Implementing a Raspberry Pi based Digital Measurement System in Undergraduate Physics Education

Abstract

This paper describes a number of active learning strategies based on implementing the Raspberry Pi as low-cost single-board computing device for carrying out physics laboratory activities. This Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) Project has been funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation and it encompasses the use of high-accuracy yet inexpensive sensors for controlling digital inputs and outputs and for data acquisition in physics experiments. The open-source software package PhyPiDAQ consists of programmed classes in Python which, together with the Raspberry Pi, manage the collection, display, and storage of data obtained from physical sensors. Thus, students select pre-configured default modules of specific sensors such as for position, acceleration, temperature, current or force sensor, as well as a variety of representations and graphical features for the display of real-time data. An extensive range of recorded measurements may be interdisciplinary used in analytical processes for statistic calculation, or for numerical derivative and integration of physical quantities. The rich array of innovative implementations of this Raspberry Pi based MBL fosters an environment in which students can carry out a variety of creative exploratory physics activities within as well as beyond the classroom.