SPARKvue

SPARKvue is a highly developed interface to interact with over 70 data logger sensors that are available from PASCO. SPARKvue also makes use of the built-in microphone and accelerometer so data can be directly captured for sound intensity and acceleration without the need of any sensors.

The home screen displays the three main options – open an existing experiment, show the current data from a sensor and build your own presentation. The list of the sensors that are live and linked with the app are also displayed on the home screen along with icons to access help and system settings.

There are a number of ways of opening an existing experiment file. The file can be previous experimental work that you have saved directly to the app or it can be a file that is saved via an online storage service, for example ‘Dropbox’. This collaborative feature increases the scope of what is possible with the app through sharing files from teacher-to-student or even student-to-student.

The ‘Show’ option is a simple way to view and capture the data. There is a wide range of useful settings that can be altered to suit the specific type of sampling in an experiment. Four variations of viewing the data are available – graph, digits, table and meter, all of which will respond instantly to any live measurements. The data collected can then be processed further all within the app to aid additional analysis.

Whole lessons can be designed and presented by choosing the ‘Build’ option. The app comes with 8 experiment slide presentations already designed with images, videos, and quizzes all alongside the integrated use of the data loggers for experimental work. If you choose to start from scratch and ‘build’ your own presentation then the app provides templates that are easily edited for each slide. This is a fantastic feature that can provide context around the experimental activity together with assessment tools, a comprehensive science lesson all in one package!

The app has in-depth instructional support with simple and easy to follow guidelines for all aspects. Some other note-worthy functions include live sharing of sensor data across devices and journal entries with photographs and text for each experiment.

PASCO is a well-established educational company and is committed to provide access for all devices. This means SPARKvue is compatible across nearly all tablet brands as well as PC and Mac with near identical interfaces. So, no matter what platform it will be the same user experience. For schools with PASCO data loggers this is a must-have app and for schools considering investing in this technology there’s no need to look any further.

This educational tool has the power to transform, enhance and support learning through investigative lessons. Its potential will excite progressive teachers and engage the most unmotivated science students.

You can download SPARKvue on your iOS or Android devices from the app stores. Download the SPARKvue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.