SPARK SLS User's Guide Version 1.4.
SPARK SLS User's Guide 012-10616E Version 1.4.0 Limited Warranty For a description of the product warranty, see the PASCO catalog. Copyright This user’s guide is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit.
Contents 1 2 3 Introduction 1 About the SPARK Science Learning System 1 Getting started 1 Technical and Teacher Support 1 Starting an experiment 2 Turning on the SPARK SLS 2 Connecting sensors to the SPARK SLS 2 Connecting PASPORT sensors 3 Connecting a temperature probe 3 Connecting a voltage probe 3 Monitoring live data 3 Moving on from the Home screen 4 Opening a SPARKlab 4 Showing a SPARKlab 4 Building a SPARKlab 5 Setting up an experiment 8 Customizing data collection
Contents Performing a 2-point calibration 13 Performing a 1-point offset-only calibration 13 Performing a 1-point slope-only calibration 14 Using sensor adapters 4 5 14 Connecting a sensor through a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port 14 Connecting a sensor through an Analog Adapter 14 Data recording 16 Recording a run of periodically sampled data 16 Recording a set of manually sampled data 16 Deleting data runs 18 Data display 19 Displaying data in a line graph 19 Creating a new li
Contents Showing and hiding the bar graph tool palette 30 Showing data in bar graphs 30 Adding bars and bar names in bar graphs 30 Editing bars and bar names in bar graphs 32 Adding data in bar graphs 32 Entering data into bar graph manually 32 Collecting data for bar graph using a sensor 33 Adding additional data runs to a bar graph 34 Adding additional data runs to a bar graph using sensor readings 34 Showing and hiding data runs in a bar graph 34 Selecting data for operation in a bar
Contents 6 Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette 47 Changing the variable in a digits display 47 Displaying data in a meter 48 Creating a new meter 48 Showing and hiding the meter tool palette 49 Adjusting the scale of a meter 49 Scaling a meter to fit all data 49 Setting the scale of a meter 49 Changing the variable displayed in a meter 50 Customizing the appearance of a meter 50 Image capture 52 Connecting a camera or other video device 52 Displaying a camera image
Contents 7 Naming an image 68 Deleting an image 69 Exporting an image 70 Data analysis 71 Analyzing data in a graph 8 71 Viewing statistics in a line graph 71 Applying a curve fit 72 Removing a curve fit 72 Drawing a prediction 73 Finding the x- and y-values of a point 73 Finding the x- and y-difference between two points 74 Finding the slope at a point on a data plot 76 Finding the correlation coefficient (r) 76 Displaying the RMSE Root-Mean-Square Error 77 Analyzing data in
Contents Editing manually entered data 9 10 11 88 Building SPARKlab pages 89 Starting a new SPARKlab page 89 About adding elements to a SPARKlab page 90 Removing an element 91 Adding a display to a SPARKlab page 91 Adding a line graph 92 Adding a table 92 Adding a digits display 92 Adding a meter 93 Adding a text box 93 Adding a camera element 93 Adding an image 94 Removing or replacing an image in a image box 95 Locking an image 95 Deleting a SPARKlab page 96 Saving and s
Contents 12 13 Deleting a journal entry or snapshot 103 Rearranging journal entries 104 Closing the journal 104 Saving a journal 104 Exporting a journal 104 Printing a journal 105 Common tasks 106 Turning pages 106 Returning to the Home screen 106 Entering text and numbers using the on-screen keyboard 106 Opening the About SPARK SLS screen 107 Setting the language 108 Managing the SLS device 109 Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System 109 Updating the SPARK Science Learn
1 Introduction About the SPARK Science Learning System 1 Introduction l l l About the SPARK SLS Getting started Technical and Teacher Support About the SPARK Science Learning System The SPARK Science Learning System is an all-in-one mobile device that seamlessly integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment.
2 Starting an experiment Turning on the SPARK SLS 2 1. 2. 3. 4. Starting an experiment Turning on the SPARK SLS Connecting sensors to the SPARK SLS Monitoring live data Moving on from the Home screen Turning on the SPARK SLS 1. If the battery is not charged, connect the included AC adapter to a wall outlet and to the AC adapter port on the bottom of the SPARK. 2. Press and hold the power button. The SPARK turns on, boots up, and displays the Home screen. 1. AC adapter port. 2. Power button.
2 Starting an experiment Monitoring live data You can use up to two PASPORT sensors plus a temperature probe and a voltage probe. Complete one or more of the following tasks to connect sensors to the SPARK. l l l Connecting PASPORT sensors Connecting a temperature probe Connecting a voltage probe Connecting PASPORT sensors 1. Plug a PASPORT sensor into one of the PASPORT ports on the top of the SPARK SLS. 2. Optionally, plug a second PASPORT sensor into the other PASPORT port.
2 Starting an experiment Moving on from the Home screen Moving on from the Home screen With the Home screen displayed, you are ready to move into a SPARKlab. A SPARKlab is a multi-page environment where your science investigation takes place. Complete one of the following tasks to open an embedded SPARKlab, show a measurement in a SPARKlab, or build a custom SPARKlab. Opening a SPARKlab The SPARK Science Learning System includes over 60 embedded SPARKlabs. Complete these steps to open a SPARKlab: 1.
