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PASCO SPARK User Manual

Science learning system
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Science Learning System
U s e r ' s G u i d e
®
manual number 012-10616D

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Summary of Contents for PASCO SPARK

  • Page 1 Science Learning System U s e r ’ s G u i d e ® manual number 012-10616D...
  • Page 2 Software Licenses All required licenses for software components of SPARKvue and the SPARK 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...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Putting the SPARK into periodic sampling mode ........
  • Page 4 Performing a 2-point calibration ..........14 Performing a 1-point offset-only calibration .
  • Page 5 Changing the variable displayed in an existing column ......28 Adding a column............28 Removing a column .
  • Page 6 Displaying a calculation ............44 Entering data manually .
  • Page 7 Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System ........
  • Page 8 SPARK Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions ........

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Build a custom SPARKlab with your choice of data, displays, text, and pictures. To start learning the SPARK Science Learning System, simply turn it on, plug in a sensor, and start using it. If you need help doing a task, you'll find step-by-step...

  • Page 10: Technical And Teacher Support

    ECHNICAL AND EACHER UPPORT Technical and Teacher Support For help with the SPARK Science Learning System and other PASCO products, you can contact PASCO's Technical and Teacher Support staff by phone, email, or on the Web. Phone: 1-800-772-8700 (in the U.S.)

  • Page 11: Starting An Experiment

    Turning on the SPARK Science Learning System 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. Press and hold the power button.

  • Page 12: Connecting Sensors

    You can use up to two PASPORT sensors plus a temperature probe and a voltage probe. The SPARK automatically identifies any sensor connected to it. Complete one or more of the following tasks to connect sensors to the SPARK. Connecting PASPORT sensors Plug a PASPORT sensor into one of the PASPORT ports on the top of the SPARK.

  • Page 13: Connecting A Voltage Probe

    Live data from all connected sensors are displayed whenever the Home screen is open. The Home screen is the first screen that appears when the SPARK has been turned on and booted up. If the Home screen is not visible, touch the Home button to return to the Home screen.

  • Page 14: Showing A Sparklab

    TARTING AN EXPERIMENT OVING ON FROM THE OME SCREEN Touch OK. The SPARKlab opens. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue your science investigation. Touch the Page Navigator to turn pages. Showing a SPARKlab A show-path SPARKlab is the fastest way to record data and display it in a graph, table, digits display, and meter.
  • Page 15 TARTING AN EXPERIMENT OVING ON FROM THE OME SCREEN Page-build screen: 1. Measurements. 2. Data display, image box, and text box buttons. 3. Preview. Touch the measurement (or measurements) that you would like to show in the first data display. Selected measurements are highlighted.
  • Page 16 TARTING AN EXPERIMENT OVING ON FROM THE OME SCREEN When you are satisfied with the preview and ready to build your page, touch OK. Your new SPARKlab opens showing the page that you have just built. Touch the Start button to record data. Touch the New Page button build another page and add it to your SPARKlab.

  • Page 17: Setting Up An Experiment

    In periodic sampling mode (the default mode, sometimes known as “continuous” mode), the SPARK records data points at regular intervals. If the SPARK is in manual sampling mode, complete these steps to put it into periodic sampling mode: Touch the Sampling Options button.

  • Page 18: Putting The Spark Into Manual Sampling Mode

    Putting the SPARK into manual sampling mode In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger the SPARK. Complete these steps to put the SPARK into manual sampling mode: Touch the Sampling Options button.

  • Page 19: Customizing How Numbers Are Displayed

    ETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT USTOMIZING HOW NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED Customizing how numbers are displayed Setting the number of decimal places displayed Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement or other variable.

  • Page 20: Displaying Numbers In Scientific Notation

    ETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT USTOMIZING HOW NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED Displaying numbers in scientific notation Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. Touch DATA PROPERTIES. The Data Properties screen opens. Touch the Measurement: box and select a measurement or other variable.

  • Page 21: Changing The Default Units Of A Measurement

    ETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT ALIBRATING 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: Touch the Experiment Tools button to open the Experiment Tools screen.

  • Page 22: Performing A Calibration

    ETTING UP AN EXPERIMENT ALIBRATING SENSORS Touch the Calibration Type: box and select a calibration type. See the instructions provided with your sensor for information about what type of calibration is appropriate for your sensor. 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.

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

    Connecting a sensor through a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port The Digital Adapter (PASCO part PS-2159) allows digital switch-type sensors such as photogates and Smart Pulleys to used with the SPARK. It also allows the use of a ScienceWorkshop Motion Sensor (CI-6742A) or Rotary Motion Sensor...

