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ICT in the science department 1624 © CLEAPSS 2005

Flexcams allow the whole class to see objects and activities on a screen without having

to move from their seats and crowd round a demonstration area, with the resultant

disruption and loss of precious lesson time. Because it is freestanding on a support

that can be positioned securely for optimal viewing, a flexcam enables teachers to

concentrate on the demonstration without having to control the camera. Typical

applications are suggested in Table 16.8.

Table 16.8 Applications of flexcam video cameras

Observation Biology Chemistry Physics

Observing small objects or

changes.

Small organisms, eg,

protozoa, woodlice.

The thermal decompos-

ition of limestone.

Readings on a thermom-

eter during a calorimetry

demonstration.

Observing changes when it would

otherwise be difficult for all students

to see from their seats.

Dissection demon-

strations. Bubble move-

ment in a potometer.

Reactions carried out in a

fume cupboard.

The design of a light gate.

Observing something that occurs

fortuitously during a class practical

or demonstration.

If one student’s mitosis

preparation shows

chromosomes clearly.

If one student produces a

particularly clear

chromatogram.

If one student produces a

particularly well-designed

electric circuit.

Clearly, possible applications are endless. Schools that have flexcams report that it

has revolutionised their science teaching and some teachers would be lost without one!

To facilitate setting up a flexcam quickly, it is useful to ensure that the correct conn-

ectors are kept with the camera and both the sockets and leads are clearly labelled.

16.6.6 Web cams

Relatively inexpensive web cams can sometimes be used in place of flexcams. Their

specifications can be very similar to those of flexcams, though they probably all have

digital connections only.

Important considerations when choosing a web cam include the following.

• Specification of the camera.

• Compatibility with the display equipment with which it will be used, or avail-

ability of suitable adaptors, if required.

• Suitable facilities to support the web cam during use.

• Length of connecting lead or if a wireless model is preferable.

• Ease of setting up, transporting and storing.

• Suitable, easy-to-use software.

Web cams are generally designed for security monitoring, video conferencing and

other facilities involving the sharing of digital images. They tend to be less easy to

adapt for microscope work; unlike microscope cameras (see section 16.6.7), web cams

may lack the ability to focus appropriately. If a web cam is available, and it might be

desirable to explore the possibility of using it for microscope work, further considera-

tions include the:

• ability to use it with a suitable microscope adaptor (see also Microscope adapt-

ors in section 16.6.8),

• ability to detach the camera from its stand and mount it safely.

CLEAPSS is interested in the possibility of adapting web cams (and possibly other

types of camera) for this application; for details of current ideas, contact the

Helpline

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