1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. PASCO Manuals
  4. Science Education products
  5. Spark SLS
  6. User manual

PASCO Spark SLS User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
SPARK SLS
User's Guide
Version 1.4.0
012-10616E

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for PASCO Spark SLS

Summary of Contents for PASCO Spark SLS

  • Page 1 SPARK SLS User's Guide Version 1.4.0 012-10616E...
  • Page 2 Science Learning System can be found on the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM included with the product or are included in the software download. To obtain source code for GPL/LGPL licensed software components, contact PASCO at by phone at 1-800-772-8700 (in the U.S), +1 916 786 3800 (worldwide), or by email at support@pasco.com...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About the SPARK Science Learning System Getting started Technical and Teacher Support Starting an experiment Turning on the SPARK SLS Connecting sensors to the SPARK SLS Connecting PASPORT sensors Connecting a temperature probe Connecting a voltage probe Monitoring live data...
  • Page 4 Contents Performing a 2-point calibration Performing a 1-point offset-only calibration Performing a 1-point slope-only calibration Using sensor adapters Connecting a sensor through a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port Connecting a sensor through an Analog Adapter Data recording Recording a run of periodically sampled data Recording a set of manually sampled data Deleting data runs Data display...
  • Page 5 Contents Showing and hiding the bar graph tool palette Showing data in bar graphs Adding bars and bar names in bar graphs Editing bars and bar names in bar graphs Adding data in bar graphs Entering data into bar graph manually Collecting data for bar graph using a sensor Adding additional data runs to a bar graph Adding additional data runs to a bar graph using sensor readings...
  • Page 6 Contents Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette Changing the variable in a digits display Displaying data in a meter Creating a new meter Showing and hiding the meter tool palette Adjusting the scale of a meter Scaling a meter to fit all data Setting the scale of a meter Changing the variable displayed in a meter Customizing the appearance of a meter...
  • Page 7 Contents Naming an image Deleting an image Exporting an image Data analysis Analyzing data in a graph Viewing statistics in a line 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 Finding the correlation coefficient (r)
  • Page 8 Contents Editing manually entered data Building SPARKlab pages Starting a new SPARKlab page About adding elements to a SPARKlab page Removing an element Adding a display to a SPARKlab page Adding a line graph Adding a table Adding a digits display Adding a meter Adding a text box Adding a camera element...
  • Page 9 Common tasks Turning pages Returning to the Home screen Entering text and numbers using the on-screen keyboard Opening the About SPARK SLS screen Setting the language Managing the SLS device Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System Updating the SPARK Science Learning System...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    Build a custom SPARKlab with your choice of data, displays, text, and pictures. To start learning SPARK SLS, install the software, connect an interface to your computer, plug in a sensor, and start the software from the desktop icon. If you need help doing a task, you'll find step-by-step instructions in this guide.

  • Page 11: Starting An Experiment

    2   Starting an experiment Turning on the SPARK SLS 2 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.

  • Page 12: Connecting Pasport Sensors

    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. Connecting a temperature probe Plug the included fast-response temperature probe (or other type of temperature probe) into the temperature port on the top of the SPARK SLS.

  • Page 13: Moving On From The Home Screen

    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.

  • Page 14: Building A Sparklab

    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.
  • Page 15 2   Starting an experiment Moving on from the Home screen Selected measurements are highlighted. Touch a measurement again to clear a selec- tion. 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.
  • Page 16 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. 012-10616E...

  • Page 17: Setting Up An Experiment

    You can start recording data using the default settings, or complete one or more of the fol- lowing tasks to change the sampling rate or sampling mode. Setting the sample rate Putting SPARK SLS into periodic sampling mode Putting SPARK SLS into manual sampling mode Setting an automatic stop condition...

  • Page 18: Putting Spark Into Manual Sampling Mode

    2. Touch Manual. 3. Touch OK. Setting an automatic stop condition When a stop condition is set, SPARK SLS automatically stops recording data after a set time interval. Complete these steps to set a stop condition: 1. Touch the Sampling Options button.

