Start with the quantity
Which variable actually answers your question?
IB Mathematics · Experiments and measurement data
Choose measurement tools that match the mathematical question.
From rulers and thermometers to data loggers, video analysis, CO₂ sensors and Python - with data types, mathematics, topic examples and limitations.
Choose equipment purposefully
Measurement tools for IB Mathematics experiments
Measuring equipment does not automatically make an IA strong. The measured quantity must match the research question, the data must be reproducible, and you must explain resolution, accuracy, uncertainty and limitations. This guide connects common devices with mathematical methods and possible topic directions.
Separate resolution and accuracy
A display in 0.1 increments does not automatically prove ±0.1 accuracy.
Calibrate and pilot
Run a short pilot before collecting the full series.
Repeat
Multiple trials reveal variation, outliers and uncertainty.
Preserve raw data
Keep original files, settings and timestamps traceable.
Safety and privacy
Heat, electricity, sport, personal or health data require additional safeguards.
From device to research question
Plan the variable, sampling interval and analysis together.
- Question: Which relationship or model will be investigated?
- Measurement plan: Which values, intervals, controls and repetitions are needed?
- Mathematics: Which functions, regressions, distributions or optimisations answer the question?
- Reflection: How do measurement error and model assumptions affect the result?
26 original photos · 25 product cards
Real devices and experimental setups
All photographs below come from the supplied equipment collection. Each product includes possible measurements, suitable mathematical methods, concrete topic ideas and notes for a reproducible and safe setup.
Basic measurement
Measuring length, mass and volume
Oudtinz_Digital_Caliper_plusmin02.jpegBasic measurement
Oudtinz digital calliper
What you can do with it
A digital calliper can measure outside dimensions, inside dimensions, depth and small diameters. It is especially useful when millimetres or tenths of a millimetre matter for a geometric model, a density calculation or a tolerance study.
- Typical data
- Length, diameter, thickness, depth and repeated measurement variation
- Mathematics
- Geometry · volume models · regression · error propagation
Example topics
- Volume and surface area of irregular components
- Manufacturing tolerances in 3D-printed parts
- Relationship between diameter and load capacity
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Check the zero before each series, use the same measuring position and do not treat display resolution as guaranteed accuracy.
DIPSE_TP_500_001.jpegBasic measurement
DIPSE TP-500 digital scale
What you can do with it
This compact digital scale can provide mass series for evaporation, density, filter residue, material absorption or small components. Combined with time measurements, it produces curves from which rates, means, variation and model parameters can be estimated.
- Typical data
- Mass, change in mass, density, loss or absorption rate
- Mathematics
- Linear and exponential regression · statistics · differentiation
Example topics
- Evaporation rate of different liquids
- Water absorption of different materials
- Density of solutions at varied concentration
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Tare before every run, avoid drafts, use the same container and stay within the permitted weighing range.
Messzylinder_Labor_Set.jpegBasic measurement
Measuring-cylinder and laboratory set
What you can do with it
Measuring cylinders and pipettes help set volumes and concentrations reproducibly. They support mathematical comparisons of mixtures, density, flow, drainage time or the effect of different liquid volumes.
- Typical data
- Volume, concentration, density, flow rate and reading error
- Mathematics
- Proportionality · regression · differential equations · uncertainty
Example topics
- Outlet area and drainage time
- Sugar concentration and flow rate
- Density of water–ethanol mixtures
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Read the meniscus at eye level. Use suitable vessels and school supervision for hot liquids or chemicals.
Temperature and environment
Temperature and indoor environment
Elitech_Tlog100EC_Temp-85+150_DataExport.jpegTemperature and environment
Elitech Tlog100EC temperature data logger
What you can do with it
A temperature data logger records values automatically at fixed intervals and is therefore suitable for long or finely resolved time series. Data export supports reproducible regressions, residual plots and comparisons between experimental conditions.
