Real-Time Data Logging and Online Curve Fitting Using Raspberry Pi in Physics Laboratories

The results of PISA 2015 indicate that Taiwanese students have excellent mathematical and scientific knowledge but are weak in applying such knowledge and in conducting practical experiments in the laboratory. To support students conducting practical experiments in physics laboratories, a real-time data logging system and an online tool for fitting experimental data were developed. During data logging in an experiment, the data was immediately plotted, which enabled students to observe the characteristics of the plot. The online curve fitting system, which employed Internet of Things technologies, allowed students to fit experimental data to various mathematical functions and plot a function curve superimposed on the data. Two empirical studies were conducted involving first-year university students and secondary school teachers. The results indicated that these developed tools improved students' understanding of an experiment's mathematical characteristics. The average curve fitting error rates of students and teachers were 4.62% and 1.4%, respectively.