  • Page 24: Connecting A Sensor Through An Analog Adapter

    OK. You may need to touch the arrows to scroll the list. If the SPARK prompts you to enter one or more measurements specific to your equipment, enter the value or values and touch OK. The measurements that you enter will be used to compute data such as the velocity of an object passing through a photogate.

  • Page 25: Data Recording

    Data recording The following tasks describe how to record a data run with the SPARK in periodic sampling mode and manual sampling mode. Over the course of a science investigation, you can record multiple data runs and sets. Recording a run of periodically sampled data With the SPARK in periodic sampling mode (the default mode, sometimes known as “continuous”...

  • Page 26: Recording A Set Of Manually Sampled Data

    In manual sampling mode, a single value from each measurement is recorded each time you manually trigger the SPARK. A series of values is recorded in a data set. Complete these steps to start a data set, trigger points to be recorded,...

  • Page 27: Deleting Data Runs

    ATA RECORDING ELETING DATA RUNS When the entire set has been recorded, touch the Stop button. The data set closes. Repeat these steps to record another data set. Deleting data runs Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. Touch MANAGE RUNS.
  • Page 28 ATA RECORDING ELETING DATA RUNS...

  • Page 29: Data Display

    Data display Displaying data in a graph Creating a new graph To create a new graph, do one of the following: • If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: Touch a measurement. Touch Show. A graph appears on page 1 of the SPARKlab. •...

  • Page 30: Adjusting The Scale Of A Graph

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH Adjusting the scale of a graph Do one or more of the following tasks (in any order) to change the range and domain of a graph. Scaling a graph to fit all data Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette.

  • Page 31: Selecting Data To Show In An Existing Graph

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH Selecting data to show in an existing graph Showing and hiding data runs in a graph Touch the graph legend. The legend enlarges to show available data runs. Select or clear the check box next to each data run that you want to show or hide.

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

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH 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.

  • Page 33: Annotating Data In A Graph

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A GRAPH 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. Optionally, adjust the size and position of the selection box by dragging the handles at the corners of the box.

  • Page 34: Editing Or Deleting An Annotation

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE Touch the Annotation button. The on-screen keyboard appears. Enter a note and touch OK. An annotation appears on the graph. Touch the Select button. The button turns blue. Editing or deleting an annotation If necessary, touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette.

  • Page 35: Showing And Hiding The Table Tool Palette

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE • If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. Touch a measurement (or up to six measurements). Touch the Table button. Touch OK. A new page containing a table is added to the SPARKlab.

  • Page 36: Selecting Data To Show In An Existing Table

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE Selecting data to show in an existing table Selecting a run for display in an existing column Touch the run number at the top of the column. A list of available runs appears. Touch the run that you want to see.

  • Page 37: Removing A Column

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A TABLE Optionally, select a position in the table where the new column will be inserted: Touch the Select button. The button turns orange. Touch the column to the right of where you want the new column to appear.

  • Page 38: Selecting Cells For Operation In A Table

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A DIGITS DISPLAY 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: Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette.

  • Page 39: Showing And Hiding The Digits Display Tool Palette

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A DIGITS DISPLAY • If a SPARKlab is open, add a new page: Touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen opens. Touch a measurement. Touch the Digits Display button. Touch OK. A new page containing a digits display is added to the SPARKlab. Showing and hiding the digits display tool palette •...

  • Page 40: Displaying Data In A Meter

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A METER Displaying data in a meter Creating a new meter To create a new meter, do one of the following: • If the Home screen is visible, create a new SPARKlab: Touch a measurement. Touch Show.

  • Page 41: Adjusting The Scale Of A Meter

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A METER Adjusting the scale of a meter Scaling a meter to fit all data Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. Touch the Scale-to-fit button. The scale of the meter adjusts to fit the currently displayed data run. Setting the scale of a meter Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette.

  • Page 42: Customizing The Appearance Of A Meter

    ATA DISPLAY ISPLAYING DATA IN A METER Customizing the appearance of a meter Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. Touch the Properties button to open the Properties screen. Touch the Sweep Range: box and select Small Sweep, Semicircle, or Large Sweep.

  • Page 43: Data Analysis

    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.

  • Page 44: Applying A Curve Fit

    ATA ANALYSIS NALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH Optionally, select part of the data set for statistics to be applied to. See “Selecting part of a data run for operation in a graph” on page 24. 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:...

  • Page 45: Drawing A Prediction

    ATA ANALYSIS NALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH Drawing a prediction Complete these steps to manually sketch on a graph: Touch the Graph Tools button to open the tool palette. Touch the Prediction button. Do one of the following: • Trace a continuous curve on the graph. •...

