VenDASys – A Versatile Experimentation Platform for Educational Purposes

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper we present an approach to increase the interest of pupils and high school students in modern science and technology. To achieve this, we developed a versatile experimentation platform for the use in schools and school projects, called VenDASys (Versatile Control and Data Acquisition System). VenDASys allows the interfacing of individual (micro-)sensors or complete experimental set ups while minimizing the required electronics, which are often frustrating for students and teachers alike due to limited experience in this field. Thus, students (and teachers) can directly concentrate on and successfully deal with different sensors and experiments based on these sensors. We present the concept with an example project on blood pressure monitoring. Getting involved in comprehensible MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)-applications and solvable problems at a relatively early stage of their education will definitely increase the chances that high school students decide to choose a technical education later.

Ethernet and PC‐based experiments on barometric altimetry using MEMS in a wireless sensor network

“…This paper has presented an innovative training framework on barometric altimetry using MEMS pressure sensors. The proposed framework extends the prevailing experimentation methods on MEMS sensors (addressed for merely a detection and monitoring of the sensing element ), allowing the experimental observation of particular sensor characteristics that regularly demand an exceptionally expensive apparatus. The experimental platform is in line with a wireless sensor network system of PC‐based and Ethernet‐based user interface.…”

“…However, experimentation on MEMS pressure sensors requires a particularly expensive setup of hundred thousand dollars; that is, pressure controller, bottle nitrogen, pressure regulator, pressure chamber/manifold, as well as environmental chamber for temperature/humidity control. A worthwhile research approach presented by Sallier et al , addresses a cost‐effective experimentation platform that applies to MEMS sensors and a blood pressure monitoring example is proposed, as well. Unfortunately, plain monitoring examples do not expose students to the exploration of particular sensor characteristics, which constitutes an essential area under discussion on MEMS training.…”

“…It is worth noting that it is out intension to avoid task involvement with hardware implementations and/or software configurations and keep students concentrated on problem solving and data analysis processes. The need of minimizing students' occupation in the experimental setup in order to avoid drawing their attention away from the goal of the course, if often posed in the literature [18,19]. Thus, the proposed training framework is directed with systematic attention, so as it could be straightforwardly adopted by a variety of academic disciplines (of which students may not have the appropriate background on software/hardware activities but physics experiments, for instance, are considered necessary for education practices).…”

Calibration of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensors by High School Students

“…In addition to the reduction in personnel expenditure -only one or two tutors are required per class -these kind of learning courses also have the advantage of making use of modern learning media. Graphics and videos as well as running simulations and viewing animations help to achieve better learning success [18]. Working with the PC also increases the motivation of the students [19].…”

Edaq530: a transparent, open-end and open-source measurement solution in natural science education

“…Independent developments [10][11][12][13][14] are somewhere in between. Though they cannot compete with professional solutions in terms of background infrastructure and product support, they are often developed by dedicated experts who also use them during their main field of activity, thus they have a more direct link between use and design in their favour.…”