Thursday Afternoon Session

Designing an NTLS Prototyping Station for Development of Scientific Tools and Instruments

Part 1 — 1:45 to 2:15 p.m.

• Control of Laboratory Devices:  Digital to Analog Conversion (A / D)
  LEDS, Servo Motors, DC Motors, Stepper Motors, Solenoids
• Capturing and Recording Data: Digital to Analog Conversion (DAC)
  Switches, Potentiometers, Accelerometers, Photogates
• Resources
  • Developing Scientific Tools (Document)
  • The Snap! – MicroBlocks Code (Document)
  • Microcontroller Blocks Overview (Document)
  • Controlling Laboratory Equipment with Snap! (Video)
  • Micro:bit Control (Snap! Code)
  • Micro:bit Control (MicroBlocks Code on Snap! Forum)
    

Part 2 — 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

• Exploration of Periodic Motion – Vibrating Rod
• Exploration of Periodic Motion – Pendulum
• Faraday’s Candle – Exploring Fundamental Principles of Chemistry and Physics
• Discussion of observation to build from basic phenomena to complex scientific principles
• Recording and Analyzing Synchronization in Coupled Candle Flames
• Photosensitive Light Sensor; Infrared Sensor 
• Resources

• • Paint Bucket Pendulum (Video)
  • Using a Flexible Arm to graph Motion using an LED, a Light Sensor, and Microblocks (Video)
  • Graphing the Movement of a Pendulum with an LED, a Light Sensor, and Microblocks (Video)
  • Demonstration of Oscillation in Coupled Candles (Video)
  • Flickering Candle Demonstration (Document)
  • Synchronization in flickering of three-coupled candle flames (Article)

Part 3 — 2:45. to 3:15 p.m.

• Candidates for Development of Scientific Instruments
  Digital Scale, Temperature & pH Monitoring Station, Air Quality (CO2) Monitor, Anemometer
• Candidates for Development of Scientific Tools
  Digital Stirrer, Centrifuge

Part 4 — 3:15. to 3:45 p.m.

• Reciprocal Innovation through Joint Development and Collaboration
  Discussion of ways in which schools, associations, and academic centers can collaborate
  Building on the current NTLS / Reach for Uganda Foundation Partnership – Next Steps
• Microcomputer-based Labs and Probeware
  Summation of Past History and Thoughts about the Future, Carolyn Staudt
• Resources
  • The History of Probeware (Article)

Thursday Strand Update and Summary at 4:45 p.m. – Kelly Dooley