  • Page 46: Finding The X- And Y-Difference Between Two Points

    ATA ANALYSIS NALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH Optionally, touch the arrows of the point selector to change which point is selected. Touch the Select button again to clear the selection. Finding the x- and y-difference between two points Complete these steps to select a range of points and display the change-in-x and change-in-y between the first and last points in the selected range: If more than one data run is displayed, first select a run: Touch the graph legend.

  • Page 47: Finding The Slope At A Point On A Data Plot

    ATA ANALYSIS NALYZING DATA IN A GRAPH Touch the Coordinates button. An annotation with the following information appears on the graph: • The x- and y-values of the first point in the selected range (x1 and y1), • The x- and y-values of the last point in the selected range (x2 and y2), and •...

  • Page 48: Viewing Statistics In A Table

    ATA ANALYSIS IEWING STATISTICS IN A TABLE Viewing statistics in a table Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, and count of data runs: Touch the Table Tools button to open the tool palette. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. Touch one or more of the statistics.

  • Page 49: Viewing Statistics In A Meter

    ATA ANALYSIS IEWING STATISTICS IN A METER Viewing statistics in a meter Complete these steps to see the minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation, or count of a data run: Touch the Meter Tools button to open the tool palette. Touch the Statistics button to open the Statistics screen. Touch one of the statistics to select it.
  • Page 50 ATA ANALYSIS IEWING STATISTICS IN A METER...

  • Page 51: Calculations And Manually Entered Data

    Calculations and manually entered data Working with calculations Opening the calculator screen Touch the Experiment Tools button. The Experiment Tools screen opens. Touch CALCULATED DATA. The calculator screen opens. Creating a calculation Complete one or more of the following steps in any order to enter an expression in the calculator screen: •...

  • Page 52: 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 may prompt you to enter definitions for variables and constants used in the expression. • To exit the calculator screen, touch Done.

  • Page 53: Opening The Measurements List

    ALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA NTERING DATA MANUALLY Optionally, display the entered data in other displays. Optionally, edit any manually entered number or text. Opening the measurements list Do one of the following to open the measurements list: • If the Home screen is open, touch Build. The Page-build screen containing the measurements list opens.

  • Page 54: Creating A Data Set For Manually Entered Text

    Touch OK. Preparing a table for manual data entry After you have completed the previous task, the SPARK returns either to the Page-build screen or to the Table Properties screen. Depending on which screen you see, do one of the following: •...

  • Page 55: Entering Data Into A Manual Data Set

    ALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA NTERING DATA MANUALLY Entering data into a manual data set After creating a data set as described in the previous tasks, complete these steps to enter data: If the table tool palette is not already open, touch the Table Tools button.
  • Page 56 ALCULATIONS AND MANUALLY ENTERED DATA NTERING DATA MANUALLY Touch the Select button. Touch the table cell containing the data that you want to change. Touch the Data Entry button and change or delete the number or text.

  • Page 57: Building Sparklab

    Building SPARKlab pages Starting a new SPARKlab page Complete one of these steps to start building a new page: • From the Home screen, touch Build. • From within an existing SPARKlab, touch the New Page button. The Page-build screen appears. Page-build screen: 1.

  • Page 58: Removing An Element

    SPARK UILDING LAB PAGES EMOVING AN ELEMENT • up to six small elements, or • one large element and up to two small elements. The large elements are: • graphs, • tables, • large image boxes, and • large text boxes.

  • Page 59: Adding A Display To A Sparklab Page

    SPARK UILDING LAB PAGES SPARK DDING A DISPLAY TO A LAB PAGE Adding a display to a SPARKlab page In the Page-build screen, complete one or more of the following tasks to add displays. Adding a graph Complete these steps in the Page-build screen: Touch one or two measurements (or other variables) to select them.

  • Page 60: Adding A Meter

    SPARK UILDING LAB PAGES DDING A TEXT BOX Touch the Digits Display button. A digits display is added to the preview. 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: Touch one measurement or other variable to select it.

  • Page 61: Adding An Image

    The new page containing the empty image box appears. On a computer, save an image file to a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device). Connect the flash drive to USB port of the SPARK. On the SPARKlab page, touch the image box. The image palette appears.

  • Page 62: Removing Or Replacing An Image In A Image Box

    SPARK UILDING LAB PAGES EMOVING OR REPLACING AN IMAGE IN A IMAGE BOX Removing or replacing an image in a image box Touch the image to open the image palette. Do one of the following: • Touch the Remove button to delete the image.

  • Page 63: Saving And Sharing

    Saving and sharing Saving a SPARKlab Complete these steps to save your work on the SPARK or on a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device): Optionally, connect a USB flash drive to the SPARK. Touch the Sharing button to open the Sharing screen.

