Classroom Card #4017
Using Smartphone Accelerometer to Introduce EML in classrooms
Summary
This card introduces EML in the classroom by evaluating accelerometer sensors available in smart phones. The activity can be applied to all engineering fields.
Course
This activity can be implemented in any course as an introduction to EML. The activity requires students to install an accelerometer app on their smart phones and read acceleration values while performing various activities such as standing, marching, and walking. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete and can serve as a quick introduction to EM through hands-on activities. Since the focus of the activity is to introduce EM in a fun way, it is not designed to be used with an assessment criteria. A minute paper is provided to gather students' reflections and feedback to improve the activity.
Students are not required to submit any written artifacts, but a verbal discussion after the activity is recommended. Therefore, no student artifacts or detailed rubrics are included in the card.
Time
15 to 30 minutes
Materials
Smart phones and accelerometer app (pocket lab classic). Ask students to pre-download the app before they come to class.
Prerequisites
High School Physics
Description
Curiosity
Have you ever pondered the mechanism behind your cell phone's screen auto-rotation as it seamlessly adapts to your device's orientation? Have you wondered about the magic behind fitness tracker apps accurately counting your steps while walking, jogging, running, or biking? Are you curious about the inner workings of sleep study apps that provide insights into the quality of your sleep for health monitoring? How does a big rocket defy gravity and fly up in the sky? If these questions intrigue you, you've arrived at the perfect destination. Let the exploration begin!
The engineering world unfolds with endless possibilities, and at its core lies the intriguing realm of accelerometer usage. Imagine harnessing the power of a tiny device embedded in your cell phone that can decode the language of motion. Accelerometers, the unsung technology heroes, measure acceleration changes and provide a gateway to many applications. From tracking your fitness journey to enhancing mobile gaming experiences, these unassuming sensors play a pivotal role. Students delving into the fascinating world of accelerometers embark on a journey where the language of physics converges with the boundless creativity of engineering. The power to detect gestures, analyze vibrations, and even contribute to cutting-edge augmented reality experiences rests with those who dare to explore the nuances of accelerometer technology. As curiosity is sparked, the possibilities become endless, making accelerometers not just instruments of measurement but catalysts for innovation and discovery in the hands of aspiring engineers.
Connections
A phone accelerometer, as shown in Figure 1, works like a tiny, smart sensor that can feel when you move your phone. It senses speed and direction changes, like a mini detective for movement. When you tilt or shake your phone, this clever sensor notices and tells your phone how it's moving. That's how your phone knows to switch the screen when you turn it or count your steps when you walk. It's like having a little motion detective inside your device! For technical explanation of accelerometer, refer to Figure 1 and the paragraph following it.
How can you use it to read acceleration values?
You typically use an app such as Arbor Scientific Pocket Lab to read acceleration values using a smartphone accelerometer.
iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocketlab-classic/id6443502994
Android app: ttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timelabs.pocketlab&hl=en&gl=US?
Ask students to download the app.
Instruct them to place their phones on the desk and read the acceleration values.
Have them tilt their phones to observe how the acceleration changes.
Then, ask them to stand up, march in place with their phones in hand, and observe the acceleration values.
Finally, instruct them to shake their phones and observe the acceleration values.
Isn’t it fun ?
Creating values
Health and Fitness tracker apps
Game development to navigate a character or control a game element
Vibration analysis
Robotics integration
Rockets design
Data visualization
Augmented Reality to enhance user experiences
Industrial applications: Automotive, aerospace, and healthcare
Do you think of any other usage of this wonderful sensor?
https://www.arborsci.com/pages/pocketlab-sensors
Ref: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/MEMS-accelerometer-how-it-works_fig2_308074268
Figure 1: MEMS Accelerometer working principle
As shown in Figure 1, a MEMS accelerometer consists of anchor, fixed electrodes, movable seismic mass and tether(spring). Under static condition (no acceleration), the gap between the movable mass and fixed electrodes is same on both the sides. Hence, there is no differential capacitance in the sensor. During acceleration, the seismic mass moves on one-side (depending on the direction of motion), causing a differential capacitance between the fixed and movable electrodes. An electronic circuit reads the difference and the sensor is calibrated to convert in into acceleration.
Curiosity
- Demonstrate constant curiosity about our changing world
Creating Value
- Identify unexpected opportunities to create extraordinary value
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