Science Learning System User’s Guide ® manual number 012-10616D
Limited Warranty For a description of the product warranty, see the PASCO catalog. Copyright This user’s guide is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
III Contents 1 Introduction About the SPARK Science Learning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Technical and Teacher Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv Performing a 2-point calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Performing a 1-point offset-only calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Performing a 1-point slope-only calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Using sensor adapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V Changing the variable displayed in an existing column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Adding a column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Removing a column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Selecting cells for operation in a table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vi Displaying a calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Entering data manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Opening the measurements list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Creating a data set for manual entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VII Moving a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Copying a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 10 Keeping a journal Taking a snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Opening the journal . . . . . . . .
viii SPARK Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 1 Introduction About the SPARK Science Learning System The SPARK Science Learning System is an all-in-one mobile device that seamlessly integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment. With its large, full-color display, finger-touch navigation and data collection and analysis capabilities, SPARK redefines the concept of easy-to-use — so the focus remains on the learning of science.
2 INTRODUCTION TECHNICAL AND TEACHER SUPPORT Technical and Teacher Support For help with the SPARK Science Learning System and other PASCO products, you can contact PASCO's Technical and Teacher Support staff by phone, email, or on the Web. Phone: 1-800-772-8700 (in the U.S.) +1 916 786 3800 (worldwide) Email: support@pasco.com Web: www.pasco.
3 2 Starting an experiment Turning on the SPARK Science Learning System 1. If the battery is not charged, connect the included AC adapter to a wall outlet and to the AC adapter port on the bottom of the SPARK. 2. Press and hold the power button. The SPARK turns on, boots up, and displays the Home screen. 1. AC adapter port. 2. Power button.
4 STARTING AN EXPERIMENT CONNECTING SENSORS Connecting sensors 1. PASPORT ports. 2. Temperature port. 3. Voltage port. You can use up to two PASPORT sensors plus a temperature probe and a voltage probe. The SPARK automatically identifies any sensor connected to it. Complete one or more of the following tasks to connect sensors to the SPARK. Connecting PASPORT sensors 1. Plug a PASPORT sensor into one of the PASPORT ports on the top of the SPARK. 2.
STARTING AN EXPERIMENT MONITORING LIVE DATA 5 Connecting a voltage probe • Plug the included voltage probe into the voltage port on the top of the SPARK. Monitoring live data Live data from all connected sensors are displayed whenever the Home screen is open. The Home screen is the first screen that appears when the SPARK has been turned on and booted up. If the Home screen is not visible, touch the Home button to return to the Home screen.
6 STARTING AN EXPERIMENT MOVING ON FROM THE HOME SCREEN 7. Touch OK. The SPARKlab opens. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue your science investigation. Touch the Page Navigator to turn pages. Showing a SPARKlab A show-path SPARKlab is the fastest way to record data and display it in a graph, table, digits display, and meter. Complete these steps to show a SPARKlab: 1. Connect a sensor. 2. In the Home screen, touch the measurement that you would like to show.
STARTING AN EXPERIMENT MOVING ON FROM THE HOME SCREEN 7 Page-build screen: 1. Measurements. 2. Data display, image box, and text box buttons. 3. Preview. 3. Touch the measurement (or measurements) that you would like to show in the first data display. Selected measurements are highlighted. Touch a measurement again to clear a selection. 4. Touch one of the data display buttons for a graph, table, digits display, or meter. Data display buttons: graph, digits display, table, and meter.
8 STARTING AN EXPERIMENT MOVING ON FROM THE HOME SCREEN 6. When you are satisfied with the preview and ready to build your page, touch OK. Your new SPARKlab opens showing the page that you have just built. Touch the Start button to record data. Touch the New Page button build another page and add it to your SPARKlab.
9 3 Setting up an experiment Customizing data collection You can start recording data using the default settings, or complete one or more of the following tasks to change the sampling rate or sampling mode. Setting the sample rate With the SPARK in periodic sampling mode (the default mode), complete these steps to set how many data points are recorded each second or how much time elapses between data points: 1. Touch the Sampling Options button. The Sampling Options screen opens. 2.
10 SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT CUSTOMIZING DATA COLLECTION 2. Touch Periodic. 3. Touch OK. Putting the SPARK into manual sampling mode In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger the SPARK. Complete these steps to put the SPARK into manual sampling mode: 1. Touch the Sampling Options button. The Sampling Options screen opens. 2. Touch Manual. 3. Touch OK.
SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT CUSTOMIZING HOW NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED 11 Customizing how numbers are displayed Setting the number of decimal places displayed 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement or other variable. 4. Touch Number Format. The number format options appear. 5. Touch the Number Style: box and select Fixed Precision. 6.
12 SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT CUSTOMIZING HOW NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED Displaying numbers in scientific notation 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement or other variable. 4. Touch Number Format. The number format options appear. 5. Touch the Number Style: box and select Scientific Notation. 6.
SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT CALIBRATING SENSORS 13 Changing the default units of a measurement Complete these steps to change the units that will be used by default when you select a measurement in the future: 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen. 2. Touch DATA PROPERTIES to open the Data Properties screen. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement. 4. Touch the Units: box and select units of measure. 5. Touch Set As Default to select it.
14 SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT CALIBRATING SENSORS 5. Touch the Calibration Type: box and select a calibration type. See the instructions provided with your sensor for information about what type of calibration is appropriate for your sensor. 6. Touch NEXT. The Calibrate Sensor: Enter Values screen opens. Now that you have selected a measurement, you can perform a calibration as described in the next task.
SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT USING SENSOR ADAPTERS 15 Performing a 1-point offset-only calibration In the Calibrate Sensor: Enter Values screen, complete these steps: 1. Apply a known quantity to the sensor. For example, place a temperature probe in ice water known to be 0 °C. 2. Under Calibration Point 1 touch the Standard Value: box and enter the known value. For example, enter the known temperature of the water. 3. Under Calibration Point 1 touch Read From Sensor.
16 SETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT USING SENSOR ADAPTERS The Photogate Port (PS-2123) is a type of adapter that supports switch-type sensors, but not the Rotary Motion Sensor or Motion Sensor. Complete these steps to connect and configure a sensor with a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port: 1. Connect the adapter to one of the PASPORT ports on the top of the SPARK. 2. Connect a digital sensor to the adapter. You can connect a switch-type sensor to either port of the adapter.
17 4 Data recording The following tasks describe how to record a data run with the SPARK in periodic sampling mode and manual sampling mode. Over the course of a science investigation, you can record multiple data runs and sets. Recording a run of periodically sampled data With the SPARK in periodic sampling mode (the default mode, sometimes known as “continuous” mode), complete these steps to record a data run: 1. Touch the Start button.
18 DATA RECORDING RECORDING A SET OF MANUALLY SAMPLED DATA Recording a set of manually sampled data To record manually sampled data, first put the SPARK into manual sampling mode. See “Putting the SPARK into manual sampling mode” on page 10. In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger the SPARK. A series of values is recorded in a data set. Complete these steps to start a data set, trigger points to be recorded, and close the data set: 1.
DATA RECORDING DELETING DATA RUNS 5. When the entire set has been recorded, touch the Stop button. The data set closes. Repeat these steps to record another data set. Deleting data runs 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch MANAGE RUNS. The Manage Runs screen opens. 3. Do one of the following: • Touch Delete Last Run. • Touch Delete All Runs. • Touch Delete Run… and select the run that you want to delete. 4. Touch Done. 5. Touch OK.
20 DATA RECORDING DELETING DATA RUNS
21 5 Data display Displaying data in a graph Creating a new graph To create a new graph, do one of the following: • If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: a. Touch a measurement. b. Touch Show. A graph appears on page 1 of the SPARKlab. • If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: a. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. b. Touch a measurement (or two measurements). c. Touch the Graph button. d. Touch OK. A new page containing a graph is added to the SPARKlab.
22 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH Adjusting the scale of a graph Do one or more of the following tasks (in any order) to change the range and domain of a graph. Scaling a graph to fit all data 1. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Scale-to-fit button. The graph adjusts to fit all data (or all highlighted data).
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH 23 Selecting data to show in an existing graph Showing and hiding data runs in a graph 1. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges to show available data runs. 2. Select or clear the check box next to each data run that you want to show or hide. 3. Optionally, touch outside the legend to reduce the size of the legend. Graph legend Changing the variable on the x- or y-axis 1. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2.
24 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH 2. In the legend, touch the symbol (but not the check box) of the run that you want to select. The red outline moves to the selected run. Graph legend When you turn on statistics, graph tools, or curve fits, they are applied to the selected run. Selecting part of a data run for operation in a graph If part of a data run is selected for operation, the selected data points are highlighted.
