PRODUCTreviews
SPARK Science Learning System
By Ben Smith and Jared Mader
Consumers in today’s ed tech market—and in the computing industry as a whole—have begun to expect devices to be increasingly
mobile and portable without sacrificing
functionality or computing power.
Pasco Scientific is aware of this shift.
Its SPARK Science Learning System
is a new interface box that greatly extends the capabilities of the company’s
portable GLX model. The SPARK
combines the same great scientific
probeware and data-collection software that Pasco produces for its PC
market with built-in, inquiry-based
lessons that drive critical thinking and
problem solving.
The product name is an acronym for
sense, perceive, analyze, reflect, and
know. SPARK encompasses this mantra, which guided its developers when
they set out to create an all-in-one
product that hits home with science
teachers of many grade levels. For an
educator looking for an ultra-compact
and portable solution to data collection, the SPARK’s rugged rubberized
body and protected inputs provide a
durable exoskeleton. It also makes use
of the same blue PASPORT sensors
available from Pasco, so schools that
have already invested in those sensors
can continue to use them.
The SPARK Science Learning System is an all-in-one mobile device that integrates
the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment.
Features and Design
Right after startup, the unit begins to
display data collected from connected
probes. Its setup is intuitive, and navigating the data collection interface
through the touch screen is a snap.
The unit will automatically recognize
any attached sensor and offer display
options. The graphical interface is a
high-resolution screen with excellent brightness and color that is easy
to view in any light. What makes the
data collection interface so impressive
are the real-time adjustments users
can make to the axes and experiment
length while the unit is collecting
data. This is as simple as a tap and
drag, allowing the user to extend axes
and adjust scales easily. We did not
find options to adjust axes and graphs
quickly in any menus or dialog windows, but PASCO has made it simple
to drag axes to the desired range without the use of menus.
Data Collection and Analysis
Once you collect data, you can capture
and store graphs and tables for use in
traditional lab reporting mediums.
The SPARK also allows for student
annotations on the graphs, tables,
and an integrated notebook. You can
use the notebook to export all of the
experiment elements into a lab report
format and then transfer the report to
other programs.
The SPARK software comes with
all the analysis tools needed for even
the most complex of laboratory investigations. Those familiar with Data-Studio software will find the program
and the tools very similar. Even without prior experience, we found that
42 Learning & Leading with Technology | November 2009
