In this lab, we will incorporate
built-in GPS capability of the LabQuest 2 or an original
LabQuest with a Vernier GPS along with other sensors to do a
survey of the school grounds. After uploading the data to Logger
Pro in a computer, the data can be exported to Google Maps to see
in some detail where the various data points were gathered and to
interpret the results.
OBJECTIVES
In this experiment, you will
* Measure ground and air
temperatures at various locations.
* Measure reflected light intensity at various locations.
* Record the GPS coordinates of the locations as these
measurements are taken.
* Determine if there are temperature differences between the
ground and air above it.
* Organize and present your results.
MATERIALS
LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 1
w/ VGPS
|
Temperature Probe
|
Infrared Thermometer
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several rubber bands
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LabQuest app
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Light Sensor
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meter stick or ruler
|
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PROCEDURE
Part I Planning Data Collection
1. Make a sketch of the school
grounds including details such as different surfaces, trees,
etc.
2. Plan the locations where you wish to collect your data and
indicate them on your sketch.
Part II Measuring
Temperatures and Reflected Light Intensity
3. For LabQuest
2, tap
File > New.
Set up the GPS sensor by tapping
Sensor > Sensor Setup. Tap the box next to
GPS to set up that sensor.
3a. For LabQuest 1, plugging in the Vernier
GPS sensor initiates collection of GPS data. You don’t have to
set up like you do LabQuest 2.
4. If your Light Sensor has a switch, set it
to 150,000 lux. Connect the Light Sensor, Temperature Probe and
Infrared Thermometer to the analog inputs to your LabQuest 2. If
you have older sensors that do not auto-ID, manually set up the
sensors.
5.
Note: If
there is direct sunlight on the temperature probe tip during
data collection, the readings will be too high. To prevent this,
use your hand to shade the tip of the probe.
6.
Fasten the Light Sensor to a meter stick using two rubber bands
as shown in Figure 1. Slide the Temperature Probe under the
rubber bands on the other side of the ruler as shown in Figure
1. Both probe tips should be at the 5 cm mark.
7. Note that Data Collection has been set to
Selected Events. After you begin data collection, each time you
tap the KEEP icon, a set of data will be recorded for that
location.
8. Move to the first location you planned to
take measurements. Initiate data collection by tapping the
Collect icon or pressing the Collect button. Position the meter
stick so the temperature probe is shielded from the sun, the
light sensor is pointed straight down, and the Infrared
Thermometer is pointed straight down. Tap the KEEP icon to
record your measurements. Do not stop data collection until you
are finished with step 9.
9. Move to the next location, arrange your
sensors, tap KEEP. Continue until you have collected data at all
of the locations you planned. Then tap the Collect icon or
button to stop data collection.
10. Go to the Data Table and record the data
from six of your locations in the table below. Include
descriptions of those locations from your sketch. The Infrared
Thermometer reading is the surface temperature while the
temperature probe recorded the 5-cm reading.
DATA
Description
|
Temperature
(at surface)
Co
|
Temperature
(at 5 cm)
Co
|
Temperature
Difference
Co
|
Light
Intensity
lux
|
|
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PROCESSING THE DATA
1. In the space
provided in the data table, subtract to find the difference
between the temperature on the surface and the temperature 5 cm
above the surface at each location.
2. Which location had the greatest difference
between its two temperatures? The smallest difference?
3. Give possible reasons for the results in
Question 2.
4. Which location had the highest
reflectivity? The lowest?
5. Give possible reasons for the results in
Question 4.
6. Look at your reflectivity and temperature
data. Do your results follow a pattern? Explain.
7. If you did this lab at a different time of
day, would you expect similar results or differences? Explain.
8. If you did this lab at a different time of
year, would you expect similar results or differences? Explain.
9. Connect your LabQuest 2 to a computer using
the USB-mini cable. Launch Logger Pro software. Logger Pro
should discover the LabQuest and its data and ask you if you
wish to upload it. Your answers should be “Yes” and “OK”.
10. If the computer is connected to the
Internet, you can export it to Google Maps. Go to File
> Export As > Google Map… Zoom in or out as needed to
display the data you collected. You may wish to go to Satellite
View so you see the buildings as recorded by Google. Prepare a
short presentation for your instructor, answering questions 2-6
above citing specific data from the Google map.
Click here to download a
Word
version of this lab
Click here to download a
pdf
version of this lab
This lab was adapted by C. Bakken from Experiment 8 in
Middle School Science with
Vernier for use in an on-site workshop.
June 2013