Using the Labquest with the Possible Power Activity - Illumination

Power up Labquest - press in upper left

• If the display doesn't come on, connect the power adapter.

Connect

• the light sensor to the Angle Contraption (masking tape will do) and ...

• the other side to the Labquest

Setting up the time for this data collection:

• Click the Meter tab (if it's not already up)

• Using the stylus, click Sensors menu and choose Data Collection
  
   

• Click in the Length field
  And a keyboard shows up

• Type in 30 for 30 seconds

• Click OK
   

Note:  You might note to students at this point - when on the Meter tab , you'll now see the amount of light displayed as lux

(see below for links)

Collecting data

Part A

• Click on the to get to the graph

• Position the Angle Contraption to zero degrees and pointing north

• Click the either on the screen or the button to start collecting.  Remember it will collect for 30 seconds

• Rotate the base of the Angle Contraption 360°, slowly enough so that you get back to north by 30 seconds

• When done, click the to save the data (run 1)

• Discuss the findings with the students

Part B

• Place the Angle Contraption at a different angle (say 30°) and click the   to collect another set of data (run 2)

• When done, again, click to store the run

Part C

• Place the Angle Contraption at a different angle (this time 60°) and click the   to collect another set of data (run 2)

• When done, again, click to store the run

Part D (optional)

• File / Save.   Click in the Name field and using the virtual keyboard, type in a name for the file and click Save
   

   

Part E

• Discuss the 3 different readings and what they mean, especially on how this knowledge might affect the way they design their vehicle.
  
  You can also superimpose the 3 different runs on one window

• Lux
  http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-lumen.htm

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Author:  Kurt Thonnings