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH 4. 25 Touch somewhere on the graph; then, within one second, touch somewhere else on the graph. The two locations that you touch define the corners of a selection box. A selection box appears. Data points inside the box are highlighted. 5. Optionally, adjust the size and position of the selection box by dragging the handles at the corners of the box. 6. When the desired data points are highlighted, touch OK.
26 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE 6. Touch the Annotation button. The on-screen keyboard appears. 7. Enter a note and touch OK. An annotation appears on the graph. 8. Touch the Select button. The button turns blue. Editing or deleting an annotation 1. If necessary, touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the annotation that you want to edit or delete. The annotation is highlighted. 3. Touch the Annotation button. The on-screen keyboard appears. 4.
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE • 27 If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: a. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. b. Touch a measurement (or up to six measurements). c. Touch the Table button. d. Touch OK. A new page containing a table is added to the SPARKlab. Showing and hiding the table tool palette • To show the tool palette, touch the blue Table Tools button near the upper left corner of the table.
28 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE Selecting data to show in an existing table Selecting a run for display in an existing column 1. Touch the run number at the top of the column. A list of available runs appears. 2. Touch the run that you want to see. Changing the variable displayed in an existing column 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3.
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE 2. 29 Optionally, select a position in the table where the new column will be inserted: a. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. b. Touch the column to the right of where you want the new column to appear. If you do not select a position, the new column will be added to the right side of the table. 3. Touch the Add Column button. A new, empty column is added to the table.
30 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A DIGITS DISPLAY Selecting cells for operation in a table If a group of table cells is selected for operation, the selected cells are outlined. If statistics are displayed, they apply only to the data in the selected cells. Complete these steps to select cells: 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 3.
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A DIGITS DISPLAY • 31 If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: a. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. b. Touch a measurement. c. Touch the Digits Display button. d. Touch OK. A new page containing a digits display is added to the SPARKlab. Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette • To show the tool palette, touch the blue Digits Display Tools button near the lower left corner of the digits display.
32 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A METER Displaying data in a meter Creating a new meter To create a new meter, do one of the following: • If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: a. Touch a measurement. b. Touch Show. A SPARKlab appears. c. • Touch the Page Navigator to turn to the meter on page 4 of the SPARKlab. If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: a. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. b. Touch a measurement. c. Touch the Meter button. d. Touch OK.
DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A METER 33 Adjusting the scale of a meter Scaling a meter to fit all data 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Scale-to-fit button. The scale of the meter adjusts to fit the currently displayed data run. Setting the scale of a meter 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. For the Always Scale to Fit: option select off. 4.
34 DATA DISPLAY DISPLAYING DATA IN A METER Customizing the appearance of a meter 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. Touch the Sweep Range: box and select Small Sweep, Semicircle, or Large Sweep. 4. Touch OK.
35 6 Data analysis In any display, you can view the statistics of data runs, including minimum value, maximum value, mean value, standard deviation, and count (or number of points). In a graph, the area statistic is also available. A graph also allows you to apply curve fits; draw predictions; and find coordinates, distances, and slopes on data plots.
36 DATA ANALYSIS ANALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH 6. Optionally, select part of the data set for statistics to be applied to. See “Selecting part of a data run for operation in a graph” on page 24. To remove the statistics, touch the Statistics button again. Applying a curve fit Complete these steps to apply a linear, quadratic, power, inverse, inverse square, or sine fit to a data run: 1. If more than one data run is displayed, first select a run: a. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. b.
DATA ANALYSIS ANALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH Drawing a prediction Complete these steps to manually sketch on a graph: 1. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Prediction button. 3. Do one of the following: 4. • Trace a continuous curve on the graph. • Touch several locations on the graph to draw a series of connected points. Touch OK. To delete the prediction, touch the Prediction button again.
38 DATA ANALYSIS ANALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH 5. Optionally, touch the arrows of the point selector to change which point is selected. Touch the Select button again to clear the selection. Finding the x- and y-difference between two points Complete these steps to select a range of points and display the change-in-x and change-in-y between the first and last points in the selected range: 1. If more than one data run is displayed, first select a run: a. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. b.
DATA ANALYSIS ANALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH 7. 39 Touch the Coordinates button. An annotation with the following information appears on the graph: • • • The x- and y-values of the first point in the selected range (x1 and y1), The x- and y-values of the last point in the selected range (x2 and y2), and The x- and y-differences between those two points (dx and dy). To clear the annotation, touch the Coordinates button again. To clear the selection, touch the Select button again.
