New Perspectives in Science Education

Laboratory equipment is a recurring topic in the practice-oriented basic training of scientific disciplines. The acquisition costs of various digital measuring instruments, such as pH-meters, photometers or conductometers, are often in the mid-three- to four-digit range, even in the simplest equipment. Unfortunately, this circumstance often leads to the fact that only a small number of such devices can be provided and thus not all learners - quantitative determinations represent a particular challenge. Single Board Computers (SBCs), such as the Raspberry Pi, offer a favorable approach to solving this challenge. In combination with suitable sensors and software, SBCs can be used as comprehensive digital measuring stations, offering many experimental approaches and possibilities for quantitative acquisition and evaluation. In addition to data acquisition, networking several minicomputers also offers new digital methods for comparing and evaluating measurement data - this can be done in combination with beamers, smart boards and tablets, for example, which can create new collaborative learning opportunities. This article presents the new measuring system LabPi that can be extended with cost-effective sensors, is suitable for all STEM fields and has a modular design. It has simple operating elements to allow a quick start without programming knowledge. Measurement data can be evaluated directly at the measuring station or used for collaborative work with learning groups via the online platform. The application is also affordable for schools with a small budget, as illustrated by the example of the conductivity- and pH-electrode [1].

References:
[1] M. Wejner & T. Wilke (2019): Low Cost – High Tech: The Digital Measurement System LabPi, CHEMKON, 7 (26).
DOI: 10.1002/ckon.201900016