SBIR Phase I: Global Scientific Sensor Network and Data Infrastructure for Hands-On Science Learning

这个SBIR第一阶段项目将开发一个全球科学传感器网络(GSSN)，这是一个基于网络的界面，使学生和教育工作者能够分析实验传感器数据，发布实验和结果，并在全球科学项目上进行合作。教育研究人员已经发现，科学设备的操作可能会导致实验室技术人员工作的机械性任务，而不是科学家的创造性努力。该项目将应用消费电子、用户界面设计和基于网络的工具方面的创新，以降低技术壁垒，使用户能够探索激发他们灵感的科学问题。GSSN将(1)让学生了解科学概念在现实世界中的相关性，(2)让学生为开放式问题解决做好准备，(3)向学生介绍创新和互动的实验室设备，以及(4)让学生参与全球科学研究。这些技能和经验将使学生更好地为解决航空学、物理学、互联物联网、全球气候和其他科学研究领域的新挑战做好准备。在这个SBIR第一阶段项目中，将开发构成全球科学传感器网络(GSSN)关键要素的数据库基础设施和用户界面。该项目将展示一个端到端的实验平台，该平台连接物理测量设备、无线连接设备、数据库基础设施和基于Web的用户界面。GSSN的技术创新将是(1)开发数据库基础设施，可以组织来自技术需求较低的学生和教育工作者的多种类型的数据，以及(2)智能用户界面工具，从原始传感器数据中提取科学相关信息。例如，学生将能够测量气压等参数，将数据无线传输到应用程序以进行可视化，将他的实验测量结果与其他数据源进行比较，并通过基于网络的工具与世界各地的用户合作进行全球天气研究。拟议的项目旨在易于使用，将帮助学生提高科学素养，将全球各地的学生联系起来，为共同目标工作，并鼓励适用于新出现的社会挑战的解决问题的技能。将对初中、高中和大学级别的学生进行用户测试，以收集对界面设计和系统功能的反馈。

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a Global Scientific Sensor Network (GSSN), which is a web-based interface that enables students and educators to analyze experimental sensor data, publish experiments and results, and collaborate on global science projects. Educational researchers have identified that scientific equipment operation can lead to mechanical tasks characteristic of the work of laboratory technicians rather than the creative endeavors of scientists. This project will apply innovations in consumer electronics, user interface design, and web-based tools to lower technological barriers and enable users to explore science questions that inspire them. The GSSN will (1) engage students about the relevancy of science concepts in the real world, (2) prepare students for open-ended problem solving, (3) introduce students to innovative and interactive lab equipment, and (4) involve students in global science research. These skills and experiences will better prepare students to solve emerging challenges in the aeronautics, physics, connected Internet of Things, global climate, and other scientific research disciplines.In this SBIR Phase I project, the database infrastructure and user interface that comprise the key elements of a Global Scientific Sensors Network (GSSN) will be developed. The project will demonstrate an end-to-end experimental platform that connects physical measurement equipment, wireless connection devices, database infrastructure, and web-based user interfaces. The technical innovation of the GSSN will be (1) the development of database infrastructure that can organize many types of data from students and educators with low technical demand and (2) smart user interface tools to extract scientifically relevant information from raw sensor data. For example, a student will be able to measure parameters like barometric pressure, transmit the data wirelessly to an app for visualization, compare his experimental measurements to other data sources, and collaborate on global weather research with users around the world through web-based tools. The proposed project is designed for ease-of-use and will help students be more scientifically literate, connect students across the globe to work on common goals, and encourage problem-solving skills that apply to emerging societal challenges. User testing with students at the middle school, high school, and college levels will be conducted to gather feedback on the interface design and system functionality.