2 Starting an experiment Moving on from the Home screen Touch the Start button to record data. Touch the Page Navigator to see your data in the different displays. Building a SPARKlab When you build a custom SPARKlab, you design each page with your choice of measurements and displays. You can also add text and pictures. Complete these steps to start building a SPARKlab: 1. Connect a sensor (or sensors). 2. In the Home screen, touch Build. The Page-build screen opens. Page-build screen: 1. Measurements.
2 Starting an experiment Moving on from the Home screen Selected measurements are highlighted. Touch a measurement again to clear a selection. 4. Touch one of the data display buttons for a graph, table, digits display, or meter. Data display buttons: graph, digits display, table, and meter. If you touch just one measurement, all data displays are available. If you touch two measurements, only the graph and table are available. If you touch three or more measurements, only the table is available.
2 Starting an experiment Moving on from the Home screen Touch the Start button to record data. Touch the New Page button to build another page and add it to your SPARKlab.
3 Setting up an experiment Customizing data collection 3 Setting up an experiment l l l l Customizing data collection Customizing how numbers are displayed Calibrating sensors Using sensor adapters Customizing data collection You can start recording data using the default settings, or complete one or more of the following tasks to change the sampling rate or sampling mode.
3 Setting up an experiment Customizing data collection 1. Touch the Sampling Options button. The Sampling Options screen opens. 2. Touch Periodic. 3. Touch OK. Putting SPARK into manual sampling mode In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger SPARK. Complete these steps to put SPARK into manual sampling mode: 1. Touch the Sampling Options button. The Sampling Options screen opens. 2. Touch Manual. 3. Touch OK.
3 Setting up an experiment Customizing how numbers are displayed Customizing how numbers are displayed l l l l Setting the number of decimal places displayed Setting the number of significant figures displayed Displaying numbers in scientific notation Changing the units of a measurement Setting the number of decimal places displayed 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. 3.
3 Setting up an experiment Customizing how numbers are displayed Displaying numbers in scientific notation 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and touch a measurement or other variable. 4. Touch Number Format. The number format options appear. 5. Touch the Number Style: box and touch Scientific Notation. 6. Use the Digits: arrows to select the number of digits to be displayed. 7.
3 Setting up an experiment Calibrating sensors Changing the default units of a measurement Complete these steps to change the units that will be used by default when you select a measurement in the future: 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen. 2. 3. 4. 5. Touch DATA PROPERTIES to open the Data Properties screen. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement. Touch the Units: box and select units of measure. Touch Set As Default to select it.
3 Setting up an experiment Calibrating sensors calibration is appropriate for your sensor. 6. Touch NEXT. The Calibrate Sensor: Enter Values screen opens. Now that you have selected a measurement, you can perform a calibration as described in the next task. Performing a calibration After you have selected a measurement to be calibrated and a calibration type (see previous task), you are ready to perform a calibration.
3 Setting up an experiment Using sensor adapters Performing a 1-point slope-only calibration In the Calibrate Sensor: Enter Values screen, complete these steps: 1. Apply a known quantity to the sensor. For example, place a dissolved oxygen probe in a bottle known to contain 9.1 mg/L of dissolved oxygen. 2. Under Calibration Point 2 touch the Standard Value: box and enter the known value. For example, enter the known dissolved oxygen concentration. 3. Under Calibration Point 2 touch Read From Sensor.
3 Setting up an experiment Using sensor adapters connected to a PASPORT interface and used with SPARK SLS. Complete these steps to connect and configure a sensor with an Analog Adapter: 1. Connect the Analog Adapter to your PASPORT interface. 2. Connect an analog sensor to the adapter. A list of sensors appears. 3. Touch one of the sensors to select it and touch OK. You may need to touch the arrows to scroll the list. 4. Optionally, touch the Gain: box and touch a gain setting. 5. Touch OK again.
4 Data recording Recording a run of periodically sampled data 4 Data recording The following tasks describe how to record a data run with SPARK SLS in periodic sampling mode and manual sampling mode. Over the course of a science investigation, you can record multiple data runs and sets.
4 Data recording Recording a set of manually sampled data SPARK into manual sampling mode. In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger SPARK. A series of values is recorded in a data set. Complete these steps to start a data set, trigger points to be recorded, and close the data set: 1. Optionally, turn to a page in your SPARKlab where you will be able to see your data in a table.