- Typical data
- Temperature, timestamps, rate of change, extrema and time constants
- Mathematics
- Exponential models · regression · time series · residual analysis
Example topics
- Newton’s law of cooling for drinks
- Insulating effect of different containers
- Daily cycle of indoor or outdoor temperature
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Document the interval, sensor position, response time and calibration; test the export before the main experiment.
AZDelivery_1M_DS18B20_Temperatursensor_wasserdicht_Raspberry.jpegTemperature and environment
AZDelivery DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor
What you can do with it
This digital probe can record continuous temperature data with a Raspberry Pi or microcontroller. Multiple sensors enable spatial comparisons within a liquid, across material layers or along a heat-conduction path.
- Typical data
- Temperature time series and temperature differences between positions
- Mathematics
- Differential equations · heat-conduction models · regression · calibration
Example topics
- Temperature gradient inside a vessel
- Cooling at different probe positions
- Heat conduction through different materials
Practice and safety
Find related topics →The probe may be protected, but its electrical connections are not automatically waterproof. Keep electronics dry and compare sensors with a reference thermometer.
UNI_T_Pro_UTi260A_Thermal_Imager_Device.jpeg
UNI_T_Pro_UTi260A_Thermal_Imager.jpegTemperature and environment
UNI-T Pro UTi260A thermal imager
What you can do with it
A thermal camera provides a spatial temperature distribution rather than a single value. This allows analysis of areas, gradients, hot spots and their development over time.
- Typical data
- Temperature fields, maxima, minima, area fractions and image sequences
- Mathematics
- Image analysis · area integration · regression · heat-flow models
Example topics
- Cooling of different cup surfaces
- Thermal bridges around windows or enclosures
- Temperature distribution of a heat sink over time
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Emissivity, reflections, distance and viewing angle affect results. Do not record people without consent or draw medical conclusions.
Dostmann_CO2_0_3000ppm.jpegTemperature and environment
Dostmann CO₂ meter, 0–3000 ppm
What you can do with it
The meter can record or support regular readings of indoor CO₂ concentration. Rise and decay curves are suitable for exponential models, air-exchange rates and comparisons of ventilation conditions.
- Typical data
- CO₂ concentration, rise rate, decay constant and time to thresholds
- Mathematics
- Exponential functions · differential equations · multiple regression · time series
Example topics
- Window opening and CO₂ decay
- Number of occupants and CO₂ rise
- Single-sided versus cross ventilation
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Never deliberately enrich a room with CO₂ or seal it with occupants. Document warm-up time, position and possible sensor drift.
Electrical measurement and sensors
Electricity, force and sound
TriField_TF2_EMF_MAG_RF.jpegElectrical measurement and sensors
TriField TF2 EMF, magnetic-field and RF meter
What you can do with it
This handheld meter can investigate relative changes in electric, magnetic and radio-frequency fields. A strong IA should focus on one mode at a time and control geometry, distance, orientation and background readings consistently.
- Typical data
- Field strength, distance, angle, background reading and spatial profiles
- Mathematics
- Power functions · trigonometry · regression · uncertainty analysis
Example topics
- Magnetic-field strength versus distance
- Field component at different angles
- Passive radio attenuation by materials
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Use passive measurements only. Do not open high-voltage equipment or use radio jammers; record background values before each series.
HX711_Gewichtssensor_5kg_Arduino.jpegElectrical measurement and sensors
HX711 5 kg load cell with Arduino interface
What you can do with it
A load cell with an HX711 converter produces digital raw values that are calibrated using known masses. It can measure static forces, load distributions or slow force–time curves and is well suited to student-built sensor systems.
- Typical data
- Raw signal, calibrated mass or force, hysteresis and repeatability
- Mathematics
- Linear calibration · regression · statistics · error analysis
Example topics
- Calibration curve of a load cell
- Breaking load of small model components
- Force distribution for different geometries
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Use only small, safe loads, mount the sensor securely and never exceed its rated range.
