Wireless Smart Cart Aims To Allow More Accurate Measurement in Physics Experiments

Pasco Scientific is introducing a new Smart Cart, a low-friction cart with sensors that will allow students to collect data from experiments to learn physics concepts. With the use of the sensors, students can transfer information acquired in lab experiments directly to their devices, simplifying lab setup and allowing teachers and students more time to perform their experiments.

Students can collect data on position and displacement, speed and velocity, one-dimensional motion, acceleration, Newton's laws, friction, kinetic energy, conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions and conservation of energy.

The Smart Cart's onboard sensors can transmit data wirelessly to any kind of device using Bluetooth.

The cart is based on an ABS body with nearly frictionless wheels. It includes a sensor that measures force, a three-axis accelerometer, motion encoder for measuring position and velocity, a rubber bumper, magnetic bumper and mass tray. There is also a hook, three-position spring plunger, Velcro tabs, a rechargeable battery and USB port and cable for charging.

The new cart is expected to be available in June (in either red or blue) for a special price to U.S. educators of $159.

Pasco Scientific has created other innovative teaching products to help students conduct scientific experiments. This one is different, according to company representatives, because there are no wires, thus improving measurement because there are fewer impediments to experiment outcomes.

Earlier this year, the Smart Cart was named a finalist in the Global Education Supplies and Solutions Innovation Product Award.

About the Author

Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.

Featured

  • Indianapolis Public Schools Adopt DreamBox Math

    Thanks to a new partnership with Discovery Education, all Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) K–8 students and teachers will gain access to DreamBox Math, which blends curriculum and continuous formative assessments that adapt to student needs to boost achievement.

  • The First Steps of Establishing Your Cloud Security Strategy

    In this guide, we'll identify some first steps you can take to establish your cloud security strategy. We'll do so by discussing the cloud security impact of individual, concrete actions featured within the CIS Critical Security Controls® (CIS Controls®) and the CIS Benchmarks™.

  • Google Brings Gemini AI to Teens in the Classroom

    Google is making its Gemini large language model available for free for students ages 13 and up in the United States (age minimums vary by country), via Google Workspace for Education accounts.

  • A top-down view of a person walking through a maze with walls made of glowing blue Wi-Fi symbols on dark pathways

    Navigating New E-Rate Rules for WiFi Hotspots

    Beginning in funding year 2025, WiFi hotspots will be eligible for E-rate Category One discounts. Here's what you need to know about your school's eligibility, funding caps, tracking requirements, and more.