Equipment List

While intended for the Nintendo Wii, these handheld devices can be connected to any bluetooth-equipped computer. They sport an impressive array of sensors and indicators including: 3-axis accelerometer, infrared camera, buttons, indicator lights, vibration, and built-in speaker. We primarily use the WiiMotes for physics experiments and for gauging acceleration values of the human body and sports equipment.

The Wii Balance board works similarly to a WiiMote - it can connect to any bluetooth-enabled computer. It senses both weight and center of gravity for the person standing on top of it.

These USB Memory sticks are pre-loaded with WiiPhysics and Scratch software. They can be used to run those programs on computers which have been locked down by school IT staff.

These USB devices allow computers not equipped with bluetooth (which is most school computers) to connect to WiiMotes and other bluetooth devices. Not all of the dongles work with all computers - be sure to test beforehand!

This sophisticated sensor package uses an infrared laser to scan across the scene before it, and captures the resulting reflections with an infrared camera. The result is an image containing the depth of all objects in the scene, which can then be used with Kinect's skeletal mapping recognition software to identify the positions the people in front of it are standing in. The Kinect is also equipped with a 3D microphone array, a regular CCD camera, and actuators to adjust the device's aim. It can be attached to any computer with a USB port, and Microsoft publishes a software development kit that allows custom programs to be written for using it.

This USB extension cable can be used to better position the Kinect at some distance from the computer running it.

This motion sensor is built by Vernier, and works with a computer with the Logger Lite software installed (software install disc is with the sensor). It can also be used with Vernier data loggers, but we do not have the necessary cables.

These temperature probes record temperature over time, and when the experiment is completed, the data can be downloaded from the built-in USB drive.

These Lego kits can be used to build a variety of programmable robots.

This set of green glass prisms includes double convex lens, double concave lens, semi-circular lens, trapezoidal prism, small right angle prism, equilaterial prism and large right angle refraction prism.

Base station receives temperature updates from remote thermometer.

These Garmin devices are perfect for geocaching and GPS activities.

These water rockets can be used for hands-on acceleration and pressure lessons.

Used in conjunction with a mounted WiiMote and with an elastic cord providing thrust, these monster trucks can be used to demonstrate principles of acceleration and velocity. Elastic chords also available.

This cell phone can be used to develop cell phone apps. We also have access to an Android phone.

These wrist-worn GPS receivers can be used to record global position in terms of time. The resulting files can be downloaded to a PC and be used as raw data, displayed as a graph, or used in conjunction with Google Maps or Google Earth to plot routes. The watches also support collecting heart and step rates with accessory heart monitor straps and foot pods (see separate entries in the equipment section).

Used in conjunction with a GARMIN Forerunner, these straps record heart rate data which can be downloaded from the Forerunner.

These clip-on devices measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation in the bloodstream.

The PicoBoard allows you to create interactions with various sensors. Using the Scratch programming language, you can easily create simple interactive programs based on the input from sensors. The PicoBoard incorporates a light sensor, sound sensor, a button and a slider, as well as 4 additional inputs that can sense electrical resistance via included cables.

Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple i/o board and a development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language. It can also be used via Scratch using modified firmware via Scratch For Arduino (S4A). Arduino can be used to develop stand-alone interactive objects or can be connected to software on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP, S4A). The open-source IDE can be downloaded for free (currently for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux).

The Finch is a new robot for computer science education. Its design is the result of a four year study at Carnegie Mellon's CREATE lab. The Finch is designed to support an engaging introduction to the art of programming. It has support for over a dozen programming languages and environments, including several environments appropriate for students as young as eight years old. The Finch was designed to allow students to write richly interactive programs. On-board features include: Light, temperature, and obstacle sensors Accelerometers Motors Buzzer Full-color beak LED Pen mount for drawing capability Plugs into USB port - no batteries required The Finch is manufactured under license from Carnegie Mellon University.