  • Page 19: Customizing How Numbers Are Displayed

    3   Setting up an experiment Customizing how numbers are displayed Customizing how numbers are displayed 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.

  • Page 20: Displaying Numbers In Scientific Notation

    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.

  • Page 21: Changing The Default Units Of A Measurement

    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 meas- urement in the future: 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen. 2.

  • Page 22: Performing A Calibration

    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.

  • Page 23: Performing A 1-Point Slope-Only Calibration

    The Digital Adapter (PASCO part PS-2159) allows digital switch-type sensors such as pho- togates and smart pulleys to be connected to a PASPORT interface and used with SPARK SLS. It also allows the use of a ScienceWorkshop Motion Sensor (CI-6742A) or Rotary Motion Sensor (CI-6538).
  • Page 24 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.

  • Page 25: 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.
  • Page 26 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.

  • Page 27: Deleting Data Runs

    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: Touch Delete Last Run. Touch Delete All Runs. Touch Delete Run…...

  • Page 28: Data Display

    5   Data display Displaying data in a line graph 5 Data display 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 Creating a new line graph...

  • Page 29: Showing And Hiding The Line Graph Tool Palette

    5   Data display Displaying data in a line graph Showing and hiding the line graph tool palette To show the tool palette, touch the blue Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph. 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.

  • Page 30: Selecting Data To Show In An Existing Line Graph

    5   Data display Displaying data in a line graph 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.

  • Page 31: Changing The Variable On The X- Or Y-Axis

    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. Selecting data for operation in a line graph Selecting a data run for operation in a line graph Selecting part of a data run for operation in a line graph...

  • Page 32: Selecting Part Of A Data Run For Operation In A Line Graph

    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.

  • Page 33: Annotating Data In A Line Graph

    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.

  • Page 34: Editing Or Deleting An Annotation

    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.

  • Page 35: Displaying Data In A Multiple Y-Axis Graph

    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:...

  • Page 36: Working With Multiple Y-Axes

    5   Data display Displaying data in a line graph 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.

  • Page 37: Lock Origin Of Multiple Y-Axes

    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.
  • Page 38 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. Within a SPARKlab add a new page: 5.

  • Page 39: Showing And Hiding The Bar Graph Tool Palette

    5   Data display Displaying data in a bar graph Showing and hiding the bar graph tool palette To show the tool palette, touch the blue Bar Graph Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph. 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.
  • Page 40 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.

  • Page 41: Editing Bars And Bar Names In Bar Graphs

    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.

  • Page 42: Collecting Data For Bar Graph Using A Sensor

    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.

  • Page 43: Adding Additional Data Runs To A Bar Graph

    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.

  • Page 44: Selecting Data For Operation In A Bar Graph

    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.

  • Page 45: Adding Annotations To Bars

    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.

  • Page 46: Editing Or Deleting Annotations To Bars

    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.

  • Page 47: Viewing Bar Graphs

    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.

  • Page 48: Scrolling A Bar Graph

    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.

  • Page 49: Customizing Axes Labels And Units On Bar Graphs

    5   Data display Displaying data in a bar graph 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.

  • Page 50: Displaying Data In A Table

    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.

  • Page 51: Showing And Hiding The Table Tool Palette

    5   Data display Displaying data in a table 3. Touch the Page Navigator to turn to the table on page 3 of the SPARKlab. If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: 1. Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. 2.

  • Page 52: Selecting Data To Show In An Existing Table

    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 Adding a column Removing a column Selecting a run for display in an existing column 1.

  • Page 53: Adding A Column

    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.

  • Page 54: Selecting Cells For Operation In A Table

    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.

  • Page 55: Displaying Data In A Digits Display

    5   Data display Displaying data in a digits display To clear the selection, touch the Select button again. Displaying data in a digits display 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: If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab:...

  • Page 56: Showing And Hiding The Digits Display Tool Palette

    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 To show the tool palette, touch the blue Digits Display Tools button near the lower left corner of the digits display.

  • Page 57: Displaying Data In A Meter

    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 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...