4 Data recording Deleting data runs Deleting data runs 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch MANAGE RUNS. The Manage Runs screen opens. 3. Do one of the following: l Touch Delete Last Run. l Touch Delete All Runs. l Touch Delete Run… and touch the run that you want to delete. 4. Touch Done. 5. Touch OK.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph 5 Data display l l l l l l Displaying data in a line graph Displaying data in a bar graph Displaying data in a multiple y-axes graph Displaying data in a table Displaying data in a digits display Displaying data in a meter Displaying data in a line graph l l l l l l l Creating a new line graph Showing and hiding the line graph tool palette Adjusting the scale of a line graph Selecting data to show in an existing line graph Selecting data for operation in a
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph Showing and hiding the line graph tool palette l To show the tool palette, touch the blue Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph. l To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Graph Tools button. Adjusting the scale of a line graph Do one or more of the following tasks (in any order) to change the range and domain of a graph. l l Scaling a graph to fit all data Scaling by direct manipulation Scaling a graph to fit all data 1.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph l l l Touch one of the numbers labeling the x-scale of the graph and drag it left or right. The graph expands or contracts horizontally. Touch one of the numbers labeling the y-scale of the graph and drag it up or down. The graph expands or contracts vertically. Touch the middle of the graph and drag it in any direction. The graph moves. 1. Expanding and contracting horizontally. 2. Expanding and contracting vertically. 3. Moving.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph Changing the variable on the x- or y-axis 1. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. For each axis, touch the Measurement: box and touch a measurement or other variable.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph 2. In the legend, touch the symbol (but not the check box) of the run that you want to select. The red outline moves to the selected run. Graph legend When you turn on statistics, graph tools, or curve fits, they are applied to the selected run. Selecting part of a data run for operation in a line graph If part of a data run is selected for operation, the selected data points are highlighted.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph 3. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 4. Touch somewhere on the graph; then, within one second, touch somewhere else on the graph. The two locations that you touch define the corners of a selection box. A selection box appears. Data points inside the box are highlighted. 5. Optionally, adjust the size and position of the selection box by dragging the handles at the corners of the box. 6. When the desired data points are highlighted, touch OK.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph b. In the legend, touch the symbol of the run that you want to select. The red outline moves to the selected run. 2. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 3. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 4. Touch a point on the graph. 5. Touch OK. 6. Touch the Annotation button. The on-screen keyboard appears. 7. Enter a note and touch OK. An annotation appears on the graph. 8. Touch the Select button. The button turns blue.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph 3. Touch the Annotation button. The on-screen keyboard appears. 4. Edit or delete the annotation and touch OK. Displaying data in a Multiple y-axis graph Creating multiple y-axes Working with multiple y-axes Lock origin of multiple y-axes Creating a multiple y-axes line graph To create a new line graph with multiple y-axes, do one of the following: l If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: 1. Touch Build . 2.
5 Data display Displaying data in a line graph l If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: 5. Touch the New Page button. The Build your new page screen opens. 6. Touch at least three measurements. The last measurement selected will be the x-axis. 7. Touch the Multiple Y-Axis button. 8. Touch OK. A new page containing a multiple y-axes graph is added. Working with multiple y-axes Most of the actions you can perform on a single y-axis graph can be performed on multiple yaxes graphs.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Lock origin of multiple y-axes In addition to the typical line graph actions the multiple-y axes can be locked at the same zero point. 1. Touch the Multiple Y-Axis button. 2. Touch on the Lock Origin button The button turns orange. The origins of all of the measurements are all locked together.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 2. Touch a measurement (optional). 3. Touch the Bar Graph button. 4. Touch OK. A bar graph appears on page 1 of the SPARKlab. l Within a SPARKlab add a new page: 5. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. 6. Touch a measurement (optional). 7. Touch the Bar Graph button. 8. Touch OK. A new page containing a bar graph is added to the SPARKlab.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Showing and hiding the bar graph tool palette l To show the tool palette, touch the blue Bar Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph. l To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Bar Graph Tools button. Showing data in bar graphs When you create a new bar graph, the first bar is already created for you. You will need to name the bar and add additional bars in your bar graph and record data for each bar.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 3. Touch the default bar name above the numeric keypad, such as Bar 1. 4. Enter a new name, and touch OK twice to return to the bar graph. A new placeholder bar is automatically added. 5. To name the new bar, touch it, and repeat steps 2 through 4. 6. Continue adding the bars you need. 7. When you finish adding bars, touch the Bar Add and Edit button to turn off the tool. Turning this tool off removes the last placeholder bar.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Editing bars and bar names in bar graphs 1. If necessary, touch the blue Bar Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the bar graph to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Bar Edit button. 3. Touch the bar you want to edit. The bar edit menu opens. 4. Touch in the bar name box, delete the old name, and enter a new name. 5. Touch OK twice to return to the bar graph.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 3. Touch the bar you want to edit. The bar edit menu opens. 4. Use the numeric keypad to enter a value for the bar. 5. Touch OK. Collecting data for bar graph using a sensor 1. It is recommended that the bars are given names either before or during data collection. This can be done through the use of the Bar Add and Edit Tool . Refer to steps 2-4 from the section on renaming bars above. 2.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 4. Touch the Stop button to stop collecting data. Adding additional data runs to a bar graph You can show multiple data sets in a bar graph at once. 1. If necessary, touch the blue Bar Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the bar graph to open the tool palette. 2. For manually entered data, touch the Run Addition button. 3. Enter or record the data for each bar.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 2. Select or clear (touch) the check box next to each data run that you want to show or hide. 3. Optionally, touch outside the legend to reduce the size of the legend. Bar Graph legend Selecting data for operation in a bar graph In the graph legend, a red outline surrounds the run that is selected for operation. Complete these steps to change which run is selected: 1. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. 2.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Showing numeric values on bars Adding annotations to bars If there is more than one data run on the graph, first select the run that the annotation will be attached to: 1. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. 2. In the legend, touch the symbol of the run(s) that you want to annotate. 3. Touch the Bar Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 4. Touch the Annotation button. 5. Touch a bar. The Enter Note screen appears.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 6. Enter a note, and touch OK. An annotation appears on the bar graph. Editing or deleting annotations to bars 1. If necessary, touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the annotation that you want to edit or delete. The annotation is highlighted. 3. Touch the Annotation button. The Enter Note screen appears. 4. Edit or delete the annotation text, and touch OK. If you delete all the text, the annotation is removed.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 1. If there is more than one data run on the graph, first select the run that will display the numeric values: 2. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. 3. In the legend, touch the symbol of the run that you want to annotate. A red box appears around the data run that will display numeric values. 4. Touch the Bar Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 5. Touch the Numeric Values button. Numeric values appear at the top of the selected data run.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Scaling a bar graph by expanding or compressing the axes Scrolling a bar graph To scroll and change the view of a bar graph, touch the middle of the graph and drag it up, down, side-to-side, or diagonally. Note: touching a bar will not scroll the screen. Instead, it will open the graph edit menu. Turning off the bar edit tools will prevent this from occurring, allowing the screen to be scrolled without this menu opening up.
