CartData logger science experiment
Results
| Suitable for | |
| Ages 16 + | |
| KS 5 |
The traces reflect the filtering that occurs when multiple samples are aggregated, and the average taken - in effect this tends to smooth the readings out. When single sampling was tried in this location, the readings, and subsequent traces are very spiky, and it becomes difficult to see trends. In particular, passing traffic becomes much more obvious, as do discrete events in the vicinity of the sensor. In effect, it increases the sensitivity of the instrument.
Figure 3: Moved Avo 8 multimeter
Moved Avo shows the effect of nearby magnetic sources being moved - in this instance, an Avo 8 multimeter was moved slightly about 4 feet from the sensor. The dramatic effect is easily visible as a step in the output waveform.
Figure 4: Minor solar event
The sharp dip at 19:20 was recorded as possibly being the start of a solar storm, but proved to be a nothing more than a 'blip'.
Figure 5: Car moving and domestic noise
This shows the effect of a Ford Ka being moved from it's usual parking space in front of the house (about 100 feet from the sensor), and then replaced later. From the trace you can see the car made three journeys - one from approximately 08:00 to 08:45, another from 11:20 to 13:15 and a final journey from 15:15 to 16:30. Interestingly, an apparently larger Land Rover Discovery was parked in the same place during the period that the Ka was absent, but due to being made of aluminium, doesn't show on the trace.
Teachers notes
Safety issues:
Normal safety precautions should be observed.
Time required:
Ideally this experiment should be left running for an extended period of time.
Target age groups:
Age range: 16+
Science Key Stage(s): 5+
Curriculum comments:
Whilst not having an obvious place in GCSE, AS/A2 or AVCE curricula, some students may be interested in the use of this instrument to detect archaeological artefacts or to see how solar flare eruptions affect the Earth's magnetic field, its weather and radio reception. At degree level this instrument's use would be more widespread, utilising its capacity as an extremely sensitive detector and recorder of minute changes in magnetic field strength. Additionally the construction, operation and calibration would be of interest and use to those embarking on post-16 electronics and electronic engineering courses.
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