The technology to be used for Carrie’s Fellowship will consist of handheld computers and assorted probes which attach to them. The scope of the project is essentially taking readings and measurements in a non-invasive, environmentally friendly and simple manner, then–making use of data-logging features of the handheld computers–recording those readings and measurements.

The recorded data will be stored for later analysis and integration into lesson plans that will be presented to students and for training other educators on the use of the equipment.

Technology Overview For The Fellowship

Devices To Be Used

Vernier Labquest Handheld Comptuers

The Labquest handhelds by Vernier are some of the most popular data-logging interfaces for educators and students. They offer many features, such as: easy logging, built-in graphing and analysis software, a wide range of sensors and probes, convenient touch screen control features and can be used in conjunction with a laptop/desktop computer or as stand-alone devices for fieldwork.

Vernier Probes

List with descriptions will be posted soon…

Garmin eTrex Venture HC

The eTrex Venture HC is a handheld GPS unit, typical of the kind popular among outdoors enthusiasts of all sorts. It’s manufactured by Garmin and has a lot of great features. One key feature pertinent to the technology needs of this project is that it is compatible with the Vernier Logger Lite and Logger Pro software that will be installed on a notebook computer for use in the field.

This gives the eTrex Venture HC additional value beyond providing the ability to locate oneself in the wilderness or to download detailed maps for navigational purposes. It can be used in place of a GPS probe for geo-tagging collected data. This allows for importing the data into GIS applications for various analytical purposes, a very helpful feature indeed!

Acer Aspire AS1410-2954

This is the notebook we’re taking to Yellowstone, chosen for a variety of features. For one, the Acer Aspire AS1410-2954 is quite a compact unit, even with an 11.6″ display. It’s only slightly bigger than most netbooks (and as small as some netbooks with a 10″ screen) but offers a full size keyboard and is only 1.2″ thick. It weighs in at 3 lbs, an important consideration for something to be carried while backpacking the backcountry.

The proposal initially called for an Asus netbook that featured a solid-state drive (for durability, SSD just can’t be beat), but a few issues necessitated a change in plans between time the Fellowship proposal was conceived and the time of purchase. The Acer has three USB ports, a 5-in-1 media card reader (the Vernier Labquests allow for SD/MMC media card storage, which provides a handy means for a redundant data transfer/backup option in the event of a USB cable failure), an ultra low voltage processor and 6 cell battery (both important for extended use).

Samsung HMX-H100N HD Camcorder

Description will be posted soon…