40 DATA ANALYSIS VIEWING STATISTICS IN A TABLE Viewing statistics in a table Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, and count of data runs: 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. 3. Touch one or more of the statistics. Selected statistics are highlighted 4. Touch OK. Statistics appear at the bottom of each column. 5.
DATA ANALYSIS VIEWING STATISTICS IN A METER 41 Viewing statistics in a meter Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, or count of a data run: 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. 3. Touch one of the statistics to select it. 4. Touch OK. The meter indicates the selected statistic (instead of the most recently collected value that it normally indicates).
42 DATA ANALYSIS VIEWING STATISTICS IN A METER
43 7 Calculations and manually entered data Working with calculations Opening the calculator screen 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch CALCULATED DATA. The calculator screen opens. Creating a calculation Complete one or more of the following steps in any order to enter an expression in the calculator screen: • To start a new expression, touch Insert. • To insert a measurement into the expression, touch Measurements.
44 CALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA ENTERING DATA MANUALLY • To enter subscript and superscript numbers, use the number keys on the Greek keyboard. Touch SHIFT to switch between subscript and superscript. • Touch the Numbers button to return to the main calculator keyboard. • When you have finished entering the expression, touch RETURN. The SPARK may prompt you to enter definitions for variables and constants used in the expression. • To exit the calculator screen, touch Done.
CALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA ENTERING DATA MANUALLY 5. Optionally, display the entered data in other displays. 6. Optionally, edit any manually entered number or text. 45 Opening the measurements list Do one of the following to open the measurements list: • If the Home screen is open, touch Build. The Page-build screen containing the measurements list opens. • If a SPARKlab is open and you want to enter data into a new table, touch the New Page button.
46 CALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA ENTERING DATA MANUALLY 2. Touch the Measurement Name: box and enter a name for the new data set. 3. Optionally, touch the box and enter the name of the units. 4. Touch OK. Creating a data set for manually entered text 1. In the measurement list under User-entered Text Data, touch Create Data Set. The Define the Data Set screen opens. 2. Touch the Measurement Name: box and enter a name for the new data set. 3. Touch OK.
CALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA ENTERING DATA MANUALLY 47 Entering data into a manual data set After creating a data set as described in the previous tasks, complete these steps to enter data: 1. If the table tool palette is not already open, touch the Table Tools button. 2. Touch the Select button. 3. Enter data in a cell: 4. a. Touch the first table cell where you want to enter data. b.
48 CALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA ENTERING DATA MANUALLY 2. Touch the Select button. 3. Touch the table cell containing the data that you want to change. 4. Touch the Data Entry button and change or delete the number or text.
49 8 Building SPARKlab pages Starting a new SPARKlab page Complete one of these steps to start building a new page: • From the Home screen, touch Build. • From within an existing SPARKlab, touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen appears. Page-build screen: 1. Measurements. 2. Data display, image box, and text box buttons. 3. Preview. About adding elements to a SPARKlab page A SPARKlab page is built by adding elements one at a time in the Page-build screen.
50 BUILDING SPARK LAB PAGES REMOVING AN ELEMENT • up to six small elements, or • one large element and up to two small elements. The large elements are: • graphs, • tables, • large image boxes, and • large text boxes. The small elements are: • digits displays, • meters, • small image boxes, and • small text boxes. As you add elements to a page, they are automatically arranged and aligned. Examples of screen layouts: 1. One large or small element. 2. Two large elements. 3.
BUILDING SPARKLAB PAGES ADDING A DISPLAY TO A SPARKLAB PAGE 51 Adding a display to a SPARKlab page In the Page-build screen, complete one or more of the following tasks to add displays. Adding a graph Complete these steps in the Page-build screen: 1. Touch one or two measurements (or other variables) to select them. If you select just one measurement, it will be plotted on the y-axis with time on the x-axis.
52 BUILDING SPARK LAB PAGES ADDING A TEXT BOX 2. Touch the Digits Display button. A digits display is added to the preview. If you have finished adding elements to the page, touch OK to exit the Pagebuild screen. Adding a meter Complete these steps in the Page-build screen: 1. Touch one measurement or other variable to select it. 2. Touch the Meter button. A meter is added to the preview. If you have finished adding elements to the page, touch OK to exit the Pagebuild screen.
BUILDING SPARKLAB PAGES ADDING AN IMAGE 53 Adding an image To add an image to a SPARKlab page, you first add an image box in the Pagebuild screen and later load an image from a saved file into the image box. Use an image with the pixel dimensions of: • 640 × 354 (full page), • 640 × 175 (half page horizontal), • 317 × 354 (half page vertical), • 417 × 354 (2/3 page), or • 209 × 175 (1/6 page). Start these steps in the Page-build screen: 1. Touch the large or small Image Box button.
