Overview
Science teachers who want to bring an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to their middle school classrooms can enable their students to think and act like real scientists with the Science Kit Physics Lab.
Developed in partnership with Google, the kit challenges students to explore and explain the physics behind amusement park rides.
They examine forces, motion, magnetism, and conductivity, make their own hypotheses like real scientists, then check their assumptions and log data on the Arduino Science Journal app, a digital notebook for conducting and documenting science experiments in real-time.
No prior coding experience is needed - students can simply run their experiments straight out of the box with plug-and-play projects.
Science Kit Physics Lab includes all the hardware and software needed to assemble and conduct nine fun physics experiments based on favorite amusement park rides, covering electromagnetism, thermodynamics, kinetics, and kinematics.
The kit includes a range of sensors to measure light, temperature, motion, and magnetic fields, along with a set of props and access to online course content for both teachers and students.
You’ll just need to provide a few essential classroom supplies (pencils, rulers, etc.) and a LiPo battery.
We recommend two students per kit.
Tech specs
The Science Kit Physics Lab kit, which includes:
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Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
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Science carrier board
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Two silicone standoffs
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Flat micro USB cable
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Light sensor module with grove connector
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Temperature sensor module with grove connector
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Two 20cm grove cables - universal 4-pin connector
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Two 50cm and two 20cm double-ended cables: crocodile clip/banana plug
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Magnet
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Hook-and-loop Velcro™ strap
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Hook-and-loop Velcro™ dot
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Two PCB sticks
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PCB encoder
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Mini slinky metal spring
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Eight M3 screws
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Eight M3 bolts
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Four rubber bands
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Four small silicone gaskets
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Two big silicone gaskets
- Online learning platform for educators with a teacher guide and printable student worksheets
- Online learning platform for students with a detailed glossary, tutorial section, building instructions, worksheets, and nine hands-on physics experiments
Arduino System Requirements:
USB port / Windows XP or higher / Mac OS X 10.5 or higher / Linux / Chrome OS 38 or higher Science
Journal app System Requirements:
Android OS 5 or higher / Chrome OS System supporting Android Apps
Documentation
The Science Kit Physics Lab comes with nine exciting hands-on projects together with an online learning platform for both students and educators.
The platform includes teacher guides and printable student worksheets, a detailed glossary, tutorial section and building instructions. The students will learn about:
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Electromagnetism and thermodynamics
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ELECTRIC FORTUNE TELLER: Investigate resistivity and voltage of different materials
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BUZZ WIRE: Steadiest hand wins! Build a conductive ‘maze’ and then try to avoid the buzzer as you guide the loop around your course
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HAUNTED HOUSE THEREMIN: Did you hear that? Make a paranormal noise with a magnet
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THERMO MAGIC SHOW: It’s not magic, it’s science! Learn how different materials conduct or insulate heat
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Kinetics and kinematics
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The DROP ZONE: Can you slide faster than your friends? Explore gravity and measure the acceleration of your Arduino board
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The GRAVITRON: Scream if you want to go faster! Learn about rotations per minute, circular motion, the force required to spin this ride, and the relationship to centrifugal forces
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The PIRATE SHIP: Captain the ship and test the oscillation of a pendulum
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The EJECTION SEAT: 3… 2… 1… Ignition! Make your board bounce to learn about harmonic motion
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The SPHEROTRON: Don’t get dizzy… Learn more about potential energy and motion
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Visit a preview of the content at: https://physics-lab.arduino.cc/activities/the-pirate-ship
The projects featured in Science Kit Physics Lab are aligned with several national curricula for students aged 11-14 including the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) for K-12 in the U.S. and the National Curriculum of England, which is used in international schools across the world. Curriculum links are provided within the educators’ software platform. Additionally, these lessons teach students important 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
Get Inspired
FAQs
GENERAL
Is the kit sold worldwide?
Yes, the kit is sold worldwide. Go to: https://store.arduino.cc/physics-lab to purchase your kit.
Do I have to be an educator to buy from your site?
A: No, you can purchase an Arduino Science Kit also if you’re not an educator. Go to: https://store.arduino.cc/physics-lab to purchase your kit.
Can I use my existing Arduino ID to shop on your website?
A: Yes, you can use your existing Arduino ID.
What’s included in a kit?
A: The Arduino Education Science Kit Physics Lab comes in a handy storage box, along with an Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 and all the parts needed to assemble and carry out the experiments. You will only need to add some easy-to-find household items to keep experimenting, and an Android mobile device to log your data. You will have full access to our exclusive online content platform, and you’ll be entitled to a free month on Arduino Create.
Do I need any prior experience with coding?
No, you don’t need any prior coding experience. The Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 is pre-loaded with a sketch to run your experiments straight out-of-the-box! You think about science, we’ll do the rest.