5 Data display Displaying data in a bar graph l Touch one of the labels on the Y-axis, and drag vertically (up or down). The bars in the bar graph display larger or smaller depending on the scale adjustment. Customizing axes labels and units on bar graphs To create an axis label: 1. Touch the Bar Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button. The Bar Graph Properties box opens. 3. Touch the Measurement box for either the X-axis variable or Y-axis variable. 4.
5 Data display Displaying data in a table 5. Touch the Measurement Name box. 6. Type the label text, and touch OK. 7. Touch the Unit Name box (if desired). Type the type of unit, and touch OK. 8. Touch OK two more times to close all property boxes. The new axis label(s) and unit(s) display in your bar graph.
5 Data display Displaying data in a table 3. Touch the Page Navigator to turn to the table on page 3 of the SPARKlab. l If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: 1. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. 2. Touch a measurement (or up to six measurements). 3. Touch the Table button. 4. Touch OK. A new page containing a table is added to the SPARKlab.
5 Data display Displaying data in a table Selecting data to show in an existing table Selecting a run for display in an existing column Changing the variable displayed in an existing column l Adding a column l Removing a column Selecting a run for display in an existing column l l 1. Touch the run number at the top of the column. A list of available runs appears. 2. Touch the run that you want to see. Changing the variable displayed in an existing column 1.
5 Data display Displaying data in a table 5. Touch OK. Adding a column A table can contain up to six columns. Complete these steps to add a column to a table: 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Optionally, touch a position in the table where the new column will be inserted: a. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. b. Touch the column to the right of where you want the new column to appear.
5 Data display Displaying data in a table 2. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 3. Touch the column that you want to remove. 4. Touch the Remove Column button. Selecting cells for operation in a table If a group of table cells is selected for operation, the selected cells are outlined. If statistics are displayed, they apply only to the data in the selected cells. Complete these steps to select cells: 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Select button.
5 Data display Displaying data in a digits display To clear the selection, touch the Select button again. Displaying data in a digits display l l l Creating a new digits display Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette Changing the variable in a digits display Creating a new digits display To create a new digits display, do one of the following: l If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: 1. Touch a measurement. 2. Touch Show. A SPARKlab appears. 3.
5 Data display Displaying data in a digits display 2. Touch a measurement. 3. Touch the Digits Display button. 4. Touch OK. A new page containing a digits display is added to the SPARKlab. Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette l To show the tool palette, touch the blue Digits Display Tools button near the lower left corner of the digits display. l To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Digits Display Tools button. Changing the variable in a digits display 1.
5 Data display Displaying data in a meter 3. Touch the Measurement: box and select the measurement or other variable that you want to see. 4. Touch OK. Displaying data in a meter l l l l l Creating a new meter Showing and hiding the meter tool palette Adjusting the scale of a meter Changing the variable displayed in a meter Customizing the appearance of a meter Creating a new meter To create a new meter, do one of the following: l If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: 1.
5 Data display Displaying data in a meter Showing and hiding the meter tool palette l To show the tool palette, touch the blue Meter Tools button near the lower left corner of the meter. l To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Meter Tools button. Adjusting the scale of a meter l l Scaling a meter to fit all data Setting the scale of a meter Scaling a meter to fit all data 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Scale-to-fit button.
5 Data display Displaying data in a meter 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. 4. 5. 6. For the Always Scale to Fit: option touch off. Touch the Minimum: box and enter the low value of the desired range. Touch the Maximum: box and enter the high value of the desired range. Touch OK. Changing the variable displayed in a meter 1. Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3.
5 Data display Displaying data in a meter 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. Touch the Sweep Range: box and touch Small Sweep, Semicircle, or Large Sweep. 4. Touch OK.
6 Image capture Connecting a camera or other video device 6 Image capture Connecting a camera or other video device Displaying a camera image Showing and hiding the camera tool palette Capturing a camera image Switching between live and captured camera images Selecting a captured camera image for display Adjusting the scale and position of a camera image Measuring in a camera image Drawing on a camera image Annotating a camera image Naming an image Deleting an image Exporting an image Connecting a camer
6 Image capture Displaying a camera image A camera image display appears in a SPARKlab. 3. Touch the Live Image button at the center of the display. A live camera view appears in the display. From within a SPARKlab 1. Touch the New Page button. The build a new page screen opens. 2. Touch an Image measurement. When selected, Image is highlighted in orange. 3. Touch the large or small Image button. An image display is added to the preview. 4. Touch OK.
