The Guide to Probeware and Computer Applications for STC/MS™ (Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools™)is designed to facilitate the integration of probeware and computer-related technologies into the middle school classroom. The developers of the eight STC/MS modules have identified lessons in each module that adapt well to the use of probes and sensors for collecting and analyzing data. Developers have also included some inquiries that are extensions to lessons in the STC/MS curriculum.

To effectively use this supplement, you should first become familiar with the corresponding lessons in the relevant STC/MS modules. Become familiar with the objectives, goals, and background of the lesson as described in the Teacher’s Guide. Review the procedures for the regular lesson, then study the suggested modifications in this probeware supplement. In many cases, there will be minor procedural changes to an inquiry once the students have set up the probe or sensor.

For information on the structure of the Guide to Probeware and Computer Applications for STC/MS™ please see background information below. For ordering information please contact our publisher, Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Background Information

Platform

Modifications and Extensions

Lesson Overviews

Teacher Preparation

Lesson Procedures

Appendices

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Background Information:

Platform

The platform used in the lessons in this probeware guide is the Texas Instruments TI-73 calculator, linked to the Calculator-Based Laboratory system (CBL2) but easily adaptable to the earlier CBL platform (see Appendix B) or probes directly connected to PCs or handheld devices (such as PDAs). This platform was chosen for designing the adaptations to the lessons in the modules because it is a popular platform used in many middle schools. The system does not require students to use stand-alone or networked computers. The TI-73/CBL2 system also does not need a lot of physical space to set up, is portable, and is less expensive than stand-alone computer-based systems.

Modifications and Extensions

In the title of each lesson in this supplement you will see either the word “modified” or the word “extension.” Modified activities are inquiries in which probeware substitutes for or replaces traditional laboratory equipment for collecting data.

Extensions are additional activities that expand on concepts in an existing lesson. Extension activities have new background material for teachers, as well as complete instructions for performing a new inquiry using probes and sensors. In almost all modified lessons and extensions, inquiry masters are included with student guidelines and directions for setting up and using the probeware.

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Lesson Overviews

Each lesson in this supplement has an overview that gives a brief description of how it has been adapted to accommodate probeware. The Overview identifies what probes or sensors replace equipment in an investigation and identifies any inquiry masters, student sheets, and probeware masters that are needed to perform the investigation. A detailed list of probes, sensors, and related equipment needed for the inquiry follows the Overview.

Teacher Preparation

The Preparation section describes what needs to be done by the teacher prior to having students use the equipment. It is recommended that you set up and try out the probe or sensor before using it with students so that you are familiar with how it works and what the data look like on the calculator. This will help considerably when troubleshooting.

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Lesson Procedures

The Procedure section describes what needs to be done by students to set up the probes and collect data. Some lessons required significant changes from the original in procedures or detailed instructions on how to set up the probes or sensors to collect data. Inquiry masters are included for these lessons. The inquiry masters can be copied and distributed to students. Where appropriate, student sheets have also been included with the investigation.

Appendices

Appendix A of this Guide contains the set of probeware masters that have directions describing how to connect probes and sensors to a TI-73 calculator and CBL2 platform. There is a probeware master for each probe or sensor. These probeware masters can be copied and distributed to students. Appendix B contains the probeware masters describing how to connect the same probes and sensors to a TI-73 calculator and the earlier, CBL platform. Directions for copying software files to the calculator are also found in these appendices.

Appendix C has four data masters to assist students in graphing and analyzing the data collected from the probeware investigations, both on the TI-73 and also on the TI-83 calculators. There is also a data master to help students set up spreadsheets on typical PC spreadsheet software and use this tool to analyze data collected from an investigation.

Appendix D provides instructions for the use of TI-83 calculators with either the CBL or the CBL2 platform.

Appendix E contains a list of resources. This list identifies vendors and other sources of probeware and computer-related activities for the classroom.