Labdisc named one of the ISTE “TOP 5 takeaways”
The Labdisc has experienced rapid expansion in the United States thanks to the new exclusive distributor BOXLIGHT. Introducing the Labdisc as part of their core STEM solutions, they describe it as “a launch-pad for the imagination. Or, a home base for hands-on learning adventures.”
Watch BOXLIGHT’s promotional Labdisc video
Attended by nearly 16,000 visitors from 76 countries, the ISTE conference in Philadelphia this month provided an exciting platform for BOXLIGHT to launch the Labdisc. Media responses to the Labdisc were extremely positive. In fact, Wayne D’Orio, Executive Editor of Scholastic, the largest media brand worldwide for Education posted the Labdisc as one of his coveted “TOP 5 takeaways from ISTE”.“Everyone knows that science class begs for hands-on learning, and there is a dizzying array of tools available for all levels of scientists.But keeping track of probes, wires, and other tools can be a major challenge. Along comes this new product called Labdisc that offers students 14 built-in sensors in one disc-shaped device. Using Bluetooth and eliminating wires, students can use the device to chart graphs, take air samples, and check humidity, sound levels, and turbidity.”
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Put the Dymo force and acceleration sensor to work with two new physics experiments!
Labdisc’s external magnetic field sensor opens up even more options for the Labdisc Physio, helping physics students measure the Earth’s magnetic field from any location.
Biology students can make the most of their Labdiscs by using an external carbon dioxide sensor to measure the amount of carbon dioxide released by seeds moving from a state of dormancy into germination.
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Uruguay embraces the Labdisc across all stages of learning.
As part of the prestigious Plan Ceibal, the project leaders also looked to improve science education from elementary school right through to University. Here a solution was required that could offer more sophisticated science functionality, while still be intuitive and robust enough for very young science students.
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Following a call for equipment and a thorough review of the available solutions, the Labdisc was selected. Magela Fuzatti, Head of Digital Laboratories, explained why the Labdisc was a clear first choice. “The quality and durable nature of the Labdisc, together with the number of built-in sensors make the product very convenient to use, even for primary school where small children can easily perform hands-on experiments without risk of breaking.”
The Labdisc has been implemented in every Plan Ceibal center from K to 12 schools to universities across Uruguay’s cities and countryside in farm and agricultural education projects. Together with the Plan Ceibal Labbox, the Labdisc delivers 21stcentury mobile science learning. In order to demonstrate measurable value, every center has presented a series of class-based and field projects showing how they use the Labdisc and built-in sensors in biology, chemistry, physics, math, geography and environmental science experiments.
The range of Labdisc projects is as varied and interesting as it is far reaching: Incorporating rural schools where organic orchards are monitored, Agrarian Technical Schools where climate change impact on crops are studied, to unique summer projects where learning continues after school at the beach. Here students measure water quality, pH, temperature and light – with all data referenced to the GPS sensor. Students research why the temperature is different inside and outside the water or explore the issues surrounding pollution by testing pH, temperature and water quality in rivers and lakes across Uruguay.
Visit to Lithuania:
On a cold, slightly frosty Thursday morning 5th December 2013 4.30, I set off to Luton airport to catch the 7.30 flight to Vilnius. I was going to speak at an education conference in Vilnius about the way we use technology to support the STEM agenda.
I arrived in Vilnius at 12.30 local time absolutely shattered and as I had not to be at the British Embassy dinner until 18.00 I decided to try and have a sleep. Zzzzzzzzzz I awoke at 16.00 and got ready to go to dinner at a fantastic place Bistro 18
After the meal I visited the fantastic Bambe Alyne bar.It is a cellar bar with a vast variety of bottled beers from Porter to Blonde and in between. Wonderful staff and great atmosphere.
Friday I was at the Grata Hotel for the conference (coincidentally this was where i was staying so I had not far to travel to the conference as it was being held in the hotel) The reason was that as the Lithuanians were hosting a major event as part of their presidency of the EU many larger hotels were booked out. The Grata is a lovely hotel very modern and the staff extremely pleasant and obliging.
There were about 130 -150 Lithuanian teachers attended the seminar which was a joint effort between the British Council and the British Embassy and the Ministry of Education. I am not too sure if my Lithuanian went down too well but I am sure they enjoyed the presentation. The Lithuanians are such a skilled nation with a great digital infrastructure it would be great to collaborate with both teachers and students on digital projects.
I then went to the LitExpo which is a very large conference centre which has several large halls where conferences take place.
There was a School2013 exhibition with many stands selling hardware and software but also a lot of areas where teachers could engage with CPD and training activities.
The snow at least made the whole trip feel like a winter wonderland.
