INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY IN BIOLOGY
(SBI 3013)

Assignment on Experiment using Data Logger

Title : Experiment Photosynthesis ( Light Intensity )

No. Name Matric No.

1. Jasmin binti Baharun D20171078153

2. Nursyazwani binti Mohamad Riduan D20171078156

3. Basilika Micheal D20171078155

4. Nur Nadia binti Mohamad Nasir D20171078138

Lecturer’s Name : Encik Azmi bin Ibrahim

Date submitted : 28 March 2020
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Globalization has resulted in perception that a traditional teaching methods is no longer

capable to improve student learning. Therefore, experiential learning have been
included in teaching and learning through the implementation of experimental
activities especially in science education. Experiential learning is personal and
effective in nature, influencing both feelings and emotions as well as enhancing
knowledge and skills.

In education, Problem-based Learning (PBL) is one pedagogical approach that

might fit in teaching toolbox for the better experiences in learning. PBL is a student-
centered, inquiry-based instructional model in which learners engage with an
authentic, ill-structured problem that requires further research (Jonassen & Hung,
2008). Design of problems used in a Problem-based Learning (PBL) course or
curriculum could have an impact on student learning cognitively or psychologically,
such as students’ self-directed learning process or engagement (Hung, Mehl & Holen,
2013). Through the designated problem, student trigger the critical thinking and
problem solving skills and to acquire essential knowledge and concepts from subject
matter (Ratnaningsih, Sumantri, Nurjanah & Utomo, 2019).

However, experiment have showed that it is possible to introduce a problem-

based form of learning in which student was given a problem statement which
enabling them to conduct an experiment and seek for the answer. Basically, there are
4 levels in PBL which are Engage, Empower, Enhance and Extention. As time flies,
the PBL in experiment have been improvise through the development of new
technology or instrument in conducting a more advance learning experience in
experiment such as the introduction to data logger.

Data loggers are electronic devices which automatically monitor and record
environmental parameters over time, allowing conditions to be measured,
documented, analysed and validated. The data logger contains a sensor to receive the
information and a computer chip to store it. Then the information stored in the data
logger is transferred to a computer for analysis. Loggers in the Tiny tag range monitor
parameters including temperature, humidity, single and three phase power usage, CO2,
mV, mA, voltage, pulses or counts.
2.0 THE AID OF DATA LOGGER IN EXPERIMENT

Data logger aids in the efficiency of data analysation in most industries for the best
data output in each of the industry. This is important for their performance and hence
to improve their performance status. By time, data logger is also used to aid in
experimental design in education.

In fact, before the assist of data logger is implemented in school experiments,

there were many experiments held with the aid of data logger. For instance, long-term
precipitation database that was developed in August 1953 by Walnut Gulch
Experimental Watershed, Arizona, United States. The data were collected manually
using analog gauge until the use a newly designed digital gauge with telemetry was
first introduced in 2000 (David C. et. al., 2008). In 1981, Rodney B. et. al. (1981) also
applied a programmable protocol timer and data logger in observing and collecting
data of drug-induced behaviour in more than 800 rats. An experimental study using
SenseCam also once was done in order to identify either the life-logging technologies
support memory for the past or not (Abigail J. S. et.al., 2007).

The main purpose is just one; to increase the efficiency of data analysis and
finally get the best conclusion from the analysis based on the result. The best part is,
the system can be used in the most convenient way (Rodney B. et. al., 1981) in which
data logging is done automatically without human presence along the experiment
period. However, a commission to start on the use of data logger is extremely high in
cost. In-addition, the setup of sensors connected to data logger must also be calibrated
heedfully. If not, wrong readings may unfortunately be taken (Teach-ICT, 2016).

Despite having some difficulties, recognizing data logger’s need as data

analyser in general experiment, teachers as educators also do not miss on identifying
data logger’s potential to be used in educational experimental in schools. Barton R.
(1998) studied pupils working on practical science tasks while using a computer and
found that teaching with the aid of data logger in computer also requires few changes
on how teachers interact with pupils (Davis, N. (Ed.) & Somekh, B. (Ed.), 1998). The
inculcation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in educational experiment is one of the
way that we can use in order for the aid of data logger in the experiment to run
smoothly. The 3E (Engage, Empower and Enhance) strategy in conducting teaching
and learning of experiments help in the management of experiment that apply data
logger.

