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Possible Alternatives to Using
an Oscilloscope for Measuring
Action Potential in the
Cockroach Leg Laboratory
Matthew Croft
Somerset High School
Summary
While the Measuring Action Potential in the
Cockroach Leg Laboratory is interesting and
worthwhile, the equipment is not commonly
found in a typical high school science
department.
In addition, students may have difficulty
operating oscilloscopes and obtaining data.
Several alternatives to using oscilloscopes are
discussed.
#1. The Poor Man’s
Oscilloscope
Introduction
Source: www.ledametrix.com/oscope/
It may be possible to construct a poor man’s
oscilloscope using a 3.5mm audio cable that has
been separated into three wires and attached to
fine pins:
Measuring Action Potential
Oscilloscope Software
Example:
Audio Editing Software
Examples:
Measuring Action Potential
Sample Data from Audacity:
Speaker (similar to what we did in lab without
the oscilloscope)
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits
Drawbacks
Oscilloscope
Software
-Closest to original lab
-Quantitative data with
graph
-Data can be saved
-Purchase of Software
-Possible damage to
computer
-Signal is not amplified
Audio Editing
Software
-Free software is available
-Quantitative data with
graph
-Data can be saved
-Data is not collected in mV
-Possible damage to
computer
-Signal is not amplified
Speakers
-Audio response can be
rewarding to students
-Data is not quantitative
-Probably not feasible
without amplifier
#2. Multimeter
Introduction
It may be possible to measure action potential
on a multimeter set on mV.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Multimeter
Benefits
Drawbacks
-Readily available
-Easy to use
-May not be sensitive
enough
-Data is not displayed in
graphical format
-Signal is not amplified
#3. Vernier Sensors
Introduction
Vernier LabPro and LabQuest allow you to use a
wide variety of sensors to collect information.
Data can be analyzed in LoggerPro.
Possible Sensors
Voltage Probe
Possible Sensors
EKG Sensor
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits
Voltage Probe
EKG Sensor
-Comes standard with LabPro
-Quantitative data with graph
-Will not damage computer
-Data can be saved and
LoggerPro allows for
advanced data analysis
-Quantitative data with graph
-Will not damage computer
Ulf
thinks
-Three
leads it
-Measurements
are in mV
will work!
-Data can be saved and
LoggerPro allows for
advanced data analysis
Drawbacks
-Purchase of Hardware &
Software
-Probe may not be sensitive
enough
-No ground wire
-Measurements are in V
-Purchase of Hardware &
Software
-Probe may not be sensitive
enough