Tonor_TC30_USB_50HZ_20KHZ_48KHZ_32DB.jpegElectrical measurement and sensors
TONOR TC30 USB microphone
What you can do with it
The USB microphone can provide recordings for frequency spectra, resonance, attenuation, reverberation and pitch analysis. Keep distance, level and the recording setup constant and use suitable FFT or spectral-analysis software.
- Typical data
- Audio waveform, frequency, amplitude, decibel values and reverberation time
- Mathematics
- Fourier analysis · sinusoidal models · logarithmic scales · regression
Example topics
- Resonant frequency of tubes
- Sound attenuation by different materials
- Reverberation time in differently furnished rooms
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Keep sound levels moderate, control automatic gain where possible and do not record conversations without consent.
Cooler_Master_12V_DC_Luefter_3Pin_Axial.jpegElectrical measurement and sensors
Cooler Master 12 V DC 3-pin axial fan
What you can do with it
A controllable fan can create reproducible airflow for cooling, evaporation or sensor-position experiments. Speed or supply voltage becomes the independent variable while temperature, mass or flow is measured.
- Typical data
- Rotational speed, voltage, current, temperature change and evaporation rate
- Mathematics
- Regression · optimisation · exponential models · dimensional analysis
Example topics
- Airflow and cooling constant
- Fan voltage and evaporation rate
- Rotational speed and electrical power demand
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Guard the rotor, use a stable 12 V supply and keep loose objects away from the intake.
Positioning and communication
Position, radio and mobile measurement
Recta_Spiegelkompass_DP10.jpegPositioning and communication
Recta DP10 mirror compass
What you can do with it
A mirror compass supports accurate direction and angle measurements outdoors. Combined with a tape measure, map or GPS, it enables studies of bearings, triangulation, route deviation and propagated error.
- Typical data
- Azimuth, angle, direction, distance and positional deviation
- Mathematics
- Trigonometry · vectors · triangulation · error propagation
Example topics
- Position determination from two bearings
- Difference between compass and GPS direction
- Optimal route planning with direction changes
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Keep away from metal, magnets and electronics. Consider declination and repeat each bearing.
ARCELI_VK_162_GPS_Raspberry5.jpegPositioning and communication
ARCELI VK-162 GPS module for Raspberry Pi 5
What you can do with it
The GPS module can provide position, time and—depending on software—speed. A Raspberry Pi can automate sampling and store raw data for routes, movement profiles and spatial variation.
- Typical data
- Latitude, longitude, time, speed, distance and positional spread
- Mathematics
- Vectors · Haversine distance · statistics · time series
Example topics
- GPS spread at a fixed point
- Speed profile along a cycling route
- Measured versus mapped route length
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Measure outdoors and safely away from traffic. Anonymise location data and do not publish private home or movement profiles.
ARCELI_VK_162_USB_GPS_Raspberry5.jpegPositioning and communication
ARCELI VK-162 USB GPS receiver
What you can do with it
The USB version can be used with a Raspberry Pi or computer as an external GNSS receiver. It suits reproducible comparisons between locations, antenna positions or levels of obstruction.
- Typical data
- Position fix, accuracy estimate, satellite status, time and speed
- Mathematics
- Descriptive statistics · error ellipse · regression · geometry
Example topics
- Effect of buildings on GPS spread
- Comparison of antenna positions
- Position error versus observation duration
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Use a fixed mount and identical observation periods. Store location data securely and with appropriate privacy safeguards.
ESP32_S3_SIM7670_4G_LTE_WIFI_BT_GNSS_CAM.jpegPositioning and communication
ESP32-S3 with SIM7670, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS and camera
What you can do with it
This combined board can connect mobile sensor stations, GPS logging, image capture and data transmission. An IA should focus on one clearly defined chain, such as GNSS accuracy, transmission time or energy demand.