6 Image capture Showing and hiding the image tool palette A live camera view appears in the display. Showing and hiding the image tool palette l To show the image tool palette, touch the blue Image Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph. l To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Image Tools button. Capturing a camera image 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2.
6 Image capture Switching between live and captured camera images A live image must be showing before you can capture a still image. When a live image is showing, the button is orange. 3. Touch the Capture button to capture a still image. The live image is replaced by the captured still image. Switching between live and captured camera images l To switch from a captured still image back to a live image: 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2.
6 Image capture Selecting a captured camera image for display The legend expands to show all captured images. 4. Touch the image to display. Selecting a captured camera image for display 1. Touch the image legend. The legend expands to show a list of captured images. 2. Touch the image to display.
6 Image capture Measuring in a camera image In the tool palette, touch the Zoom In button. The display zooms in toward the center. Zooming out In the tool palette, touch the Zoom Out button. The display zooms in toward the center. Scale to fit To show the entire image, touch the Scale-to-fit button. Panning a camera image You can view different parts of an image by panning, or touching a point on the image and drag it left, right, diagonal, up, or down.
6 Image capture Measuring in a camera image Placing a Measurement tool While displaying a still image, complete the following steps. 1. In the tool palette, touch the Measurement button. The Measurement button turns orange, and the measurement toolbar appears. 2. To change the measurement marker color, touch the color button in the palette. 3. Touch one point on the image. 4. Touch a second point on the image. A measurement arrow appears displaying the distance between the two points.
6 Image capture Measuring in a camera image 2. If necessary, touch the box at the other end of the measurement tool and drag it to the desired location. Deleting a Measurement tool Measurements added to images can be removed. To remove a measurement arrow: 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. In the tool palette, touch the Measurement button. The Measurement button turns orange, and the measurement toolbar appears. 3. In the measurement toolbar, touch the Erase button.
6 Image capture Measuring in a camera image 4. Touch the box at one end of a measurement arrow. The measurement arrow is deleted. Calibrating camera image measurements To calibrate measurements, the image must include an object of known length. 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. In the tool palette, touch the Measurement button. 3. Touch the point on the image at one end of the object of known length. 4.
6 Image capture Drawing on a camera image 7. In the measurement toolbar, touch the Properties button. The buttons turns orange. 8. Touch the box at one end of the measurement arrow. The Image Measurement Properties screen opens. 9. Touch the Known length: box, type the known length in your desired units, and touch OK. 10. Optionally, touch the Digits: arrows to increase or decrease the number of decimal places that will be displayed. 11.
6 Image capture Drawing on a camera image 2. In the tool palette, touch the Draw button. The button turns orange and the drawing toolbar appears. 3. To change the pen color, touch the color button. 4. Touch a point on the image and drag to draw lines. 5. Touch the Draw button again to turn off the drawing pen and hide the drawing toolbar. Erasing Erasing pixels 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. In the tool palette, touch the Draw button.
6 Image capture Drawing on a camera image The button turns orange and the draw palette appears. 3. To change the color, touch the color button in the palette. 4. Touch a point on the image and drag to draw lines. 5. Touch the Draw button again to turn off the drawing pen and hide the drawing toolbar. Erasing all 1. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. In the tool palette, touch the Draw button. 3. The button turns orange and the draw palette appears.
6 Image capture Annotating a camera image 4. In the draw palette, touch the Eraser button. The button turns orange. 5. To erase parts of a drawing, touch a point on the drawing and drag over it. 6. To erase all drawings from the image, touch the Erase button again. 7. Touch Yes. 8. Touch the Draw button again to hide the draw palette. Annotating a camera image You can annotate an image using one of the follow tools.
6 Image capture Annotating a camera image 2. In the legend, touch the image that you want to select. The red outline moves to the selected image. 3. Touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 4. Touch the Annotation button. The Annotation button turns orange, and the image annotation bar opens, showing the eraser and text color box.
6 Image capture Annotating a camera image 5. Touch the color box until you see the color you want to use. 6. Touch the screen in the location to place the annotation. The on-screen keyboard appears. 7. Enter a note and touch OK. An annotation appears on the image, the image annotation bar closes, and the Annotation button turns blue. Moving an annotation You can move the text and pointer arrow on an annotation: l l To move annotation text on an image, touch the text and drag it to a new location.
6 Image capture Annotating a camera image The Annotation button turns orange and the image annotation toolbar displays. 3. Touch the annotation you want to edit. The on-screen keyboard opens. 4. Edit the text and touch OK. The on-screen keyboard closes and the revised annotation displays. Deleting an annotation 1. If necessary, touch the Image Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Annotation button. The Annotation button turns orange and the image annotation toolbar displays. 3.
6 Image capture Naming an image The Eraser button turns blue and is no longer active. Naming an image 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen. 2. Touch Manage Data to open the Manage Data screen. 3. Touch Manage Images to open the Manage Images screen. 4. Touch Rename Image… to open the Rename Image… screen. 5. Touch the image that you would like to rename and touch OK. The Enter Image Name screen opens with the onscreen keyboard. 6.
