Ocean Floor Mapping

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Oceanographers, marine geologists, and archeologist use sound to investigate objects below the surfaces of bodies of water. A signal is sent out and bounces back from a submerged surface. Scientists use the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the signal to bounce back to calculate the depth of the object. Sonar is the name given to this system. The time it takes for the signal to bounce back can be translated into distance with the following formula.

Distance = Speed of Sound X Time

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The Vernier Motion Detector works in a similar manner. Through this investigation, you will use a Motion Detector to map objects on a simulated ocean floor.

LEARNING TARGETS

1. I will become proficient at using the Labquest and sensors to collect data.

2. I will practice following step-by-step directions in preparation for writing my own step-by-step directions for my PHEOCS

MATERIALS

Computer with LoggerPro software

Vernier Labquest

Motion Detector

Flat table

Flash drive

3 or more boxes (provided by teacher)

iPad

PROCEDURE

1. Prepare the ocean floor for data collection.

a. Arrange the boxes on the floor beneath the edge of the table so that they are visible for the sensor to get a reading on.

b. Here is a bird’s-eyes view to help.

c.

2. Setting up Labquest and sensor.

a. Turn on the Labquest by pressing red power button.

b. Plug the white connector plug into the DIG 1 port that can be found next to the red power button. Take care to line up the tapered end to the tapered slot. If it doesn’t seem to fit properly without forcing it please see a teacher.

c. Once plugged in, the motion sensor will begin making a clicking noise. You will also notice that the Labquest will begin to provide a position measurement.

d. Touch this measurement reading with you finger to pull up an option menu that includes (Zero, Reverse, Change Units)

e. Select Reverse. A check should appear to the left and you should notice that the position measurement now reads a negative distance.

f. Next select the duration button on the right to pull up its menu. Change the duration of data collection by pressing in the white box that has a number there. Change this number to read 60 and press done. Then press OK.

g. Now switch to the graphing mode by pressing the graph icon on the upper right (graph with a red wiggly line on it.)

h. If two graphs appear press the word graph at the top to pull up its menu. Select show graph followed by select Graph 1.

i. Your LabQuest and data logger is now ready to collect data.

3. Lift up the portion of the motion detector sensor that is hinged and make sure the grayish white button is switched toward the person and basketball.

4. Lie the sensor flat on the table extending the sensor over the edge so that it is in line with switch and person/basketball icons. See the images below

5. Press the green start button on the screen (green triangle in the lower left hand corner).

6. Keeping the sensor perpendicular to the table’s edge and extended at the length shown above slowly slide it down the table until it reaches the end. Press the red stop button when you reach the end.

7. Retrieving the data from the Labquest.

a. With the graph(s) you collected open insert a flash drive into the usb port.

b. Select file, followed by Save.

c. A save menu will appear. IN the upper left hand corner you will see some icons. Select the one that resembles a USB flash drive. When selected a clear box will outline it.

d. Click in the title and use the keypad screen to name it sonarfirstnamelastname Select Done. Then select Save.

e. Remove your flash drive.

f. Insert your flash drive into a school computer.

DATA

Figure 1 Ocean Floor Profile 1

PROCESSING THE DATA