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Nova Scotia 7-8 Resources

Getting Started With PASCO

Sensor-based, hands-on activities are very helpful in achieving important objectives of the recently revised curriculum by enhancing authentic learning experiences and investigative science. 

Your new PASCO wireless sensors enable students to easily collect, record and analyze data within the SPARKvue software to support an enormous array of investigations.  In the classroom, the sensors enhance engagement by providing students with instant and informative feedback as recorded measurements are immediately displayed in graphs, tables, charts and meters. 

For longer term classroom and field investigations, many sensors allow for remote data collection, where recorded measurements can be stored in the sensor’s internal memory.

All of your sensors connect to SPARKvue in the same way. 
This video explains how to connect a sensor wirelessly and to get started collecting data.

PASCO Digital Library

Hundreds of free experiments and lab activities. Search by subject and grade level or by specific PASCO products. Download editable student labs, teacher notes with setup instructions, SPARKvue or Capstone software configuration files and more.

About Your PASCO Sensors

Application Videos

Hardware Check List

  • Are your Chromebooks equipped with the right Bluetooth?

    Ensure that your Chromebook has a bluetooth dongle inserted into its USB port.  Your Chromebook’s internal bluetooth is not capable of communicating with the wireless sensors.

  • Are your sensors charged?

    The temperature, light and conductivity sensors are powered by a replaceable thumb battery.  These sensors draw very little power and will likely not need to have their batteries replaced for at least a year.  

    The pressure, CO2, voltage, and current sensors feature rechargeable batteries that will need to be recharged more frequently.  The CO2 sensor requires a considerable amount of power and should be charged before each lab.

    To assess the power status of your sensor simply press the power button and note what happens to the LED lights:

    • One LED flashes – your sensor has plenty of charge
    • Two LED flashes – your sensor is low in power and should be charged
    • No LED flashes – your sensor is completely flat and needs to be charged

    Note: To stop the sensor from flashing press and hold the power button for several seconds.  Skipping this step will cause the sensor to continue flashing for an extended period which will draw power and may confuse your students.

    Charging your sensors

    The rechargeable sensors are supplied with a USB cable that can be connected to any standard USB charger.  If your sensor is completely flat, plugging your sensor in for 10 or 15 minutes should give an adequate charge for a single lab.  The sensor will be fully charged after a couple of hours and will display a solid green LED.  A partially charged sensor will have a solid red LED while charging.  Leaving the sensor plugged in for extended periods of time may shorten the battery life. 

Download SPARKvue Software for Free

SPARKvue works on Mac & Windows computers, iPads, iPhones, Android tablets and phones
and Chromebooks and the user experience is the same regardless of the platform.

PASCO Digital Library

What are SPARKlabs & How Do They Work?

Try it yourself:

Download this SPARKlab file so you can follow along and then try it on your own: Alka-Seltzer & Juice.spk2.
As with all SPARKlabs you must have the SPARKvue app or software installed to open these files.

Samples of Correlated SPARKlab Templates
Here are three sample templates that correlate to the Nova Scotia curriculum. 

SPARKlab Activities

SPARKlabs are interactive, guided lab activities that use PASCO sensors and software. Below are the activities selected for use in Grades 7-8 using your sensors.

Authorized Learning Resources (ALR)

To expand & browse the product lists simply click onto the “title” or the “+/-“.

PASCO Wireless Sensors

The SKU number listed is your Nova Scotia ALR number.


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PASCO Sensors

The SKU number listed is your Nova Scotia ALR number.


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PASCO Interfaces

Simply check the box at the end of each row, adjust to your desired quantity and then click the add selected to cart button at the bottom.


ImageNameDescriptionSKU
PASCO Software

The SKU number listed is your Nova Scotia ALR number.


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PASCO Textbooks

The SKU number listed is your Nova Scotia ALR number.


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PASCO Lab Equipment

The SKU number listed is your Nova Scotia ALR number.


ImageNameDescriptionSKU
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