6 Image capture Deleting an image 7. Touch OK to close the Manage Images screen, touch OK again to close the Manage Data screen, and touch OK to close the Experiment Tools screen. Deleting an image 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen. 2. Touch Manage Data to open the Manage Data screen. 3. Touch Manage Images to open the Manage Images screen. 4. Do one of the following: l To delete all images, touch Delete All Images, and touch Yes.
6 Image capture Exporting an image 5. Touch OK to close the Manage Images screen, touch OK again to close the Manage Data screen, and touch OK to close the Experiment Tools screen. Exporting an image 1. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen. 2. Touch the Images tab. 3. Touch Export Images. 4. After saving your images, touch OK to return to your SPARKlab.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph 7 Data analysis In any display, you can view the statistics of data runs, including minimum value, maximum value, mean value, standard deviation, and count (or number of points). In a graph, the area statistic is also available. A graph also allows you to apply curve fits; draw predictions; and find coordinates, distances, and slopes on data plots.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph 3. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. 4. Touch one or more of the statistics. Selected statistics are highlighted. 5. Touch OK. Statistics appear on the graph. 6. Optionally, touch part of the data set for statistics to be applied to. To remove the statistics, touch the Statistics button again. Applying a curve fit Complete these steps to apply a linear, quadratic, power, inverse, inverse square, or sine fit to a data run: 1.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph 2. Touch the Curve Fit button. Drawing a prediction Complete these steps to manually sketch on a graph: 1. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Prediction button. 3. Do one of the following: l Trace a continuous curve on the graph. l Touch several locations on the graph to draw a series of connected points. 4. Touch OK. To delete the prediction, touch the Prediction button again.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph 2. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. 3. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 4. Touch a point on the graph. The x- and y-values of the selected point are displayed. 5. Optionally, touch the arrows of the point selector to change which point is selected. Touch the Select button again to clear the selection.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph 3. Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. 4. Touch somewhere on the graph; then, within one second, touch somewhere else on the graph. The two locations that you touch define the corners of a selection box. A selection box appears. Data points inside the box are highlighted. 5. Optionally, adjust the size and position of the selection box by dragging the handles at the corners of the box. 6. When the desired data points are highlighted, touch OK.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph To clear the annotation, touch the Coordinates button again. To clear the selection, touch the Select button again. Finding the slope at a point on a data plot Complete these steps to display the slope at a selected point: 1. If more than one data run is displayed, first select a run: a. Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges. b. In the legend, touch the symbol of the run that you want to select. The red outline moves to the selected run. 2.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph A red outline appears around the selected run. 3. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. The line graphs tools palette displays. 4. Touch the CurveFit button. The Select Desired Curve Fit screen displays. 5. Touch the Linear Fit button, and touch OK. The statistics appear on the line graph and the Curve Fit button appears orange. 6. To move the statistics box, drag it. 7. To remove the statistics box, touch the orange Curve Fit button.
7 Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph The legend enlarges. 2. In the legend, touch the symbol of the measurement run to analyze. A red outline appears around the selected run. 3. Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. The line graphs tools palette displays. 4. Touch the Curve Fit button. The Select Desired Curve Fit screen displays. 5. Touch a curve fit option, and touch OK. The statistics appear on the line graph and the Curve Fit button appears orange. 6.
7 Data analysis Viewing Statistics in a bar graph Once selected, you can perform the following: l l l l l l l Viewing statistics in a graph Applying a curve fit Removing a curve fit Drawing a prediction Finding the x- and y-values of a point Finding the x- and y-difference between two points Finding the slope at a point on a data plot Viewing Statistics in a bar graph To see the minimum, maximum, mean bar values; or standard deviation of a data run: 1.
7 Data analysis Viewing statistics in a table 4. Touch OK. Statistics are added to the chart and the Statistics button appears orange. Touch the orange Statistics button to remove the statistics. Viewing statistics in a table Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, and count of data runs: 1. Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. 2. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. 3. Touch one or more of the statistics.
7 Data analysis Viewing statistics in a digits display 4. Touch OK. Statistics appear at the bottom of each column. 5. Optionally, touch a group of cells for statistics to be applied to. Touch the Statistics button again to remove the statistics. Viewing statistics in a digits display Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, or count of a data run: 1. Touch the Digits Display Tools button to open the tool palette. 2.
7 Data analysis Viewing statistics in a meter 2. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. 3. Touch one of the statistics to select it. 4. Touch OK. The meter indicates the selected statistic (instead of the most recently collected value that it normally indicates). Touch the Statistics button again to return the meter to normal.
8 Calculations and manually entered data Working with calculations 8 Calculations and manually entered data l l Working with calculations Entering data manually Working with calculations 1. Opening the calculator screen 2. Creating a calculation 3. Displaying a calculation Opening the calculator screen 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. 2. Touch CALCULATED DATA. The calculator screen opens.
8 Calculations and manually entered data Entering data manually l To enter Greek letters into the expression, touch the Greek Letters button. l Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between lowercase and uppercase Greek letters. To enter subscript and superscript numbers, use the number keys on the Greek keyboard. Touch SHIFT to switch between subscript and superscript. Touch the Numbers button to return to the main calculator keyboard. l l l l When you have finished entering the expression, touch RETURN.