What languages are available?
Arduino Science Kit is currently available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Hungarian, and Portuguese.
Where can I find building instructions for my Arduino Science Kit?
Each Arduino Science Kit includes exclusive access to online educational materials. Go to https://create.arduino.cc/science-kit/register-code to enter your unique access code and get started.
Does my kit need batteries?
Yes, the Arduino Science Kit requires the use of external source power. You may want to use a portable power bank (like the one used for charging your phone or tablet) or a Li-Po battery with JST connector to run motion-based experiments.
What grade level are your materials appropriate for?
The Arduino Science Kit Physics Lab is the first Arduino Kit designed for middle school students aged 11 to 14 (school grades 6 to 8).
Who is the kit intended for?
This kit has been designed specifically for science and physics teachers interested in bringing an inquiry-based and hands-on approach to their classroom. The kit is currently aligned with the NGSS Standards and UK National Science Curriculum.
What operating system is required?
You can access the online content with Windows 7 or higher, Linux, Mac OS, and Chrome.
You can access the Science Journal with an android device or tablet and Chrome OS or Chromebook.
Is the Arduino board integration on Arduino Science Journal app compatible with iOS devices?
Yes, the Arduino Science Kit is compatible with the Arduino Science Journal app for Android and iOS
Is this kit compatible with Chrome OS?
Yes. You can access the online content platform from your Chromebook or Chromebox. If you own a Chrome OS System supporting Android Apps you will also be able to run Science Journal from your Chromebook.
How can I obtain replacement parts?
Replacement parts are available for purchase on the Arduino Store.
Can I reprogram my Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 board?
Of course you can! The MKR WiFi 1010 included in the kit is like any other regular Arduino Board that you can use for many great projects. Learn more about the tech specs of this board here: https://store.arduino.cc/mkr-wifi-1010
I have uploaded another sketch onto my board. How can I retrieve the original sketch to run my experiments?
You can retrieve your sketch by going to the Arduino Code page of your e-learning platform.
I am not familiar with electronics. Can I delete the sketch by mistake?
No, one of the advantages of getting a pre-loaded board is that you don’t have to worry about deleting a sketch. You only have to think about science! Your sketch will still be there even if you click the reset button by mistake. One click will reboot your board, just wait a few seconds for the sketch to restart. If you click twice you will enter the bootloader mode, which is used to reprogram the board from scratch. You won’t be able to reprogram the board unless you actually do so using the Arduino IDE, overwriting the program with a new one. To go back to your working sketch, press the reset button a third time.
ACCESS TO ONLINE PLATFORM
How many lessons are included in the kit?
The kit includes access to: a getting started guide, 9 hands-on physics experiments, a teachers’ guide, printable students worksheets, and a detailed glossary.
How long does a lesson last?
The hands-on experiments are approximately 30-45 minutes long. You may want to allocate some additional time for results analysis and discussion in a follow-up class.
What concepts are covered?
We have worked with educators and subject experts to select activities related to: electromagnetism & thermodynamics, and kinetics & kinematics. All activities included in the kit have been created to explain the physics behind amusement park rides.
Do I need to follow the activities in the order provided?
No, you don’t. These activities can be run independently, however we recommend you get acquainted with the kit by using the ‘Getting Started’ first.
Are you planning to align the kit with other national curricula?
Yes, more national curricula alignments will be available as more languages will be released.
Is the teacher guide visible to my students?
No, the teacher section is only visible to the teacher. Students can only access the tutorial section, building instructions and download the worksheets.
CLASSROOM
What are the minimum requirements in the classroom?
Arduino System Requirements: USB port / Windows XP or higher / Mac OS X 10.5 or higher / Linux / Chrome OS 38 or higher. Science Journal app System Requirements: Android OS 5 or higher / Chrome OS System supporting Android Apps. You will also need a working internet connection.
How many students can be enrolled with a kit?
Arduino Science Kit is ideally suited to two students.
Do I need to solder?
No, you don’t. This kit includes plug-and-play modules or banana plug leads. No wiring, breadboards or soldering is required.
Is this kit compatible with Google Classroom?
Yes, this kit is compatible with Google Classroom. You can share the activities using the Classroom’s button.
Can I use this kit in my STEM after-school club?
Sure! This kit can be used in both formal and informal education settings.
SUPPORT
My board is not working, who should I contact?
For technical enquiries, contact us at https://www.arduino.cc/education/contact-us
My kit is missing a part and I cannot perform the experiments. What should I do?
No worries, we’re here to support you! Contact us at https://www.arduino.cc/education/contact-us
If I have a suggestion for a product or product improvement, who should I contact?
Your feedback is important! Contact us at: https://www.arduino.cc/education/contact-us - detailed feedback on your overall experience with the Arduino Science Kit really helps!