Exploring kinematics graphs using Arduino and an interactive Excel spreadsheet

Abstract

We present a low-cost apparatus using Arduino and an ultrasonic distance sensor that permits students to learn about motion graphs more intuitively. Using an interactive interface built using Excel and an add-on, the students can see a graph of position or velocity as a function of time. They are invited to reproduce the proposed motion graph moving themselves in front of the sensor. The Excel spreadsheet presents a real-time of their movement together with the reference.

Evaluating learning of motion graphs with a LiDAR-based smartphone application

“…Early on, educators conceived of microcomputer laboratories with commercially-designed, specialized ultrasonic rangers attached to a computer visualization output [8][9][10]. Seeking other technologies that are more accessible, versatile, or cheaper, recent proposals have incorporated ultrasonic rangers on Arduino boards [11], robots [12,13], and Kinect for Xbox One [14]. Despite smartphones' potential for collecting and visualizing physics-related data for many topics [15], the low-cost mobile accelerometers embedded within them are generally not adequate for capturing accurate position data-at least in introductory physics contexts-due to a need for regular recalibration and data cleaning [16].…”