In a nutshell
A wide variety of parameters can be measured using data loggers, including temperature, pressure, relative humidity, DC current, DC voltage, level and pulse.
All data loggers work by recording signals from sensors, which can be built into the data logger or plugged into it. Data loggers can measure data simultaneously from more than one sensor, even if they are of different types.
Consider the benefits
Continuous information with multiple readings can be collected over a range of
time using a data logger, from short experiments to those where data is gathered over days or even weeks.
Data can be collected remotely then downloaded for display and analysis.
Pupils get immediate visual feedback on the process of the experiment and can see trends and patters emerging.
Data loggers enable the collection of quantitative data that isn’t possible by other means.
Think about
It takes time to set up a data logger and to display results using one. Because of this, and because of the cost of some of the more sophisticated sensors, they aren’t usually used for making single measurements.
Software will be needed so that data logging results can be interpreted on a computer. Some loggers come bundled with their own purpose-built (proprietary) software, while others need software that has to be purchased separately.
Most software purchased separately will work with a wide variety of data loggers
and is often more powerful than bundled software, especially at the budget end of the market.
Data loggers only come with a limited number of sensors as standard. If you want to use them for taking comparative results – for example, measuring changes in three different beakers of water – you will need to order extra sensors.
The range of sensors you will need will depend on the age of your pupils. At Key Stage 2, it’s enough to have light, temperature and sound sensors. At Key Stages 3 and 4, a wider variety of sensors will be needed to meet curriculum requirements.