- Typical data
- Position, time, signal parameters, images, sensor data and transfer duration
- Mathematics
- Time series · regression · network analysis · energy and error budgets
Example topics
- GNSS accuracy in different environments
- Signal quality and transmission time
- Energy demand of a mobile data logger
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Consider mobile-data costs and privacy. Do not record people without consent; connect antennas and power correctly.
Huawei_LTE_USB_E3372_Raspberry.jpegPositioning and communication
Huawei E3372 LTE USB modem for Raspberry Pi
What you can do with it
The LTE modem can support defined data transfers over a mobile network. This allows comparisons of throughput, latency, signal conditions and energy use without actively interfering with radio networks.
- Typical data
- Transfer time, throughput, latency, packet loss and possible signal metrics
- Mathematics
- Statistics · regression · queueing models · time series
Example topics
- Wi-Fi versus mobile data for the same transfer
- Signal quality and transfer duration
- Time of day and mobile throughput
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Run passive tests only within your own data plan. Do not use jammers or publish credentials or precise private locations.
Laboratory setup
Experimental setup and electronics
QWORK_Clips_Reifen_Schwenkklemme.jpegLaboratory setup
QWORK laboratory stand with clips and swivel clamp
What you can do with it
A stand keeps a sensor, camera, coil, tube or sample in a fixed position. It turns a difficult hand-held setup into controlled geometry, reducing variation and enabling fair comparisons.
- Typical data
- Fixed positions, distances, angles and repeatable experimental geometry
- Mathematics
- Experimental design · geometry · uncertainty analysis · reproducibility
Example topics
- Magnetic field along a fixed axis
- Sensor height and CO₂ reading
- Drop or pendulum motion with a fixed camera
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Tighten clamps, secure the centre of mass and avoid crushing glass or sensors. Photograph the setup before each series.
CFH_Elektroniklot_52325_Sn60Pb38Cu2.jpegLaboratory setup
CFH electronics solder 52325 Sn60Pb38Cu2
What you can do with it
Electronics solder is not a measuring device, but it can support permanent sensor and data-logger assemblies. Stable connections reduce contact faults that might otherwise appear as measurement variation.
- Typical data
- No direct measurement; supports reliable electrical connections
- Mathematics
- Measurement-chain analysis · troubleshooting · reproducibility
Example topics
- Building a DS18B20 temperature logger
- Calibrating an HX711 load cell
- ESP32 environmental sensor station
Practice and safety
Find related topics →The stated alloy contains lead. Use only with expert supervision, ventilation, protective measures and careful hygiene; prefer lead-free alternatives for school projects.
Computing platforms
Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers and local AI
Freenove_ESP32_CAM_Board32Bit_240MHz_Mikrocontroller_Cam_WiFi_BT_Temp_Sensor_Python.jpegComputing platforms
Freenove ESP32-CAM experimental board with sensors
What you can do with it
This assembled ESP32-CAM system can capture timed images, simple sensor logs and automated experiments. Python or microcontroller code can control intervals, filenames and data transfer reproducibly.
- Typical data
- Image sequences, temperature readings, timestamps and digital or analogue sensor signals
- Mathematics
- Image analysis · regression · time series · algorithms
Example topics
- Dye dispersion in water using image analysis
- Automated temperature logging
- Determining object motion from image sequences
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Document the setup and code version. Point cameras only at the experiment and protect electrical contacts from liquids.
Raspberry_5_8GB_Case_Power_Fan.jpegComputing platforms
Raspberry Pi 5, 8 GB, case, power supply and fan
What you can do with it
A complete Raspberry Pi system can sample several sensors, store measurement files and run Python analyses. It is particularly useful for long-term observations and reproducible automated procedures.
- Typical data
- Any connected sensor data, timestamps, system data and runtime metrics
- Mathematics
- Python · time series · regression · simulation · automation
Example topics
- 24-hour temperature and CO₂ logging
- GPS logging at fixed intervals
- Automated image analysis of an experiment
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Test stable power, cooling and file permissions. Document code, library versions and time base; back up raw data regularly.
