Probeware
for Data Collection
Probeware ranges from hand-held stand-alone
units to integrated desktop/portable computer applications to
graphing calculator add-ons to remote sensing though the
Internet. Here are some examples of a variety of low cost
educational probeware.
Pasco Science
Workshop
Computer Interface, Probeware, and
Software
This probeware system is
designed for secondary science students and works connected
to a computer.
Equipment Information:
Pasco Scientific, 10101 Foothills Blvd., PO Box 619011,
Roseville, CA 95678
800-772-8700; http://www.pasco.com
Florida Rep: Alen Brown, alen@mindspring.com
Interface units start at $250, and include software. Over
40 probes are available, ranging from $16-$300 each. Lab
manuals are sold for general science, math, biology, physics,
earth science, physics. Bundles are available with
interfaces, software, probes, and manuals from $875.
Data Harvest EcoLog
Computer Interface, Probeware, and
Software
This probeware system is
designed for intermediate/middle level students and works
connected to a computer or can gather data by itself to
download later.
Equipment Information:
Data Harvest Educational Inc., 363 Lang Blvd., Grand
Island, NY 14072
800-436-3062, http://www.interlog.com/~dhe
Florida Rep: Craig Ecclestone, dhe@interlog.com
Data Harvest makes educational data acquisition hardware
and software, including the Ecolog 3 with three built-in
sensors ($249), and the EcoLog 5 ($299), with five built-in
sensors. External sensors, connection cables and
"Sensing Science" software are available. The
software is designed for elementary and middle school
students.
The unique feature of EcoLog is its remote sensing
capability, with which it can collect measurements without
being connected to the computer. When the unit is connected,
stored or live data can be viewed.
Garmin GPS
Global Positioning System receiver,
PC connection, and software
This probeware system is
designed for the general public as a travel and navigation
aid. The GPS works alone or can be connected to a computer to
gather realtime data. It also can interface with street
mapping software to display a "live" interactive
location.
Equipment Information:
GARMIN International, Inc., 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe,
KS 66062
http://www.garmin.com
, Phone: (913) 397-8200
Tampa Vendors: sporting goods and marine supply stores such
as: