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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.

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