RaspberryPi5_8GB_Case_KKSB_HAT8GB_Cooler.jpegComputing platforms
Raspberry Pi 5 with KKSB case, HAT and cooling
What you can do with it
The enclosure and cooling setup supports longer computation and measurement runs, where thermal throttling can itself become a variable. HAT expansions may provide additional sensors or accelerators.
- Typical data
- CPU temperature, clock rate, runtime, power demand and sensor data
- Mathematics
- Regression · optimisation · time series · performance models
Example topics
- Cooling and runtime for the same Python task
- CPU temperature and clock frequency
- Long-term stability of a sensor logger
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Keep airflow clear and log temperatures. Power down before assembly and avoid short circuits on exposed contacts.
RaspberryPi5_AI_HAT2+8GB_.jpegComputing platforms
Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ with an 8 GB setup
What you can do with it
An AI accelerator can run local image or sensor classification. A mathematical study should examine not only accuracy, but also confusion matrices, runtime, energy use and the effect of thresholds.
- Typical data
- Class probabilities, runtime, error classes and system load
- Mathematics
- Statistics · confusion matrices · optimisation · regression and classification metrics
Example topics
- Local image classification at different resolutions
- Threshold versus precision and recall
- Model size, runtime and energy use
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Use only owned or lawfully licensed data. Separate training and test sets and never classify people covertly.
RaspberryPi5_AI_HAT8GB+2HAILO.jpegComputing platforms
Raspberry Pi AI HAT / Hailo experimental setup
What you can do with it
The photographed setup can support comparisons of local accelerators or model variants. An IA can examine how frame rate, latency, accuracy and energy demand change on the same data set.
- Typical data
- Inference time, frames per second, classification metrics and power demand
- Mathematics
- Descriptive statistics · hypothesis tests · optimisation · efficiency metrics
Example topics
- Accelerator comparison using the same model
- Batch size and inference latency
- Accuracy versus computational speed
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Document exact hardware and software versions. Compare only under identical inputs, resolutions and measurement conditions.
Data storage
Backups and large measurement series
Sabrent_USB3_SATA.jpegData storage
Sabrent USB 3 SATA docking station
What you can do with it
The docking station is not a sensor, but it supports structured backup of large video, audio, thermal-image and measurement data sets. It can also support a technical comparison of copy time, file size and throughput.
- Typical data
- File size, transfer time, throughput, checksum and backup status
- Mathematics
- Data rates · linear models · statistics · reproducibility
Example topics
- File size and backup duration
- Video resolution and storage requirement
- Interface comparison with identical files
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Check the drive and backup before insertion, avoid accidental formatting and encrypt or anonymise personal data.
KingSpec_SSD_1TB_.jpegData storage
KingSpec 1 TB SSD
What you can do with it
An SSD can keep raw data and analysis versions separate. It supports traceable versioning in data-intensive projects; read/write rate or file-size behaviour can also become a technical study.
- Typical data
- Storage demand, file-transfer time, throughput and checksums
- Mathematics
- Ratios · regression · variation · efficiency metrics
Example topics
- Storage demand of different image formats
- Transfer rate versus file size
- Compression and quality metrics for measurement video
Practice and safety
Find related topics →Maintain at least one additional backup. Do not store confidential student or location data unencrypted.
Basic measurements
Basic measurements
Ruler, tape measure, calliper and protractor
What you can do with it
Use these tools to measure length, diameter, thickness, angle and geometric distance. A calliper is valuable when millimetres or tenths of a millimetre matter; a protractor supports projectile, light, solar and slope experiments.
- Typical data
- Length, angle, area, volume, ratio, measurement error
- Mathematics
- Geometry · Trigonometry · Regression · uncertainty
Example topics
- Paper-aeroplane trajectory at different launch angles
- Volume of irregular or solids-of-revolution objects
- Solar-cell output as a function of incidence angle
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Record resolution and measurement method. Repeat readings and keep the same reference points.
Scale and precision balance
What you can do with it
A kitchen scale is sufficient for gram-level readings; a precision balance is better for evaporation, filter residue, electrodes or small material samples. Mass time series can be analysed with linear, exponential or piecewise models.
- Typical data
- Mass, mass change, density, loss rate
- Mathematics
- Regression · calculus · statistics · uncertainty
Example topics
- Evaporation rate of different liquids
- Density of wood, plastics or solutions
- Mass gained by filters or water absorbed by materials
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Use the same container, tare before each run, and protect the balance from draughts and splashes.
Measuring cylinder, pipette and lab vessels
What you can do with it
Measuring cylinders provide reproducible volumes; pipettes are useful for small, accurately dispensed quantities. They support concentration series, density measurements and controlled flow or mixing experiments.
- Typical data
- Volume, concentration, flow, density
- Mathematics
- Proportionality · regression · differential equations · uncertainty
Example topics
- Drainage time for different outlet areas
- Density of water–ethanol mixtures
- Effect of sugar concentration on flow rate
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Read the meniscus at eye level. Chemicals and hot liquids require appropriate school-lab supervision and protection.
Stopwatch, timer and light gate
What you can do with it
Time measurement is central to motion, reaction, cooling, oscillation, flow and decay. A phone timer is enough for slow processes; video or a light gate is much better for short intervals.
- Typical data
- Time, period, travel time, reaction time
- Mathematics
- Kinematics · regression · statistics · periodicity
Example topics
- Pendulum period as a function of length
- Flow or drainage times
- Learning curves and reaction-time distributions
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Separate device resolution from human reaction delay. Manual timing requires many repetitions.
Temperature, light and environment
Temperature, light and environment
Contact thermometer and temperature data logger
What you can do with it
A contact probe measures the temperature of an object, liquid or the air at the sensor. Data loggers record at fixed intervals, making them ideal for cooling, conduction, insulation and daily cycles.
- Typical data
- Temperature, temperature difference, rate of change, time constant
- Mathematics
- Exponentials · differential equations · regression · residual analysis
Example topics
- Newton cooling of drinks
- Insulation performance of cup materials
- Temperature profiles in rooms or soil samples
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Check immersion depth, response time and calibration. A liquid probe should not touch the vessel wall.
IR thermometer and thermal camera
What you can do with it
An IR thermometer measures surface temperature at a point without contact. A thermal camera produces spatial temperature fields for profiles, area means, cooling curves and image analysis.
- Typical data
- Surface temperature, temperature field, hotspots, spatial gradient
- Mathematics
- Regression · area analysis · interpolation · calculus
Example topics
- Heat distribution around bearings after motion
- Cooling of different cup surfaces
- Comparison of insulation materials or windows
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Emissivity, reflections and distance affect readings. Do not infer medical diagnoses from skin images; anonymise any personal imagery.
Humidity, material-moisture and weather instruments
What you can do with it
Hygrometers, moisture sensors, anemometers, rain gauges and pressure sensors create environmental time series suitable for multiple regression, seasonal patterns and controlled comparisons.
- Typical data
- Relative humidity, wind, precipitation, pressure, material moisture
- Mathematics
- Time series · multiple regression · statistics · periodicity
Example topics
- Humidity and evaporation rate
- Local wind and heat loss
- Material moisture and Wi-Fi attenuation
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Do not expose sensors to sun or rain unless rated for it. Document a constant location and measurement height.
Lux meter, light sensor and solar sensor
What you can do with it
Lux meters measure illuminance; suitable solar sensors or multimeters can measure electrical output. They support inverse-distance models, angle of incidence, shading and daily cycles.
- Typical data
- Lux, irradiance, voltage, power, angle
- Mathematics
- Trigonometry · power models · regression · optimisation
Example topics
- Solar-cell output at different angles
- Light intensity and plant response
- Illuminance distribution in classrooms
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Lux is weighted to human vision and is not identical to radiant power. Control sensor orientation and ambient light.
Electrical, mechanical and acoustic
Electrical, mechanical and acoustic
Multimeter and electrical meters
What you can do with it
A multimeter measures voltage, current and resistance. With a defined load it can support battery-discharge, internal-resistance, solar-cell and sensor-response investigations.
- Typical data
- Voltage, current, resistance, power, energy
- Mathematics
- Functions · regression · integration · optimisation
Example topics
- Battery discharge curves
- Internal resistance versus temperature
- Solar-cell power versus light angle and distance
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Use only safe low-voltage circuits. Connect current ranges correctly; mains electricity is not suitable for a student experiment.
Force sensor, spring balance and torque sensor
What you can do with it
These devices measure tension, compression, spring force and sometimes torque. Typical uses include Hooke’s law, friction, failure load, levers and optimisation of mechanical models.
- Typical data
- Force, extension, friction, breaking load, torque
- Mathematics
- Linear regression · optimisation · mechanics · uncertainty
Example topics
- Spring constant and working range
- Friction coefficient of different materials
- Bending or breaking load of standard samples
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Do not exceed rated loads. Fracture tests need eye protection, containment and competent supervision.
Microphone, sound-level meter and audio analysis
What you can do with it
Microphones provide waveforms and spectra; sound-level meters report levels in decibels. Software supports Fourier analysis, resonance, attenuation and reverberation time.
- Typical data
- Frequency, amplitude, decibels, spectrum, reverberation time
- Mathematics
- Sinusoids · Fourier analysis · logarithmic models · regression
Example topics
- Resonance frequency of tubes
- Sound attenuation by materials
- Overtones of musical instruments
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Keep microphone position and gain fixed. Protect hearing and avoid unnecessary sound levels.
Phone, camera and tracking
Phone, camera and tracking
Camera and smartphone for photo/video analysis
What you can do with it
Video makes position, angle and time measurable frame by frame. Photographs support area fractions, symmetry, fractals, perspective and spatial interpolation. Include a calibration length in the image.
- Typical data
- Pixel coordinates, distance, velocity, angle, area
- Mathematics
- Kinematics · regression · geometry · image analysis
Example topics
- Trajectory of a ball or paper aeroplane
- Rotational motion in sport
- Bubble fraction, leaf area or filter area from images
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Fix the camera, control perspective and record the frame rate. Obtain consent before recording people.
Phone sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer
What you can do with it
Many phones record acceleration, angular velocity and magnetic field. This supports oscillation, rotation, travel, inclination and relative field measurements.
- Typical data
- Acceleration, angular velocity, orientation, magnetic field
- Mathematics
- Vectors · periodicity · integration · power models
Example topics
- Damping of a pendulum or vehicle
- Magnetic field strength versus distance
- Acceleration profiles during motion
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Document sensor axes and sampling rate, subtract background values and secure the phone safely.
GPS device and fitness tracker
What you can do with it
GPS and trackers provide position, distance, speed, elevation, time and sometimes heart rate. They support real motion datasets, routes, elevation profiles and statistical comparisons.
- Typical data
- Coordinates, distance, speed, elevation, time series
- Mathematics
- Vectors · geometry · regression · statistics
Example topics
- Cycling speed and gradient
- Route optimisation to school
- Pacing and performance variation in running
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →GPS errors increase indoors and near tall buildings. Protect privacy and do not publish precise home or health data.
Non-invasive physiology sensors
What you can do with it
Heart-rate, reaction-time or simple breathing sensors can record temporal patterns and differences between conditions. They are for low-risk observation, not diagnosis or self-intervention.
- Typical data
- Heart rate, reaction time, breathing period, recovery curve
- Mathematics
- Statistics · regression · exponentials · hypothesis tests
Example topics
- Recovery after standardised light activity
- Reaction time under different conditions
- Periodic modelling of breathing
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Consent, anonymisation and school rules are essential. Do not conduct risky exertion, medication trials or diagnoses.
