Data logger tests and understanding the data
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can test my data logger and understand the results.
Key learning points
- Data logger prototypes need to be tested and improved before being used in a traffic survey.
- Traffic survey data can produce patterns.
- Understanding environmental impact of the data can lead to design solutions.
Keywords
Environmental impact - the effect something has on the surroundings that an animal or plant lives in
Traffic survey - collecting data about traffic patterns in a specific area
Common misconception
Traffic surveys are only about collecting data.
Data collected from the data loggers can be used to understand what is happening in an environment and make suggestions for improvements.
Teacher tip
Data collection could be done in small groups or as a class. Choosing certain times of the day, that pupils would like to find out more about, would add purpose. There are many cross curricular links to maths and georgaphy that could be explored through this unit.
Equipment
Data logger cases with micro:bits and battery packs.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is NOT an electrical conductor?
Q2.Which of these is electrical tape?
Q3.How can the micro:bit show the data it collects?
Q4.How does the micro:bit store the data it collects?
Q5.What do you need to connect the micro:bit to a computer?
Q6.During a traffic survey, what data are you likely to record?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Environmental impact means:
Q2.Which is NOT a reason for testing a data logger before using it?
Q3.Which type of traffic was the least common in this traffic survey?
Q4.After testing, how could the data logger design be changed to measure other traffic types?
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Data logger tests and understanding the data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Data logger tests and understanding the data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the Simple programming and control: data loggers unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.