materials, the Arduino Getting Started kit and the Hummingbird Classroom set, offer a number of opportunities for adding a coding/programming component to your Design Brief.  Both kits allow students to connect sensors and actuators or LED's to a computer-linked board and then develop a program that tells the component how to react to sensor input.  For example, a student might connect a motor (actuator) and a light sensor to a Hummingbird board.  The next step would be to develop a program that instructs the motor to, upon receiving a signal from the sensor (room has become darker, or lighter) turn on, rotate in a certain direction at a certain speed for a certain length of time.  An example design brief that would incorporate this device might concern building a machine that dispenses a treat (a door opens, powered by the motor) when someone enters a room and turns the lights on.  The extensive variety of sensors and actuators provide...

3D scanners have improved a bit and have become a bit cheaper, but they are still expensive and produce mixed results.  Some of the more popular scanners are listed below: Desktop Scanners Makerbot Digitizer.   The Digitizer is pretty easy to setup and use.  It does have to be connected to your computer.  The software does allow you to do multiple scans of an object - you scan with the object on its base, then its side, then upside down - so you can capture all the features.  Object size is limited to 8" in diameter and 8" tall and up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs.)  As with most scanners, glassy or shiny objects do not scan well at all.  The price is about $800 and you can buy from makerbot.com or Amazon. Makerbot Digitizer Scan of shell Matter and Form 3D Scanner.    The Matter and Form scanner is fairly easy to set up and use.  Not as simple as the Makerbot Digitizer but the results are about the same.  Its advantage is the pric...

3D DESIGN SOFTWARE There are a number of programs that you can use for 3D design.  I've listed a few of them below, with brief descriptions of how they might be used.  These programs are all free use - some may have professional versions with more features, but those versions are not free. Tinkercad.   This is one of the most popular free 3D online design programs.  Basic design is pretty easy to do and there are lots of video tutorials available on the web (check Youtube.com) You can design a range of objects from very simple to very complicated.  The program also allows you to import .stl files from Thingiverse.com or from scans you created with a 3D scanner.  Your designs can be saves as .stl files, ready for your 3D printer software.  The link is to tinkercad.com:  Tinkercad CookieCaster.   This is the easiest to use 3D online design program.  You can free-draw outlines (straight lines only) that are turned into 3D cookie cutte...