Hands-on science with real instruments - perfect for Earth Science and Physics classes
Free for all students
Students use their own devices
Not simulations
CSV for analysis
No waiting, no setup
Offline capable
Student-driven discovery
Standards-based activities
Ready-to-use lesson ideas for your science classroom
Students calculate building height using atmospheric pressure differences between floors.
Students learn about atmospheric pressure, altitude relationships, measurement accuracy, and real-world application of scientific instruments.
30-45 minutes
Compare GPS readings in different environments to understand how landscape affects satellite positioning.
Discover how environmental factors affect GPS signals, understand the difference between accuracy and precision, and learn about satellite technology limitations.
45-60 minutes (includes outdoor work)
Collect data during a field trip to visualize the relationship between atmospheric pressure and elevation.
Hands-on data collection, graphing skills, understanding exponential relationships, and connecting math to physical phenomena.
Full class period + field trip time
Create an elevation profile of a hiking trail or field trip route using logged GPS data.
Understanding topographic maps, creating scientific visualizations, connecting field observations to map representation.
Field trip + 45 minutes analysis
Demonstrate why scientific instruments need calibration and how it improves accuracy.
Understand the importance of calibration in scientific measurement, learn about measurement error and accuracy, and see real-world application of reference standards.
20-30 minutes
Investigate how weather systems affect barometric pressure readings and altitude measurements.
Connection between weather and atmospheric pressure, long-term data collection practice, understanding instrument limitations.
15 min/day over 1-2 weeks
Aligned with multiple NGSS standards across grade levels
Best practices for using Scientific Altimeter in your classroom
Begin with basic GPS altitude readings before introducing barometric calibration. Build complexity as students gain confidence.
Have students install the app before class. Takes 30 seconds and avoids WiFi congestion during lesson time.
Barometric measurements work best in stable weather. Avoid days with rapidly changing pressure systems.
GPS accuracy improves dramatically outdoors with clear sky view. Even a few minutes outside makes a difference.
Have Google Sheets or Excel ready for students to import CSV data. Consider creating a template with pre-made graphs.
Not every student needs a device. Pairs or small groups work well and encourage discussion.
Why do GPS readings vary? How does calibration work? What could affect accuracy? Use these to deepen understanding.
Teach scientific method by having students take multiple readings and calculate averages. Discuss uncertainty and precision.