Primary Science

Russell

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Jul 6, 2002, 12:38:03 PM7/6/02

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We are a primary school and are planning to set up a "floating" Science
computer - basically a laptop on a trolley with digital microscope &
sensing equipment in order to promote use of ICT in Science. We have a
reasonable budget to spend and are looking for good software/hardware
which could be used in primary Science lessons - especially stuff which
which will help with practical experiments/recording rather than just
knowledge-based CD-Roms. Any suggestions welcome.

Russell

Ian

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Jul 6, 2002, 2:36:10 PM7/6/02

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How about a connection to the internet. Either wireless or cable points
to each classroom. In the medium to long term you will get masses more up
to date science info by doing this than by buying CD-ROMs etc. Costs will
depend on what you have already and the nature of the building.

Regards,

--
IanL

Russell

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Jul 6, 2002, 4:00:00 PM7/6/02

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Ian wrote:

We already have an internet PC in each room and the laptop can easily be
connected to the internet sockets. The problem that we've had with Science is
that staff don't have the expertise/time to wire up sensors/microscope and
make use of them, so a Science computer on a trolley seems a good idea. The
laptop/sensors/microscope are available in school, but we'd budgeted to buy
them. The money has been specifically allocated in my budget (I'm Science not
IT), so I'm looking on how it can be best used.
I agree with you about the potential of the internet, but unfortunately
that's another under-used resource in our school!

Russell

Ian

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Jul 6, 2002, 5:58:14 PM7/6/02

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Have you got one of the cameras that you can attach to a microscope etc.
Called Flexcam IIRC. With a large TV or data projector they are great for
whole class teaching and demos because the whole class can see an
experiment and you can grab images if you have a video capture card or box
attached to the computer. In this case you might be better going for a
desktop computer on a trolley than a laptop - if its on a trolley it
doesn't matter too much - because its easier to get things like video
capture cards for them and its less expensive even if you use a LCD
monitor.

Regards,

--
IanL

Theo Kuechel

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Jul 11, 2002, 3:22:53 PM7/11/02

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On 7/6/02 4:38 PM, in article 3D271CEA...@russellk.fsnet.co.uk,
"Russell" <russ...@russellk.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:

I have just tried the ProScope digital microscope. Brilliant - an extremely
versatile tool. Because it is hand held and USB powered it means it can be
taken out into the field with a laptop.. Comes with a 50x lens though 10x
and 100x and 200x and 1x for use as a web cam available - integral light
source and *very* robust construction.. Saves images as JPEG or video as
QuickTime Movie .mov files and includes time lapse function.

Few ideas coins, natural history, textiles, teeth, components, crystals,
(developed for use by dentists and engineers - to get inside difficult
places. Could be used in all subject areas. And all phases

have a look at the website: http://www.proscope.net/

Cost £189 ex vat in the UK

I am convinced enough to buy my own for use on courses and in my digital
imaging work.

Cheers
Theo