7 Real Time Data Online Science Investigations
Project-Based Learning Designed to Develop Quantitative Skills
Using real time data for developing quantitative literacy in project-based learning science activities focuses on students’ ability to use critical thinking and mathematical reasoning skills to draw sound conclusions during science investigations. While quantitative skills are used heavily in math and science, it is not exclusive to either content area. It is a necessary skill used for decision-making and an ability to understand data by applying numerical insight into experimental findings.
Project-based learning using real time data has the capacity to allow students to become comfortable with numerical data and to use the data in meaningful ways. This is particularly crucial when students analyze large sets of numerical data collected in science investigations, along with developing the ability to draw well reasoned conclusions.
Real time data are typically recorded at 15-60 minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to a central data collection site every one to four hours. This is strictly dependent on the type of data collected and relay technique used to transmit the data. For example, data are relayed to United States Geological Survey offices via satellite, telephone, and radio allowing data access within minutes of arrival.
Science Activities and Investigations
Online real time data project-based learning science investigations rely on data collected using a wide range of devices and techniques. The following are sample online projects designed for middle school and high school science students.
Gulf Stream Voyage Project – this is an online multidisciplinary project which is designed to take advantage of the latest applications of educational technology. In particular, this real time data project requires students access real time data, interact with experts online, and publish their own work to the project web site. Students investigate the Gulf Stream current, how it affects the Atlantic Ocean, and some of mankind's experiences dealing with this current. This voyage includes activities for marine science, earth science, chemistry, physics, biology, math, and more.
Air Pollution: What is the Solution? Project – this online project focuses on outdoor air pollution and factors that contribute to its formation, along with the health effects from breathing polluted air. Students use real time data in the science activities, animated online maps, and monitor air pollution. Students are challenged to use critical thinking skills in trying to solve the problems associated with air pollution.
Navigational Vectors Project – in this online project-based learning investigation students learn to navigate the skies like pilots. The science activities are designed to help students learn the principles of aviation navigation using real time data. Students learn how to use vectors, read real time weather maps, and track real planes flying in U.S. skies.
Tsunami Surge Project – this online project requires students to use real time data from online sources to solve problems related to Tsunami warnings. Students are challenged to use critical thinking skills in learning how to understand, predict, and provide warnings about this powerful force of nature.
Musical Plates: A Study Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics Project – this online project studies Earthquakes using scientific and physical phenomenon to determine how they may affect student lives. Students use real time earthquake and volcano data from online sources to explore the relationship between earthquakes, plate tectonics, and volcanoes.
Additional information regarding these and more real time data science investigations is available at the Center for Engineering and Science Education.
Additional Science Projects
More middle school and high school online science projects include:
Ocean Tides and Types Project – in this online project students use real time data to access tidal information from selected locations as they use problem solving and science process skills to analyze the data. Students use tidal data to determine the types of tides and make predictions of high and low tide occurrences.
Tropical Atmospheric Ocean Project – this online project uses real time data from moored ocean buoys for improved detection, understanding, and prediction of El Niño and La Niña. The project uses approximately 70 buoys in the Tropical Pacific Ocean which transmit oceanographic and meteorological data to shore stations via satellite.
Making Connections With Real Time Data and Project-Based Learning
Teaching science using project-based learning science activities is a dynamic approach in which students explore real world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students develop a better understanding of science concepts as they use online technology to investigate online science projects.
These project-based learning science activities provide the opportunities for middle and high school science students to hone their quantitative skills, along with scientific method and problem solving skills. Science investigations that use online science activities help students learn how to view science as a way of thinking and not a subject that only requires memorization of facts.
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