  • Page 58: Showing And Hiding The Meter Tool Palette

    5   Data display Displaying data in a meter Showing and hiding the meter tool palette To show the tool palette, touch the blue Meter Tools button near the lower left corner of the meter. To hide the tool palette, touch the orange Meter Tools button. Adjusting the scale of a meter Scaling a meter to fit all data Setting the scale of a meter...

  • Page 59: Changing The Variable Displayed In A Meter

    5   Data display Displaying data in a meter 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. For the Always Scale to Fit: option touch off. 4. Touch the Minimum: box and enter the low value of the desired range. 5.
  • Page 60 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. 012-10616E...

  • Page 61: Image Capture

    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...
  • Page 62 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.

  • Page 63: Showing And Hiding The Image Tool Palette

    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 To show the image tool palette, touch the blue Image Tools button near the lower left corner of the graph.

  • Page 64: Switching Between Live And Captured Camera Images

    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 show- ing, the button is orange. 3. Touch the Capture button to capture a still image. The live image is replaced by the captured still image.

  • Page 65: Selecting A Captured Camera Image For Display

    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.

  • Page 66: Measuring In A Camera Image

    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.

  • Page 67: Placing A Measurement Tool

    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.

  • Page 68: Deleting A Measurement Tool

    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.

  • Page 69: Calibrating Camera Image Measurements

    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.

  • Page 70: Drawing On A Camera Image

    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.

  • Page 71: Erasing

    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.

  • Page 72: Erasing All

    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.

  • Page 73: Annotating A Camera Image

    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.
  • Page 74 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.

  • Page 75: Moving An Annotation

    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 but- ton turns blue.

  • Page 76: Deleting An Annotation

    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.

  • Page 77: Naming An Image

    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.

  • Page 78: Deleting An Image

    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.

  • Page 79: Exporting An Image

    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.

  • Page 80: Data Analysis

    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 sta- tistic is also available.

  • Page 81: Applying A Curve Fit

    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.

  • Page 82: Drawing A Prediction

    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.

  • Page 83: Finding The X- And Y-Difference Between Two Points

    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.
  • Page 84 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.

  • Page 85: Finding The Slope At A Point On A Data Plot

    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.

  • Page 86: Displaying The Rmse Root-Mean-Square Error

    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.

  • Page 87: Analyzing Data In A Multiple-Y Axes Graph

    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.

  • Page 88: Viewing Statistics In A Bar Graph

    7   Data analysis Viewing Statistics in a bar graph Once selected, you can perform the following: 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...

  • Page 89: Viewing Statistics In A Table

    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 Sta- tistics 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.

  • Page 90: Viewing Statistics In A Digits Display

    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:...
  • Page 91 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).

  • Page 92: Calculations And Manually Entered Data

    8   Calculations and manually entered data Working with calculations 8 Calculations and manually entered data Working with calculations Entering data manually Working with calculations Opening the calculator screen Creating a calculation Displaying a calculation Opening the calculator screen 1. Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens.

  • Page 93: Displaying A Calculation

    Touch the Numbers button to return to the main calculator keyboard. When you have finished entering the expression, touch RETURN. The SPARK SLS may prompt you to enter definitions for variables and constants used in the expression. To exit the calculator screen, touch Done.

  • Page 94: Opening The Measurements List

    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.

  • Page 95: Creating A Data Set For Manual Entry

    8   Calculations and manually entered data Preparing a table for manual data entry 3. 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.

  • Page 96: Entering Data Into A Manual Data Set

    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.

  • Page 97: Editing Manually Entered Data

    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 pal- ette. 2. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. 3. Touch the Measurement: box and touch the data set. 4.

  • Page 98: Building Sparklab Pages

    9   Building SPARKlab pages Starting a new SPARKlab page 9 Building SPARKlab pages 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...

  • Page 99: About Adding Elements To A Sparklab Page

    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 ele- ments are added, they are shown in the preview section of the Page-build screen. Each page can contain multiple displays, images, and text boxes.

  • Page 100: Removing An Element

    9   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 ele- ments.

  • Page 101: Adding A Line Graph

    9   Building SPARKlab pages Adding a display to a SPARKlab page 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 x- axis.

