One suggestion is to use technology to investigate science to monitor say, how ice freezes and what affects this. A second is to use the tools built into data logging software to analyse the data - finding out say, how much warmer some fabrics are or whether it is the glass or the stopped drafts that makes double glazing seem to work. Ask and they ll say they already knew that a well-wrapped beaker cools more slowly than an unwrapped one. They d rightly be puzzled why they used a 1,500 computer instead of a 1.50 thermometer. In short, beyond the void are a lot of really interesting, often challenging investigations.
Secondary schools looking for equipment have a vast range to choose.
Though its normally hard to mix and match, a final truly practical tip is to see if Logotron s Insight software will work with what you have and what you re thinking of buying. As a third-party product, it works with many different kits and will help you to shop around to buy what s best today. Roger Frost is the author of Data Logging in Practice available from the Association for Science Education. Click here for Addresses of education suppliers .