54 BUILDING SPARK LAB PAGES REMOVING OR REPLACING AN IMAGE IN A IMAGE BOX Removing or replacing an image in a image box 1. Touch the image to open the image palette. 2. Do one of the following: • Touch the Remove button to delete the image. • Touch the Load button to load a new image file from a connected USB flash drive. Locking an image Once an image is locked it cannot be changed or removed. However, the SPARKlab page that contains the locked image can be deleted. 1.
55 9 Saving and sharing Saving a SPARKlab Complete these steps to save your work on the SPARK or on a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device): 1. Optionally, connect a USB flash drive to the SPARK. 2. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen. 3. Touch SAVE FILE AS. The File-save screen opens. 4. Touch the Name: box and enter a name for your experiment. 5. If you plan to save the lab on a USB flash drive touch USB. 6. Optionally, touch a folder to select it.
56 SAVING AND SHARING PRINTING A LAB Printing a lab The SPARKlab cannot be printed directly; however, you can capture SPARKlab pages in the journal and print the journal You will need a compatible USB printer. Most USB inkjet printers manufactured by HP are compatible with SPARK. Complete these steps to take snapshots of SPARKlab pages and print the snapshots: 1. On each SPARKlab page that you wish to print, touch the Snapshot button.
SAVING AND SHARING OPENING A SAVED LAB 3. Touch EXPORT DATA to open the export data page. 4. Touch the Name: box and enter a filename. 5. Touch EXPORT. 57 A data file is saved on the USB flash drive, and the SPARK returns to the Sharing screen. 6. Touch Done. To view the saved data, connect the flash drive to a computer. Open the file in a spreadsheet program, mapping program, word processor, or text editor. Opening a saved lab 1.
58 SAVING AND SHARING MANAGING FILES AND FOLDERS Managing files and folders Deleting a file or folder 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Manage Files to open the Manage Files screen. 3. Touch DELETE FILES. A list of file locations, folders, and files appears. 4. If necessary, touch the folder and subfolders that contain the file or folder. 5. Touch the file or folder that you want to delete. 6. Touch Delete.
SAVING AND SHARING MANAGING FILES AND FOLDERS 59 Copying a file Complete these steps to copy a file between folders within the SPARK, or between the SPARK and a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). 1. Optionally, connect a USB flash drive to the SPARK. 2. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 3. Touch Manage Files to open the Manage Files screen. 4. Touch COPY FILES. A list of file locations, folders, and files appears. 5.
60 SAVING AND SHARING MANAGING FILES AND FOLDERS
61 10 Keeping a journal The journal allows you to keep a record of your work in a series of pictures and captions as your science investigation progresses. These steps outline the process of keeping a journal. See the following tasks for detailed instructions. 1. Take a snapshot. An image of the SPARKlab page is recorded. 2. Optionally, add a caption to the snapshot. 3. Repeat the previous steps at anytime during your science investigation. 4. Save, export, or print the journal.
62 KEEPING A JOURNAL OPENING THE JOURNAL Opening the journal • Touch the Journal button. Adding a caption to a snapshot or editing an existing caption • Touch the Edit Caption button to open the on-screen keyboard, where you can enter or change the caption. 1. Journal entry. 2. Thumbnails. 3. Caption area Navigating in the journal • In the journal, touch a thumbnail on the right side of the screen to view a journal entry.
KEEPING A JOURNAL DELETING A JOURNAL ENTRY OR SNAPSHOT 63 Deleting a journal entry or snapshot • In the journal or the Snapshot Quick View, touch the Delete button to delete the currently visible journal entry. Rearranging journal entries • In the journal, touch the Move Journal Entry Up button or Move Journal Entry Down button to change the position of the currently visible entry. Closing the journal • Touch Done to close the journal and return to the SPARKlab.
64 KEEPING A JOURNAL EXPORTING A JOURNAL Exporting a journal To export a journal, you will need a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). The journal will be saved on the flash drive as a group of files that can be viewed in a web browser on a computer. Note that exporting the journal is not equivalent to saving the lab. If you plan to later reopen your work on the SPARK, you must also save the lab. Complete these steps to export a journal: 1.
