Science Week Introduces Young Australian Students to Probeware
Science Teacher, Blackwater Senior High School
By Peter Cavallaro

QUEENSLAND, Australia -- My senior physics students at Blackwater Senior High School recently planned hands-on, probeware-based activities for year one and two students to celebrate Science Week, a national event.

Using the PASCO Roller Coaster System the first and second year students had to predict where to start the car in order to get it through the loop. We changed the masses and added the water accessory and students made further predictions. We also used the PASCO Projectile Launcher. Students predicted the range of projectile and launch speed. Students' predictions were often in error even though the activities appeared fairly obvious (of course it was planned for that effect).

These activities all had an element of fun and involved real scientific thinking. The first and second year students gained a physical thrill and mental stimulation from participating in these hands-on activities. This was the first time they were exposed to probeware. We found their concepts of mechanics and motion were dramatically changed through activities incorporating probeware. It was absolutely a completely new (and better) way to teach and learn science.

My students at Blackwater Senior High School use probeware on a regular basis. They do experiments first, collect real-time data using probeware, then offer explanations. They also do guided research and further experiments in class. Basically, they construct their own knowledge in a structured, safe environment, with me acting as a guide and facilitator.

Blackwater Senior High School has approximately 300 students. The town is in a remote area of central Queensland state and has a population of about 4,000. The town is here predominately to service the mining industry. The mines have the lure of relatively large incomes and job security. Therefore, a substantial percentage of these students will seek employment in the mining industry first. However, I think the technology we've used in class has inspired some to seek professional qualifications such as engineering (mechanical, electrical and mining).

My students are regularly exposed to a range of skills and equipment associated with the use of probeware. I plan to extend my range of probeware and equipment to encompass broader subject areas in the future.