{"id":7044,"date":"2024-03-31T07:15:03","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T14:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/?p=7044"},"modified":"2025-05-07T13:39:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T20:39:58","slug":"a3-open-source-lab-equipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/2024\/03\/31\/a3-open-source-lab-equipment\/","title":{"rendered":"Open Source Lab Equipment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/A3-pitch-1.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a science teacher, one of the changes since my time as a student that most impresses me is the improvement in lab equipment. Computer connected measuring tools allow students to investigate phenomena at a much deeper and subtler level than before, and the data produced connects to mathematics, computer skills and analysis techniques in ways that more traditional methods ever could. The effect is students who can expand not only knowledge but skills in a much more holistic way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem with much of this equipment is cost. Purpose designed suites of tools can represent significant costs for a school, putting it out of reach of many: schools in impoverished areas worldwide will perpetuate gaps in scientific and mathematical progress due to lack of funding. To help address this,<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"520\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier-in-use.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier-in-use.jpg 520w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier-in-use-300x208.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Computer aided data collection. Image from Vernier.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"597\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier.png 597w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/vernier-300x290.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A package of equipment for physics. This would effectively be shared between 3-4 students at most. Price in US Dollars. Image from Vernier.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> I am hoping to begin a venture to develop open-source lab equipment of a comparable level, giving schools various options and price points to obtain their equipment. I believe that this would not only be an equalizing tactic, but can offer enrichment opportunities to students at any school, regardless of geography or funding status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The open-source mentality means that all designs and software source code are made available for free. This allows people to source parts from different sources efficiently (i.e. buying in local markets as opposed to importing), substituting, and modifying the designs. This model is already used in contexts such as 3d printers, with commercial products being made on a publicly available design.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Project Organization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a small scale, non-profit organization. The two aims are to provide access to high quality lab equipment for schools and students otherwise unable to, and to offer rewarding activities in the pursuit of this first goal, irrespective of demographic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much of the work to develop and expand the suite of lab equipment is intended to be done by teachers and students. Instead of outside companies selling to schools, the development process becomes integrated into the worldwide school infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond making affordable equipment, the process offers valuable opportunities to those involved. As many schools, curricula or jurisdictions actively encourage or even require students to engage in development and community service, this project offers such chances: designing equipment, learning electronic assembly skills, creating curriculum support or instructional videos, fund raising to donate equipment to less well-off schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits-1024x290.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits-1024x290.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits-300x85.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits-768x217.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits-1536x435.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/benefits.png 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Benefits of the project to students<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Design Tenants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be effective, this project entails a balance of open ended customization, balanced on a framework of versatile, inexpensive and easily obtained elements to build upon. The goal is to have a minimum effective standard,&nbsp; creating a basic template for future expansion. Several large scale ideas can be identified now, others will need to be finalized as part of the initial design process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design--1024x482.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design--1024x482.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design--300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design--768x362.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design--1536x723.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/design-.png 1648w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Design philosophy<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/arduino.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7071\" style=\"width:404px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/arduino.png 852w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/arduino-300x244.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/arduino-768x624.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arduino Nano boards like this provide a high degree of capability to interface with a computer and various sensors. Available for less than $20 each, they can be customized to provide control equipment and send data to a computer using a standard USB cable. Image from <a href=\"https:\/\/store-usa.arduino.cc\/products\/arduino-nano?selectedStore=us\">https:\/\/store-usa.arduino.cc\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-1536x1066.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/20211227_164037960-2048x1422.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A test project I built. This design incorporates an Arduino Nano board, custom 3d printed case and off the shelf components. This design approach could be adapted to lab equipment very easily.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Project Organization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a small scale, non-profit organization. The two aims are to provide access to high quality lab equipment for schools and students otherwise unable to, and to offer rewarding activities in the pursuit of this first goal, irrespective of demographic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much of the work to develop and expand the suite of lab equipment is intended to be done by teachers and students. Instead of outside companies selling to schools, the development process becomes integrated into the worldwide school infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond making affordable equipment, the process offers valuable opportunities to those involved. As many schools, curricula or jurisdictions actively encourage or even require students to engage in development and community service, this project offers such chances: designing equipment, learning electronic assembly skills, creating curriculum support or instructional videos, fund raising to donate equipment to less well-off schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"707\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/Services-offered.