8 Calculations and manually entered data Entering data manually See the following tasks for detailed instructions. 1. Open the measurements list in the Page-build screen or the Table Properties screen. Opening the measurements list 2. Create a empty data set for number or text data entry. Creating a data set for manual entry 3. Prepare a table for data entry. Preparing a table for manual data entry 4. Enter data in the table. Entering data into a manual data set 5.
8 3. Calculations and manually entered data Preparing a table for manual data entry Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 4. Touch the Measurement: box to open the measurement list. The measurement list opens. Now that the measurement list is open, you can create an empty data set as described in the next task. Creating a data set for manual entry Complete one of the following tasks.
8 Calculations and manually entered data Entering data into a manual data set 1. In the measurement list, touch the data set that you just created to select it. 2. Touch the Table button. 3. Touch OK. A new table appears displaying the empty data set ready for data entry. Entering data into a manual data set After creating a data set as described in the previous tasks, complete these steps to enter data: 1. If the table tool palette is not already open, touch the Table Tools button. 2.
8 Calculations and manually entered data Editing manually entered data 1. Touch the Tools button of a graph, digits display, table, or meter to open the tools palette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and touch the data set. 4. Touch OK. Editing manually entered data 1. If the table tool palette is not already open, touch the Table Tools button. 2. Touch the Select button. 3. Touch the table cell containing the data that you want to change.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Starting a new SPARKlab page 9 Building SPARKlab pages l l l l l l l l l l Starting a new SPARKlab page About adding elements to a SPARKlab page Removing an element Adding a display to a SPARKlab page Adding a text box Adding an image Adding a camera element Removing or replacing an image in a image box Locking an image Deleting a SPARKlab page Starting a new SPARKlab page Complete one of these steps to start building a new page: l l From the Home screen, touch Build.
9 Building SPARKlab pages About adding elements to a SPARKlab page About adding elements to a SPARKlab page A SPARKlab page is built by adding elements one at a time in the Page-build screen. As elements are added, they are shown in the preview section of the Page-build screen. Each page can contain multiple displays, images, and text boxes. A page can also contain spacers, which are transparent place-holding elements that allow the background image to show.
9 l l l Building SPARKlab pages Removing an element image boxes camera elements text boxes As you add elements to a page, they are automatically arranged and aligned. Examples of screen layouts: 1. One large or small element. 2. Two large elements. 3. Two small elements. 4. One large and two small elements. 5. Three small elements. 6. Six small elements. Removing an element Elements can be removed while the Page-build screen is still open.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Adding a display to a SPARKlab page l Adding a meter Adding a line graph Complete these steps in the Page-build screen: 1. Touch one or two measurements (or other variables) to select them. If you select just one measurement, it will be plotted on the y-axis with time on the xaxis. If you select two measurements, the first selected will be plotted on the y-axis, and the second selected will be plotted on the x-axis. 2. Touch the Graph button.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Adding a text box If you have finished adding elements to the page, touch OK to exit the Page-build screen. Adding a meter Complete these steps in the Page-build screen: 1. Touch one measurement or other variable to select it. 2. Touch the Meter button. A meter is added to the preview. If you have finished adding elements to the page, touch OK to exit the Page-build screen. Adding a text box Start these steps in the Page-build screen: 1.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Adding an image A camera image element is added to the preview. 3. Optionally, add other elements to the page. 4. Touch OK. The new page containing the camera element appears, and displays the Live Image button. 5. Touch the Live Image button to start the camera.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Removing or replacing an image in a image box 3. Touch OK. The new page containing the empty image box appears. 4. On a computer, save an image file to a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). 5. Connect the flash drive to USB port of the SPARK. 6. On the SPARKlab page, touch the image box. The image palette appears. 7. Touch the Load button. The Open window appears. 8. Touch an image file to select it. 9. Touch Open.
9 Building SPARKlab pages Deleting a SPARKlab page 1. Touch the image to open the image palette. 2. Touch the Lock button. Deleting a SPARKlab page While viewing the page in a SPARKlab, touch the Delete Page button.
10 10 l l l l Saving and sharing Saving a SPARKlab Saving and sharing Saving a SPARKlab Printing a lab Exporting data Opening a saved lab Saving a SPARKlab Complete these steps to save your work on the SPARK or on a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device): 1. Optionally, connect a USB flash drive to the SPARK. 2. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen. 3. Touch SAVE FILE AS. The File-save screen opens. 4. Touch the Name: box and enter a name for your experiment. 5.
10 Saving and sharing Exporting data 1. On each SPARKlab page that you wish to print, touch the Snapshot button. Each time you touch the Snapshot button, the Snapshot Quick View appears briefly and an image of the page is added to the journal. 2. Connect a printer to USB port of the SPARK. 3. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen. 4. Touch the JOURNAL tab. 5. Touch PRINT JOURNAL to open the journal print page. 6. Touch OK.
10 Saving and sharing Opening a saved lab To view the saved data, connect the flash drive to a computer. Open the file in a spreadsheet program, mapping program, word processor, or text editor. Opening a saved lab 1. If necessary, touch the Home button to return to the Home screen. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. In the Home screen, touch Open. Touch the SAVED WORK tab. If necessary, touch the folder where the file is saved. Touch the file that you would like to open. Touch OK. The lab opens.
