Tech Savvy Article

In our first grade class, we have recently been trying to incorporate more technology into our lessons. We used the Logger Pro application to teach Standard 3 Objective 2 Indicator a, which reads, "Observe and measure characteristics of water as a solid and liquid." This application uses temperature probes to measure the different stages of water.

To use the Logger Pro application, we first need to download it onto any standard computer. You must also purchase the temperature probes. The temperature probes connect to the computers and the resulting temperature comes up on the screen. These temperatures can be charted and compared. They can also be taken in Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit. For our purposes, when working with first graders, we kept it very simple. We did not use the charts and worked only in the Fahrenheit measurement.

For our experiment, we first directed the children to place the probes in each water cup and observe the temperature that came up on the computer screen.  Examples of both using the probes and seeing the results on the screen are shown below.  They measured ice, room temperature water, and boiling water and compared their results. We then had a class discussion on water as a solid, liquid, and gas. After this discussion, we split the class into small groups and had them discuss what stage they believed each cup they measured represented. As the teachers, we moved around to each group and had them find similarities between their temperature observations. We then guided them to realize that water becomes ice, a solid, at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less. They should also realize that the water began to boil forming steam, a gas, at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.


    Measuring the room temperature water with temperature probe!

        Measuring the boiling water with the temperature probe!

              Measuring the ice with the temperature probe!

The Logger Pro application enhanced this experiment because it was more engaging for the students as every student was able to find their own temperature measurements. By using the temperature probes, it simplified the task for the students. They were able to find an accurate measurement without having to read a non-digital thermometer. Using technology and science the students were able to contextualize their learning of water as solid and a liquid. We highly recommend using the Logger Pro application in your science lessons.

        Room temperature reading on the computer screen!

Temperature for the ice on the Logger Pro screen!