3.0 PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Photosynthesis is the process that occurs in all plants and algae by which carbohydrates
are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water, using light as an energy source to
produce the glucose (food) to survive. Photosynthesis release the oxygen as the
byproduct. It is involves the process through which plants convert light energy from
the sun to chemical energy. The chemical energy is then stored as sugar. During the
process of photosynthesis, plants capture light energy and use it to convert water,
carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen (released into the air) and glucose (stored in
the plant and used as food). There many factor that affect the rate of photosynthesis,
such as light intensity, temperature, concentration of carbon dioxide, and oxygen.
Different factors have different affect toward the rate of photosynthesis. For example,
for light intensity factor, when carbon dioxide and temperature are not limiting and
light intensities are low, the rate of photosynthesis increases with an increase in its
intensity. At a point saturation may be reached, when further increase in light intensity
fails to induce increase in photosynthesis.
4.0 EXPERIMENT CHOSEN THAT IS AIDED BY DATA LOGGER

4.1 ENGAGE

Student are using their prior knowledge from previous experiences and lesson.
Teacher provide the student a problem statement to trigger the critical thinking of
the student to find a solution for the situation.

Problem Statement

“Alvian likes to grow flowers. One day, it was rainy in the evening and Alvian
need to hide the little flower in the cupboard from excessive water. The next
day, Alvian is rushing to go to work and come home late. The flower wither
because it cannot receive enough light in the cupboard. However, the flower
become fresh again after it was transferred into place with enough light”

Question

a) What is the role of light in photosynthesis to the growth of plants?

b) Is there any relation between the rate of photosynthesis and growth of plant?

c) Is there any effect to the plants when the light intensity is changing?

d) What is the relationship between the oxygen produced and the reaction of
photosynthesis?

As we know, the rate of photosynthesis is the indicator of the rate of plant growth.
When rate of photosynthesis is increase, more food is produced to be used by the
plants and other purposes such as growth of the plant. Without enough light, a
plant cannot photosynthesise very quickly even if there is plenty of water and
carbon dioxide and a suitable temperature. Increasing the light intensity increases
 the rate of photosynthesis, until some other factor which is the limiting factor
becomes in short supply.

4.2 EMPOWER: Planning and Conducting the Experiment

Experiment Title: The Effect of Light on the Photosynthesis Rate

Objectives

The objectives for this experiment is to observe the effect of light intensity on
photosynthesis rates. We also want to observe the production of oxygen as an
indicator of photosynthesis. Next, the objectives is to able explain the relationship
between light intensity and photosynthesis.

Apparatus and Materials

The materials and apparatus that we need during this experiment are the oxygen
sensor, light sensor (triple range), optional temperature sensor, 9 g of fresh elodea,
bright light source (150 W halogen lamp), data logger, 250 ml glass Erlenmeyer,
stopper with a hole that fits the oxygen sensor, water filled flask and 2%
bicarbonate solution.

Procedures

1. Fill an Erlenmeyer flask with 2% bicarbonate solution and place some aquatic
plant elodea inside it. It is recommended that illuminate the Erlenmeyer flask
containing the Elodea for five minutes before the experiment is started. In this
way, the solution becomes saturated with oxygen and oxygen release can be
measured immediately when the experiment starts.
2. Calibrate the oxygen sensor according to the user’s manual.
3. Place the dissolved oxygen sensor and the temperature sensor into the flask. Make
sure the oxygen sensor is calibrated before any measurement
4. Use a light sensor to detect the change in light intensity.
5. Start up the data logger to detect the changes in temperature, light intensity and
dissolved oxygen content for a period of time.
6. After sufficient amount of data is collected, stop the data logger. Use the computer
software to plot the data in a suitable form.

Figure 1 show the apparatus setup for the experiment.

