ROSEVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When students think and act like real scientists, instead of just reading about science, they improve their understanding and develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This week PASCO® Scientific introduces the newest addition to its line of award-winning solutions for hands-on, inquiry-based science: the SPARK Element. PASCO will debut the handheld science learning device this week at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) 2015 National Conference, which runs March 12–15 in Chicago.
The SPARK Element is a rugged, water-resistant, lightweight, and portable device designed specifically for today’s science classrooms. The Android-based handheld is engineered with a multi-touch display and high-def camera, as well as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® connectivity. It comes pre-loaded with SPARKvue®, PASCO’s award-winning science learning application for sensor-based data collection, sharing, visualization, and analysis. SPARKvue is available in 28 languages, and with it students can connect science theory to practice as they design and carry out experiments, graph and analyze their data, and share their lab experience in real time.
The SPARK Element includes interactive science lab activities to guide students through the process of inquiry and investigation and promote critical thinking and group discussion. In addition, the dedicated science learning device features a built-in accelerometer and a sound sensor, and it can connect to over 80 all-digital PASPORT sensors. For convenient use inside and outside the classroom, the SPARK Element includes a smart cover, which can be used to protect the screen or device by elevating it off the lab surface.
“The SPARK Element provides an affordable solution for teachers looking for a dedicated science-learning device that’s built for the rigors of the classroom and the excitement of inquiry-based learning,” said Steven Korte, CEO of PASCO. “It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s lightweight so students can carry it in the field as they engage in real-world science and build their science literacy.”
The SPARK Element will be available in June 2015.
For more information, visit www.pasco.com.