  • Page 102: Adding A Meter

    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.

  • Page 103: Adding An Image

    You can use an image of any size; SPARK SLS will resize and stretch it to fit the box. To prevent distortion, use an image with the pixel dimensions of:...

  • Page 104: Removing Or Replacing An Image In A Image Box

    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.

  • Page 105: Deleting A Sparklab Page

    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. 012-10616E...

  • Page 106: 10 Saving And Sharing

    10   Saving and sharing Saving a SPARKlab 10 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.

  • Page 107: Exporting Data

    3. Touch EXPORT DATA to open the export data page. 4. Touch the Name: box and enter a filename. 5. Touch EXPORT. A data file is saved on the USB flash drive, and the SPARK SLS returns to the Sharing screen. 6. Touch Done.

  • Page 108: Opening A Saved Lab

    2. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 3. Touch Manage Files. 4. Copy or move the lab from the flash drive to the SPARK SLS (see next section). 5. Optionally, disconnect the USB flash drive. 6. Open the file.

  • Page 109: Deleting A File Or Folder

    6. Touch Delete. Moving a file Complete these steps to move 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.

  • Page 110: Copying A File

    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.

  • Page 111: 11 Keeping A Journal

    11   Keeping a journal Taking a snapshot 11 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.

  • Page 112: Adding A Caption To A Snapshot Or Editing An Existing Caption

    11   Keeping a journal Adding a caption to a snapshot or editing an existing cap- tion 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 In the journal, touch a thumbnail on the right side of the screen to view a journal entry.

  • Page 113: Rearranging Journal Entries

    Note that exporting the journal is not equivalent to saving the lab. If you plan to later reopen your work on the SPARK SLS, you must also save the lab. Complete these steps to export a journal: 012-10616E...

  • Page 114: Printing A Journal

    8. Touch EXPORT. The SPARK SLS creates a new folder on the flash drive with the filename that you entered and saves a group of text and image files plus an HTML file in it. It returns to the Sharing screen after these files have been saved.

  • Page 115: 12 Common Tasks

    Entering text and numbers using the on-screen key- board If you are using SPARK SLS on a device without an external keyboard, you can use the on- screen keyboard for text or number input. If you have an external keyboard, you can type on either the external or on-screen keyboard whenever the on-screen keyboard appears.

  • Page 116: Opening The About Spark Sls Screen

    12   Common tasks Opening the About SPARK SLS screen To enter capital letters, touch CAPS or SHIFT. To enter punctuation and other symbols, touch the Punctuation button. To enter Greek letters, touch the Greek Letters button. Touch CAPS or SHIFT to switch between lowercase and uppercase Greek letters.

  • Page 117: Setting The Language

    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. Touch Languages. 3. Touch the Languages box and touch a language.

  • Page 118: 13 Managing The Sls Device

    3. Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the update. 4. Also check for the latest version of this user's guide on the website. Charging the battery 1. Connect the SPARK SLS to the AC Adapter. 012-10616E...

  • Page 119: How Battery Status Is Indicated

    How battery status is indicated When the SPARK SLS is turned on, the Battery icon indicates battery status. Battery icons: full, low, and nearly empty When the SPARK SLS is connected to AC power, the status light indicates battery status: Constant green fully charged...

  • Page 120: Setting The Date And Time

    5. Touch Done. About sleep modes There are two types of sleep mode that the SPARK SLS may go into to conserve battery charge: Screen Sleep mode Screen Sleep mode occurs when the SPARK SLS is running on battery power and has received no user input for a certain amount of time.

  • Page 121: Reactivating The Spark Science Learning System When It Is In Sleep Mode

    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.

  • Page 122: Adjusting The Screen Brightness

    1. Hold down both record buttons and touch the screen three times. The first of a series of green boxes appears. 2. Touch the center of each green box. 3. Touch OK. Opening the About SPARK SLS screen 1. Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. 012-10616E...

  • Page 123: Product End Of Life Disposal Instructions

    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.
  • Page 124 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 reg- ulations.

Table of Contents