Ideas for Astronomy + Biophysics
Ideas for Astronomy + Biophysics
New Blog Post: "The Reason for the Seasons"
Deconstructing common astronomical misconceptions about the cause of the seasons with Physics Toolbox Light Meter.
New App Feature: "Ruler" Now in Suite
This new feature allows user to place two fingers to measure the length of any object set on or alongside your mobile device.
Quick Lab Idea
Biometrics and Walking Gait: Engineering & Industry Connections
Physics Toolbox Accelerometer has been cited multiple times in academia and industry for its use in studying gait patterns. Most recently, a major paper in Germany describes how analyzing simple gait metrics - unique to each individual - could provide an additional layer of security when assuring that a user making a mobile payment is indeed the owner of the smartphone.
Engineering Education Connection
Teach Engineering: Identifying Gait Metrics Lesson Plan
Biomotion Lab: BML Walker Demo and Guess the Sex game
Industry Connection (German Language)
Mobile Anwendungen in Unternehmen: Biometrische Authentifizierung bei mobilen Anwendungen
Fortunately, this analysis can be accomplished even in middle or high school. Using the accelerometer attached to the lower back of the walker directly opposite the navel, plot acceleration versus time as the walker moves at a constant speed in a straight line. A lesson from Teach Engineering encourages students to analyze the graph for symmetry, variability, and dynamicity. Additionally, students can plot gait frequency versus anatomic data (such as height or leg length) to determine patterns and predict the size of individuals who have provided gait data. Reference the MBL Walker Demo for additional insights into how gender, size, and even mood influence gait.
New Look for Physics Toolbox Apps
Perhaps you noticed our recent changes to the icons for our entire collect of tools. We made these changes in an effort to make our apps more easily distinguishable for our users. We welcome feedback!
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