TTS Log box

Verdict: An extremely good value logger. It does so much for the price and is worth looking into.

Available through TTS Active Science www.tts-group.co.uk

Lego Mindstorms for Schools

Verdict: An amazing control system with the ability to measure temperature and more in experiments. This is very different to most of the data logging kits we have used. It feels more in place in design and technology departments, primary and middle schools. A ground breaking device that enables anyone to built fascinating and sophisticated monitoring and control projects. A good choice for Primary schools and Design & Technology in secondary schools.

Lego have evolved the RCX, their intelligent brick into a wireless, remote-controlled data logger. Using Robolab software, Lego bricks and other materials, unique projects involving both control and monitoring are possible. Using an adaptor, the brick works with the full range of LogIT science sensors. Nice touches include pupils being able to save experiment reports as a set of web pages.

From RM www.rm.com

Intel Play Microscope

Verdict: although it will not substitute for a ‘real’ microscope there are enough uses of the Play Microscope to give secondary schools value for money.

Cons: The screen updates a bit slow and it is not the highest resolution microscope you can buy. Installation issues reported with the original software but later software exists – go to www.intel.com, click downloads and search for ‘microscope’. There's better, but not at this price e.g. Pupil Cam (from Economatics).

Now that thermometers and pH meters have gone electronic, it seems that it’s time for the microscope to do the same. The Intel PC microscope (TTS - Active Science) is an inexpensive unit that plugs into the computer and shows the view at up to 200 times magnification. The result, displayed on a regular PC monitor, makes pointing things out to a class unusually easy. It puts a stand-alone computer to good use, not least in helping pupils distinguish their eyelash from a root hair. The price is fair and the quality just good enough for the lower school.

Available through TTS Active Science www.tts-group.co.uk

Imagiworks - contact PASCO

Since Imagiworks were acquired by PASCO this paragraph needs updating. Imagiworks have a logging system based on 3Com’s Palm Pilot range. Aimed at scientists and education this could be the most compact system seen. If you plan to use Palm computers Imagiworks is the system is go for. At launch the system appeared not to support live logging of data to a graph, a point which spoiled a very good idea.

Available through PASCO www.pasco.com