Enable middle school students to think and act like real scientists

Science or STEM teachers who want to bring an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to their middle school classrooms can enable their students to think and act like real scientists with Science Kit Physics Lab. Developed in partnership with Google, the kit and nine exciting projects challenge students to explore and explain the physics behind amusement park rides, make their own hypotheses, check their assumptions and log data.
Students can make their own hypothesis like a real scientist, then check their assumptions, and log data thanks to Arduino Science Journal (Formally Google’s Science Journal) app — a digital notebook for conducting and documenting science experiments using the unique capabilities of their own devices.

The kit, based on the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010, includes a range of sensors to measure light, temperature, motion, and magnetic fields; plus it comes with a set of props and full access to online course content for teachers and students to conduct nine exciting science projects inspired by popular fairground rides like the Gravitron and Pirate Ship. We recommend two students per kit.

Key learning values include:

• Present experimental data in tables and charts
• Evaluate a scientific hypothesis
• Explore possible variables to design an open-ended investigation
• Distinguish between a conductor and an insulator, and measure resistance and conductivity of different materials
• Represent magnetic fields through sound
• Investigate the effect of materials between a magnet and the magnetometer on the strength of magnetic field
• Compare the thermal conductivity of different materials
• Identify materials that are thermal conductors or thermal insulators based on experimental observations
• Describe the motion of a pendulum, measure its period and frequency, monitor its acceleration, and identify the forces acting on it

 
The projects featured in the kit have been aligned with several National curricula including the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) for K-12, the National UK Curriculum and Australian Curriculum links.

Science	Inquiry skills and Human Endeavour strands
Physical science	Year 6 - Electrical energy ACSSU097
	Year 7 Change to an object's motion ACSSU117
	Year 8 , 9 and 10
Digital technology	Year 5 & 6 Types of Data and software ACTDIP016
	Year 7 & 8 Data sources and evaluate ACTDIP025
	Year 9 & 10 acquiring, storing and validating quantitative ACTDIP036
General capabilities	Numeracy & ICT

  

You’ll just need to provide a few essential classroom supplies (pencils, rulers, etc.) and a LiPo battery (not included).

Benefits of Science Kit Physics Lab

• Enables students to think critically, solve problems, and get them acquainted with data analysis
• No prior electronics knowledge is necessary - just plug and play!
• Extensive learning outcomes help students to thrive in science
• Create a playful, collaborative environment where students want to learn
• Meet key curriculum targets with links to Australian strands

 

What’s included?

The Science Kit Physics Lab kit, which includes:

• • Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
  • Science carrier board
  • Two silicone standoffs
  • Flat micro USB cable
  • Light sensor module with grove connector
  • Temperature sensor module with grove connector
  • Two 20cm grove cables - universal 4-pin connector
  • Two 50cm and two 20cm double-ended cables: crocodile clip/banana plug
  • Magnet
  • Hook-and-loop Velcro™ strap
  • Hook-and-loop Velcro™ dot
  • Two PCB sticks
  • PCB encoder
  • Mini slinky metal spring
  • Eight M3 screws
  • Eight M3 bolts
  • Four rubber bands
  • Four small silicone gaskets
  • Two big silicone gaskets
• Software platform for educators with a teacher guide and printable student worksheets
• Software platform for students with a detailed glossary, tutorial section, building instructions, worksheets, and nine hands-on physics experiments,