KEEPING A JOURNAL PRINTING A JOURNAL Printing a journal To print a journal, you will need a compatible USB printer. Most USB inkjet printers manufactured by HP are compatible with SPARK. To print a journal on the SPARK Science Learning System, you will need a compatible USB printer. Most USB inkjet printers manufactured by HP are compatible with SPARK. 1. Connect a printer to USB port of the SPARK. 2. If you are currently viewing the journal, touch Done to return to the SPARKlab. 3.
66 KEEPING A JOURNAL PRINTING A JOURNAL
67 11 Common tasks Turning pages • Touch the arrows of the Page Navigator to turn to the next page or previous page. • Touch the center of the Page Navigator to open a menu from which you can select any page in the SPARKlab. Returning to the Home screen • Touch the Home button to close a SPARKlab and return to the Home screen. Entering text and numbers using the on-screen keyboard The on-screen keyboard opens when the SPARK is ready to accept text or number input.
68 COMMON TASKS CREATING A NEW FOLDER • To enter punctuation and other symbols, touch the Punctuation button. • To enter Greek letters, touch the Greek Letters button. Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between lowercase and uppercase Greek letters. • To enter subscript and superscript numbers, use the number keys on the Greek keyboard. Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between subscript and superscript. • To start a new line, touch RETURN. • When you have finished entering text or a number, touch OK.
COMMON TASKS TURNING OFF THE SPARK SCIENCE LEARNING SYSTEM • 69 Press one of the record buttons. If the SPARK is in Screen Sleep mode, this will also cause it to start or stop data recording or keep a data point. Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System • Press and hold the power button on the bottom of the SPARK. Opening the About SPARK screen 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2.
70 COMMON TASKS OPENING THE ABOUT SPARK SCREEN
71 12 Managing the device Setting the language 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Languages. 3. Touch the Languages box and select a language. 4. Touch OK. 5. Click Done. 6. Turn the SPARK off and on again. Updating the SPARK Science Learning System 1. Check the firmware version installed on the SPARK: a. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. b. Touch About SPARK. 2. Visit www.pasco.
72 MANAGING THE DEVICE CHARGING THE BATTERY Charging the battery 1. Connect the SPARK to the AC Adapter. 2. Connect the AC Adapter to a wall outlet. The battery begins to recharge. How battery status is indicated When the SPARK is turned on, the Battery icon indicates battery status.
MANAGING THE DEVICE SETTING THE DATE AND TIME 73 Status light Setting the date and time 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Set Date & Time to open the Set Date & Time screen. 3. Set the date, time, and time zone. 4. Touch OK. 5. Touch Done.
74 MANAGING THE DEVICE CUSTOMIZING SLEEP MODES Status light Customizing sleep modes Complete these steps to set the amount of idle time that will elapse before the SPARK goes into each type of sleep mode: 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Display Settings to open the Display Settings screen. 3. Touch the Screen Sleep Time (Battery) [minutes] arrows to adjust the idle time for Screen Sleep mode. 4. Touch OK. 5.
MANAGING THE DEVICE CALIBRATING THE TOUCH-SCREEN 4. Touch OK. 5. Touch Done. 75 Calibrating the touch-screen 1. Hold down both record buttons and touch the screen three times. The first of a series of green boxes appears. 2. Touch the center of each green box. 3. Touch OK. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region.
76 MANAGING THE DEVICE SPARK BATTERY REPLACEMENT AND DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS battery door from the Spark. Disconnect the battery cable, and slide out the LiPoly battery pack. Reverse these instructions to replace the battery. Battery Disposal- Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling, and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local government regulations.
77 Index A AC adapter 3 Analog Adapter 16 analysis 35 annotations 25, 26 B battery charging 72 status 72 BUILD command 6 building a page 6, 49 C calculations creating 43 displaying 44 calculator 43 calibrating sensors 13 captions 62 change in x and y 38 continuous sampling mode data recording in 17 putting SPARK into 9 copying files 59 curve fits 36 custom SPARKlabs 6 D data analysis 35 data points selecting for operation 24 x- and y-distance between 38 x- and y-values of 37 data recording 17, 18 data r
78 K keyboard, on-screen 67 M manual sampling mode data recording in 18 putting SPARK into 10 manually entered data 44 meter adding to SPARKlab page 52 creating 32 customizing appearance 34 scaling 33 statistics 41 tool palette 32 monitoring live data 5 moving files 58 N new folder 68 new page 49 O off button 69 on button 3 OPEN command 5, 57 opening journal 62 opening saved labs 57 opening SPARKlabs 5 P page-build screen 6, 49 pages about 49 turning 67 PASPORT sensor ports 4 periodic sampling mode dat