Sensors and school laboratory
Sensors and school laboratory
pH, conductivity and salinity meter
What you can do with it
These sensors quantify properties of solutions, enabling calibration curves, concentration models, temperature corrections and time-dependent mixing or reaction studies.
- Typical data
- pH, conductivity, salinity, concentration
- Mathematics
- Logarithms · regression · calibration · uncertainty
Example topics
- Conductivity of rainwater samples
- Salinity and sound or freezing properties
- pH during dilution or neutralisation
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Use only safe substances and school-appropriate concentrations. Rinse and calibrate probes and document temperature dependence.
CO₂ sensor and indoor-air data logger
What you can do with it
A suitable NDIR CO₂ sensor records concentration, often with temperature and humidity, over time. It supports rise, decay and air-exchange models.
- Typical data
- CO₂ concentration, rate of change, time constant, air exchange
- Mathematics
- Exponentials · differential equations · multiple regression · time series
Example topics
- CO₂ decay after room occupancy
- Window opening and ventilation effectiveness
- Light intensity and net plant CO₂ exchange
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Do not deliberately enrich occupied rooms with CO₂ or seal people inside. Record warm-up time, drift and sensor position.
Specialist school-lab equipment
What you can do with it
Light gates, ultrasonic sensors, force plates, spectrometers, magnetic stirrers or precise data loggers can support demanding questions. A device is useful only when its measurement matches the research question and its operation is understood.
- Typical data
- Device-specific data at high temporal or spatial resolution
- Mathematics
- depending on experiment: calculus · statistics · differential equations · spectral analysis
Example topics
- Speed of sound in water
- Induced voltage from a moving magnet
- Controlled thermal or flow experiments
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Agree access with the teacher. Test limits, calibration, safety rules and data export before the main data collection.
Modelling, software and data
Modelling, software and data
Physical model, material samples and 3D printer
What you can do with it
Models provide controlled geometry, interchangeable parameters and repeatable trials. A 3D printer can produce channels, blades, vessels, bridges, tessellations or sensor mounts.
- Typical data
- Geometry, dimensions, load, flow, optimisation parameters
- Mathematics
- Geometry · optimisation · scaling · simulation
Example topics
- Channel cross-section and discharge
- Bridge curvature and material use
- Water-wheel blade angle
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Document print settings and dimensional error. Physical models simplify reality; those assumptions belong in the reflection.
Computer, spreadsheet, CAS, GeoGebra, Desmos and Python
What you can do with it
These tools store data, run regressions, create graphs, calculate residuals, simulate random processes and solve equations numerically. They do not replace an explanation of the mathematics.
- Typical data
- Tables, models, parameters, simulations, graphs
- Mathematics
- Regression · simulation · numerical methods · optimisation
Example topics
- Nonlinear regression of a cooling curve
- Monte Carlo simulation of Buffon’s needle
- Comparison of sorting or graph algorithms
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Document formulas, data ranges, software version and settings. Explain central results rather than presenting black-box output.
SSD, SATA docking station and data backup
What you can do with it
The photographed device is not a sensor; it is a SATA docking station with a KingSpec SSD inserted. It is useful for securely storing, versioning and transferring large video, thermal-image, audio or sensor datasets. A traceable folder structure can be as important as the measuring device.
- Typical data
- Raw data, image sequences, video, audio, scripts, analysis versions
- Mathematics
- Data management · reproducibility · versioning · sample checking
Example topics
- High-frame-rate video of a trajectory
- Thermal-image time series with many frames
- AI classification using a self-collected image dataset
Practical and safety notes
Search related topics →Verify the drive model and backups before initialising or formatting. Keep at least two copies and encrypt or anonymise personal data. The exact dock model is not legible in the photograph.
Equipment is only one part
The mathematical decision remains central.
An expensive sensor does not replace a clear research question or transparent mathematics. A ruler or phone may be enough for a strong paper when experimental design, analysis and reflection are convincing.