Results

Table 1 The rate of photosynthesis

Time (hours) Dissolved Light Level (%)

Oxygen
Saturation
(%)
0 25 75

10 79 0

20 5 0

30 110 55

40 20 0

50 100 75

Figure 2 show the graph on the variation of dissovked oxygen and light intensity
over 52 hours.
 Discussion

1. Is oxygen produced steadily during photosynthesis? How does the light level
affect photosynthesis?
The oxygen produced according to the light intensity during photosynthesis. The
light level affect photosynthesis as the concentration of dissolved oxygen are
increase in the glass Erlenmeyer (that contains elodea) as the light intensity
increase. In this experiment, the amount of oxygen released by the plants and the
light intensity will be used as an indication of photosynthetic activity. So, if the
light intensity is increase, the greater the amount of oxygen (O2), the more the
photosynthetic rate occurs.

2. Why does the oxygen level change?

The oxygen level change as when the photosynthesis occur during the day, the
glucose and oxygen are produced. The plants produce more amount of oxygen
when the light intensity is higher. So, the oxygen level change according to the
light intensity.

3. What is the end product of this experiment? State the equation of photosynthesis.
The end product of this experiment is glucose and oxygen. The equation of
photosynthesis is given as below:

6CO2 + 6H20 C6H12O6 + 6O2

Carbon dioxide Water Glucose Oxygen
 4.3 ENHANCE

Enhancement in teaching and learning is the need of application in the syllabus

learned in a teaching and learning session including practical class. For today’s
lab session, students are needed to discuss on two High Ordinary Thinking Skills
(HOTS) questions:

1) What is the pros and cons of light to the production of photosynthesis?

2) Why photosynthesis is prominent to animals and human being?

Firstly, the teacher will distribute the question card to each experiment group, each
consisting these two questions. Also, the teacher will give to each group an A3
paper drawn with the sequences as shown in Figure 3.

Light Photosynthesis Human &

Animals

Figure 3 Sample of A3 sheet consisting sequences

Based on the question card and sequences in Figure 3, students will be told to
create i-Think map in form of bubble map from the light bubble as the root to
answer question 1 and human & animals bubble as the root to answer question 2.
The sequences in Figure 3 represent on how light is needed in photosynthesis and
how photosynthesis vital for survival of human and animals. The answers
expected to be written by students in A3 sheets provided is noted as in Table 2.
 Table 2 HOTS questions and expected answers

Questions Question 1: What is Question 2: Why

provided the pros and cons of photosynthesis is
light to the prominent to
production of animals and human
photosynthesis? being?

Expected  Light is an energy to  Food production

answers from cite the electron in relies on
students light-independent photosynthesis.
reaction.  Source of oxygen for
 Essential for phases human and animals’
of plant growth. respiration.
 Weak light  Plants recycle
exposition causes carbon dioxide from
the photosynthesis to human and animals
be inefficient and and use it as
lead to etiolation substrate in
symptoms. photosynthesis.
 Excessive light
generates oxygen
radicals and lead to
photoinhibition.
5.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, data logger is used to increase the efficiency of data analysis to

get the best conclusion from the analysis based on the result. In fact, it is just not used
in education, but in most industries for data analysis. As we can see from above, the
data logger used to solve Problem-based learning (PBL).

There are three levels in PBL which are engage, empower and enhance.
Engage is use to motivate students, and get their attention, interest, curiosity and
passion when their learning. While empower is an application of students, where they
need to assigned standard-based on curriculum. Enhance is to strengthen students’
skills and competencies by allowing them to apply what they have learnt through
HOTS questions that mostly regardful of application.

Indeed, the aid of data logger through the use of sensor allow the data to be
collected accurately, but with the best precaution by careful calibration to avoid the
data from being misinterpreted by data logger.
6.0 REFERENCES

Davis, N. (Ed.), Somekh, B. (Ed.). (1998). Does data logging change the nature of
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and J. R. Smith (2008), Long-term precipitation database, Walnut Gulch
Experimental Watershed, Arizona, United States, Water Resour. Res., 44,
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Hung, W., Mehl, K., & Holen, J. B. (2013). The relationships between problem design
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Jonassen, D. H., & Hung, W. (2008). All problems are not equal: Implications for
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Martin M. F. & et. (2002). Application of datalogger in observing photosynthesis.

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