The bridges are tested and judged on the amount of mass that they can hold up. The students can design the bridges using new modeling software and the bridges are tested using a new bridge breaking machine. The data is collected during an experiment by a probe or sensor attached to a CBL, a Calculator-Based Laboratory Stystem.
Sensors are available that can measure motion, temperature, light, pH, and force.
The data taken by the CBL can then be retrieved by the Ti-92 calculator or downloaded into a computer for further analysis. A number of computer based learning modules, simulations, and games have been created using authoring software. The process of setting up and learning to run the equipment, writing up the lab, and testing the lab write-up is a time consuming process. Several of the new pieces of equipment are the Rutherford scattering apparatus, Planck's constant apparatus, and the computer oscilloscope card. Annual Amusement Park Physics Day Students get a chance to practice their physics skills at the Great Adventure amusement park.