  • Page 64: Printing A Lab

    Touch the JOURNAL tab. Touch PRINT JOURNAL to open the journal print page. Touch OK. The journal is printed, and the SPARK returns to the Sharing screen. Touch Done to return to your SPARKlab. Exporting data To export data, you will need a USB flash drive (or other USB storage device).

  • Page 65: Opening A Saved Lab

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

  • Page 66: Managing Files And Folders

    Touch MOVE FILES. A list of file locations, folders, and files appears. Touch the location (SPARK or USB) of the file that you want to move. If necessary, touch the folder and subfolders that contain the file. Touch the file that you want to move.

  • Page 67: Copying A File

    Touch COPY FILES. A list of file locations, folders, and files appears. Touch the location (SPARK or USB) of the file that you want to copy. If necessary, touch the folder and subfolders that contain the file. Touch the file that you want to copy.
  • Page 68 AVING AND SHARING ANAGING FILES AND FOLDERS...

  • Page 69: Keeping A Journal

    SPARKlab page. • Touch the Snapshot button. The SPARK records an image of the SPARKlab page, and the Snapshot Quick View appears briefly. The Snapshot Quick View You can let the Snapshot Quick View close automatically or use the buttons in...

  • Page 70: Opening The Journal

    EEPING A JOURNAL PENING THE JOURNAL Opening the journal • Touch the Journal button. Adding a caption to a snapshot or editing an existing caption • Touch the Edit Caption button to open the on-screen keyboard, where you can enter or change the caption. 1.

  • Page 71: Deleting A Journal Entry Or Snapshot

    EEPING A JOURNAL ELETING A JOURNAL ENTRY OR SNAPSHOT Deleting a journal entry or snapshot • In the journal or the Snapshot Quick View, touch the Delete button to delete the currently visible journal entry. 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.

  • Page 72: Exporting A Journal

    Touch EXPORT. The SPARK 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 73: Printing A Journal

    To print a journal, you will need a compatible USB printer. Most USB inkjet printers manufactured by HP are compatible with SPARK. To print a journal on the SPARK Science Learning System, you will need a compatible USB printer. Most USB inkjet printers manufactured by HP are compatible with SPARK.
  • Page 74 EEPING A JOURNAL RINTING A JOURNAL...

  • Page 75: Common Tasks

    Touch the Home button to close a SPARKlab and return to the Home screen. Entering text and numbers using the on-screen keyboard The on-screen keyboard opens when the SPARK is ready to accept text or number input. • To enter capital letters, touch CAPS or SHIFT.

  • Page 76: Creating A New Folder

    A new folder is created. Reactivating the SPARK Science Learning System when it is in sleep mode If the SPARK has received no input for several minutes, it may go into sleep mode. To reactivate it, do one of the following: •...

  • Page 77: Turning Off The Spark Science Learning System

    YSTEM • Press one of the record buttons. If the SPARK is in Screen Sleep mode, this will also cause it to start or stop data recording or keep a data point. Turning off the SPARK Science Learning System •...
  • Page 78 OMMON TASKS SPARK PENING THE BOUT SCREEN...

  • Page 79: Managing The Device

    Click Done. Turn the SPARK off and on again. Updating the SPARK Science Learning System Check the firmware version installed on the SPARK: Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. Touch About SPARK. Visit www.pasco.com/spark to check for the latest update.

  • Page 80: Charging The Battery

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

  • Page 81: Setting The Date And Time

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

  • Page 82: Customizing Sleep Modes

    Customizing sleep modes Complete these steps to set the amount of idle time that will elapse before the SPARK goes into each type of sleep mode: Touch the Date/Time/Battery icon to open the Device Tools screen. Touch Display Settings to open the Display Settings screen.

  • Page 83: Calibrating The Touch-Screen

    (above) and on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container. SPARK Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions Removal/Replacement- Tools required: #0 or #1 Phillips screw driver. Remove the single screw holding the battery door (see figure), and remove the...
  • Page 84 EPLACEMENT AND ISPOSAL NSTRUCTIONS battery door from the Spark. Disconnect the battery cable, and slide out the Li- Poly battery pack. Reverse these instructions to replace the battery. 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.
  • Page 85 1 change in x and y 38 gra ph continuous sampling mode analysis data recording in 17 curve fits 36 putting SPARK into 9 graph copying files 59 adding to SPARKlab page 51 curve fits 36 analysis custom SPARKlabs 6...
  • Page 86 32 Slope Tool 39 customizing appearance 34 Snapshot Quick View 61 scaling 33 snapshots 61 statistics 41 SPARK Science Learning System, about 1 tool palette 32 SPARKlabs monitoring live data 5 about 1 moving files 58 about pages 49...

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