The e-Learning Awards 7th November 2013 Grosvenor Hotel London:
Labdisc
Globisens the manufacturer of the Labdisc have been short listed for an award in the Most Innovative new learning hardware or software category. Mike Carter the managing director of Tyn Can Learning will be present at the awards representing the Labdisc and hoping to accept the award on behalf of Globisens. Dov Bruker, CEO of Globisens said. “Whatever the results we’re honored to have been shortlisted and will continue to strive towards developing innovative education solutions that make learning complex science concepts easy and engaging.”
For more information on the awards click here.
Warwick University
Tyn Can Learning sponsored the Primary Conference at Warwick University on Friday.
Schools seemed genuinely interested in the Labdisc especially the fact that is has integrated GPS and works seamlessly with the iPad.
Newcastle British Science Festival 9th – 12th September
What a week we have had we have been at the festival showing off the Labdisc as well as showing what can be done with a 3D Haptic Mouse, 3D printer, the iPad and 123D and the Makey Makey. It was all about letting the young people have some fun with technology and they certainly did that. Three year old, nine year old, fifteen year old,sixth form students, adults and grandparents all took part and enjoyed finding out about science and making things especially making music with fruit curtesy of the Makey Makey.
Labdisc In Scotland
Managing Director Mike Carter with a GenSci Labdisc
We recently went north of the border to Dunfermline to talk to Gregor Steele from the Scottish Science Education Research Centre SSERC
We took a General Science Labdisc,iPad and Laptop to show them how easy it is to carry out experiments in the lab but also to show them the ease with which experiments can be done outdoors and then using GPS coordinates be shown on the iPad so that you can use images from the surroundings to contribute to the experiment analysis.
We hope that schools in Scotland will determine that the Labdisc is a useful classroom tool which will help engage students and also enhance the delivery of science lessons.
NEW EXTERNAL SENSORS
We have introduced 7 new external sensors to our range of external sensors because our customers asked for more flexibility for the Labdisc
Voltage
Temperature
Respiration
Magnetic Field
Heart Rate (with clip)
Current
CO2
The new external sensors will:
1. Complete the Labdisc range with sensors, not included in any of the Labdisc models: Force, Magnetic field, CO2 and Respiration.
2. Enable customers using one of the Labdisc models to add missing sensors, instead of buying a complete additional Labdisc. For example GenSci users will be able to add Heart-Rate sensor to the GenSci instead of buying an Additional Primo and BioChem.
Revolutionizing science education with a compact multi-disciplinary laboratory. A single Labdisc replaces more than 20 traditional pieces of science equipment and can turn any school classroom into a hands-on science laboratory.
Inquiry Based Learning
An all-in-one self contained wireless data logging unit. With up to 15 built-in sensors. Five Labdisc models enable science investigation in various fields including environmental science, physics, biology and chemistry and are tailored to suit every grade level.
Globisens has packed a complete laboratory into a single small disc
Replacing a big box of traditional data logging equipment and saving teachers hours of setup and calibration time
Tyn Can Learning is the UK Distributor for the Labdisc based in Newcastle upon Tyne
FOR MORE INFORMATION email: enquiries@tyncan.com
GenSci
Physio
Enviro
Primo
The data logging landscape:
The importance of hand-held learning
Data loggers make scientific experiments simple and in real-time. Together, analysis software, data loggers and sensors provide multimedia project-based learning for 21st century K-12 science. Computer based laboratories (CBL), allow students and teachers to experience real science in key fields including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
BioChem
Developing a 21st century skill-set
Observe real-life science and view results in easy-to-understand displays
Participate and stay on-task with collaborative and project-based learning
Prepare for an increasingly technology-dependent future
Parallel real scientific processes
Just like real scientists – activate the process of hypothesis, data measurement and collection, followed by data analysis and reporting. Automating repetitive manual data collection increases the rate of experiment success and allows students to focus on the pedagogically valuable elements of the process: Data analysis, result prediction and scientifically evaluated conclusions.
Making science relevant
Students most effectively acquire and retain information when it reflects the reality they experience outside the classroom, allowing them to make cognitive connections that last. When science experiments are performed as a means to solve every day challenges then students can grasp the importance of the discipline as a whole.
Starting science and maths early
Young children build on mental structures, creating new concepts based on what they have already learnt. Hypothesizing and analyzing with early math and science builds a key foundation for logical and reasoning skills. Research shows pre-schoolers who experience hands-on science continue to perform higher than the national average.
Science is still taking too long to teach
Despite all the research, and available tools, teachers are moving away from inquiry-based science because they simply don’t have the available lesson time.
When each lesson is only 45 minutes they don’t have time to:
- Set up and clear away 90+ products for every lab session
- Test and calibrate dozens of sensors every day
- Reach specific benchmarks every lesson and train students to pass tests
Tyn Can Learning 