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7069\" style=\"width:350px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/Services-offered.png 836w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/Services-offered-300x254.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/Services-offered-768x649.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>What the project can offer to schools<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the short to medium term, this project is not expected to require dedicated, paid staff. Work will be done via community volunteering, with specialists contracted to perform tasks that the volunteer pool is unable to do, either due to lack of expertise or available time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initially, I intend to develop the systems and pilot them in my own classroom teaching. Not only will this provide technical and practical trials, but it will also allow me to produce samples of instruction support, and case studies of the application of the equipment. Interested students can also become involved in the development of new equipment, for example by a school engineering club.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With some initial prototypes developed, community engagement can begin, by leveraging related networks, such as International Baccalaureate schools and teachers, regional groups of international schools, etc. As interest develops, we can then begin compiling some materials to offer kits or complete equipment for sale to similar schools. From my teaching background, this will likely be in private international schools, which feature relatively high levels of student engagement and financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next level involves expanding to offer the equipment and resources to a wider range of schools. As community engagement is a goal of many schools, this becomes an ideal chance for student involvement in reaching out to rural schools, translating resources, hosting fundraising or awareness campaigns, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final step involves making this a self-sustaining process. New equipment can be designed and existing ones improved. Community members can discuss usage strategies, post modified designs, curriculum support materials, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Financial Aspect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a focus on volunteer opportunities and a non-profit mentality, initial and ongoing costs are modest. Funding can come from a number of sources, reducing the amount of commitment asked for from any one donor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Direct donations<\/em> \u2013 money, time, equipment\/supplies, labor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Crowdfunding<\/em> \u2013 Kickstarter, Patreon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Schools<\/em> \u2013 funding for extracurricular activities, community service projects, teacher professional development allowances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Educational Organizations<\/em> &#8211; grants from government, NGO and other groups supporting education <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs-1024x608.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7070\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs-1024x608.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs-300x178.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs-768x456.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs-1536x912.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/costs.png 1643w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Estimated costs, in Canadian dollars<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the proposal is to offer components, kits and complete equipment for sale. These will be priced slightly above cost, to both maintain the mission of equitable access to equipment, and to provide a small amount of funding. For schools in a high need situation, prices can be at or below cost, using the earnings from general sales to subsidize these cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In education, the desire to embrace modern technology is met with the harsh practicality of limited budgets. This limitation is going to be harder to navigate on schools with less funding to begin with, perpetuating gaps between students, families and regions. I believe that part of the solution can be to become more self-sufficient, relying more on internal actions than outside sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As educators, we want students to engage in real-world learning, we want them to become involved in supporting others and having meaningful impact while they are students. By creating an open network to help schools create their own lab equipment, we can take a prosaic issue of budgeting, and create powerful and real learning, engagement and involvement in solving the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"677\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352-677x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352-677x1024.jpg 677w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352-768x1162.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352-1016x1536.jpg 1016w, https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/files\/2024\/03\/mmexport16529785148352.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About Me<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After obtaining a degree in engineering physics, I became interested in education, and have worked as an English language teacher, instructor of adults, and high school math and science teacher. Along the way, I obtained and MBA and an education degree. I&#8217;m now working on my master&#8217;s in educational technology to help integrate these various influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having taught for years in international schools in Asia, my experiences as a teacher and traveler have made me increasingly concerned with the disparity that educational funding can have. This project is an attempt to offer a solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>~ Devon Bobowski B.Eng, B.Ed, MBA<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a science teacher, one of the changes since my time as a student that most impresses me is the improvement in lab equipment. Computer&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"more-link-wrapper\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/2024\/03\/31\/a3-open-source-lab-equipment\/\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Open Source Lab Equipment<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":96689,"featured_media":7111,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a3-venture-pitch","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/96689"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7044"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7463,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7044\/revisions\/7463"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}