10 Saving and sharing Managing files and folders 1. Touch the existing folder that will contain the new folder. You can skip this step if you are creating a new folder on a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). 2. Touch New Folder. 3. Enter the name of the new folder. A new folder is created. Deleting a file or folder 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Manage Files to open the Manage Files screen. 3. Touch DELETE FILES.
10 Saving and sharing Managing files and folders Copying a file Complete these steps to copy a file between folders within the SPARK SLS, or between the SPARK SLS and a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). 1. Optionally, connect a USB flash drive to the SPARK SLS. 2. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 3. Touch Manage Files to open the Manage Files screen. 4. Touch COPY FILES. A list of file locations, folders, and files appears. 5.
11 11 Keeping a journal Taking a snapshot Keeping a journal The journal allows you to keep a record of your work in a series of pictures and captions as your science investigation progresses. These steps outline the process of keeping a journal. See the following tasks for detailed instructions. 1. 2. 3. 4. Take a snapshot. An image of the SPARKlab page is recorded. Optionally, add a caption to the snapshot. Repeat the previous steps at anytime during your science investigation.
11 Keeping a journal Adding a caption to a snapshot or editing an existing caption Adding a caption to a snapshot or editing an existing caption Touch inside the caption area and enter or change the caption. 1. Journal entry. 2. Thumbnails. 3. Caption area Navigating in the journal l l In the journal, touch a thumbnail on the right side of the screen to view a journal entry.
11 Keeping a journal Rearranging journal entries Rearranging journal entries In the journal, touch the Move Journal Entry Up button or Move Journal Entry Down button to change the position of the currently visible entry. Closing the journal Touch Done to close the journal and return to the SPARKlab. Saving a journal Do one of the following to save a journal: l l Save the entire lab. The journal is saved as part of the lab. Export the journal. See next task.
11 Keeping a journal Printing a journal 1. Connect a USB flash drive or other USB storage device to the SPARK SLS. 2. If you are currently viewing the journal, touch Done to return to the SPARKlab. 3. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen. 4. 5. 6. 7. Touch the JOURNAL tab. Touch EXPORT JOURNAL to open the journal export page. Touch the Name: box and enter a name for your journal. Optionally, touch a folder on the flash drive where you would like the journal to be saved.
12 12 l l l l l Common tasks Turning pages Common tasks Turning pages Returning to the Home screen Entering text and numbers using the on-screen keyboard Opening the About screen Setting the language Turning pages l Touch the arrows of the Page Navigator to turn to the next page or previous page. l Touch the center of the Page Navigator to open a menu from which you can select any page in the SPARKlab.
12 Common tasks Opening the About SPARK SLS screen l To enter capital letters, touch CAPS or SHIFT. To enter punctuation and other symbols, touch the Punctuation button. l To enter Greek letters, touch the Greek Letters button. l Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between lowercase and uppercase Greek letters. To enter subscript and superscript numbers, use the number keys on the Greek keyboard. Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between subscript and superscript. To start a new line, touch RETURN.
12 Common tasks Setting the language 2. Touch About SPARK SLS to view information about the firmware version installed on the SPARK SLS. Setting the language 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery button to open the DeviceTools screen. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Touch Languages. Touch the Languages box and touch a language. Touch OK. Touch Done. Turn the SPARK off and on again.
13 Managing the SLS device Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System 13 l l l l l l l l l l Managing the SLS device Updating the SPARK Science Learning System Charging the battery How battery status is indicated Setting the date and time About sleep modes Customizing sleep modes Adjusting the screen brightness Calibrating the touch-screen Product End of Life Disposal Instructions SPARK Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System Press and hold the power
13 Managing the SLS device How battery status is indicated 2. Connect the AC Adapter to a wall outlet. The battery begins to recharge. How battery status is indicated When the SPARK SLS is turned on, the Battery icon indicates battery status.
13 Managing the SLS device Setting the date and time Status light Setting the date and time 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. 3. 4. 5. Touch Set Date & Time to open the Set Date & Time screen. Set the date, time, and time zone. Touch OK. Touch Done.
13 Managing the SLS device Reactivating the SPARK Science Learning System when it is in sleep mode SLS will continue to record data (if it is recording). If the SPARK SLS is recording data, the record buttons continue to flash blue. Battery Sleep mode Battery Sleep mode occurs when the SPARK SLS is running on battery power, has received no user input for a certain amount of time, and is not recording data. The screen goes dark and power to the sensors is cut off. The status light flashes green.
13 Managing the SLS device Adjusting the screen brightness goes into each type of sleep mode: 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 2. Touch Display Settings to open the Display Settings screen. 3. Touch the Screen Sleep Time (Battery) [minutes] arrows to adjust the idle time for Screen Sleep mode. 4. Touch OK. 5. Touch Power Settings to open the Power Settings screen. 6. Touch the Battery Sleep Time [minutes] arrows to adjust the idle time for Battery Sleep mode. 7.
13 Managing the SLS device Product End of Life Disposal Instructions 2. Touch About SPARK SLS to view information about the firmware version installed on the SPARK SLS. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region.
13 Managing the SLS device SPARK Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions Battery Disposal- Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling, and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local government regulations.
