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Promoting the Joy of Learning by Turning a Smartphone into Scientific Equipment

Smartphone is a powerful internet connected computer packed with internal sensors that measure sound, light, acceleration and magnetic field strength. Physics teachers can use them as measurement devices to demonstrate science concepts and promote the joy of learning. Some research has also shown the benefits of using smartphones for teaching and learning physics. This article aims to extend mobile phone research with our open source apps and low-cost experimental design. The three experiments that we designed include radioactivity, line spectrum, standing sound wave and polarization of light. Students are able to conduct experiments and collect data easily without using bulky data loggers or laptops. Substituting a data logger with a smartphone will mean that every student can possess his/her own measuring tool inside and outside the classroom, instead of having to share with a large group of students in a scheduled lab. By empowering the students to conduct their own experiments and collect data, the use of the smartphone as a tool aims to support student learning anytime and anywhere, igniting greater joy of learning