Question 1

Activity: create or edit an activity from the application

Accepted Answer

There are three ways to create an activity and generate a QR code to be able to share it:

1. Create a new protocol from the application: 
 Activities > "+" icon > Create a new protocol
 
2. Copy and edit an existing protocol: 
 Activities > Select protocol > Edit icon top right

3. Create a new protocol using a QR code generator on the Internet 
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Question 2

Activity: create a new activity without using the application

Accepted Answer

You can create a activity from the FizziQ application, but it is also possible to create an activity and generate its QR code without go through the app. We will use a QR code generator that is freely available on the internet (type QR code generator in the search bar of your browser to find the one that suits you). We will then enter a text whose format follows the specifications described below.

What is the format of the FizziQ protocols?​
The FizziQ format is a file in text format defined by specific fields which are separated by the character combination "//". 
The fields are as follows and the information must be placed in the correct order:
1. The sequence begins with the code: "Fizziq". Please note that the final q is lowercase.
2. The title in text format
3. The purpose of the protocol in text format
4. The different steps of the protocol classified and separated by the separator "//
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An example
For example, consider the following protocol:
The title of the experiment is "Sound", the subtitle "Work on amplitude and frequency", and two steps "Choose a musical instrument for which you want to analyze the sound" then "Which FizziQ instrument can you use to measure the fundamental frequency of a note on your instrument?".
You can create a QR code by typing, in the text field of the "QR Code" generator available on the internet, the following text:
Fizziq//The sound//Working on amplitude and frequency//Choose a musical instrument for which you want to analyze the sound//Which FizziQ instrument can you use to measure the fundamental frequency of a note from your instrument?
To find a QR code generator, type "QR Code Generator" in the browser's search bar.
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QR Code Limitations
Usually used QR codes can contain up to 4296 alphanumeric characters. However for use in FizziQ, we recommend that the size of the protocol, including the separators, does not exceed 2000 characters. 
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Question 3

Kinematics: first steps

Accepted Answer

The Kinematics module of the FizziQ application allows you to analyze movement videos or chronophotographs with your laptop or tablet, then export the data to the experiment notebook. In the notebook, the data can be analyzed and shared in PDF or Excel file format.

You can consult Jean-Michel Courty's excellent video< /a> for Balles de Sciences on the use of the FizziQ application for kinematic analysis.

To analyze motion in the Kinematics module:

1. Upload a video or photo to analyze
- open the Kinematics module from the Tools tab in FizziQ,
- select Video mode if you want to analyze a video, or Timelapse if you want to analyze a photo,
- choose a video from those offered. You can also use your own video, or a video downloaded from the internet or from the Cinematic Videos space.

2. Scaling
The scaling which allows to give the ratio between the size of the image and the real size, and to define the axes. Scaling is done in three steps:
- set the Origin of the ruler,
- position the End of the ruler,
- give the Length of the ruler in meters,
We will check the direction of the axes which is determined automatically from the positions of the Origin and the Extremity.

3. Score
Once the Calibration has been carried out, we can proceed to the Pointing of the movement:
- check or modify the time interval between successive clockings,
- successively bring the target to the points to be studied, then press the screen. The position is then saved and the sequence advances to the next frame,
- you can move forward or back in the sequence of images by pressing the arrows at the bottom of the screen
- options allow to delete a point, to make the data transparent to facilitate pointing and to add an image of the screen to the workbook.

4. Results
After pointing out the entire movement, we can then move on to the analysis which is done in the experiment notebook using the graphic possibilities of the application:
- select the data you want to transfer to the notebook. A maximum of 3 data can be selected,
- transfer data by pressing Notebook,
- analyze the data in the Workbook or transfer the data to Excel or PDF format

Question 4

Kinematics: create and upload a kinematics video

Accepted Answer

The analysis of user-created videos is one of the most interesting features of the cinematic module. This video can be filmed with a mobile phone or tablet camera and imported into FizziQ for analysis.

To make a usable motion video we recommend paying attention to the following:
- the camera plane must be fixed,
- the object or person must be visible and sufficiently contrasted,
- if the object is wide, a mark should indicate where to point. Ideally located at the center of gravity,
- parallax must be avoided, in other words the mobile must be at the same distance from the lens during its movement,
- a scale must be visible on the video, located in the same plane as the mobile and at the same distance from the lens
- scale should have visible markings to indicate scale
- the number of frames per second must be known and sufficient to prevent successive frames from being blurred

Once the video is made, the video can be easily uploaded into FizziQ for analysis:
- open the Kinematics module in the fizziQ application from the Tools tab,
- select "My Videos",
- select video
- check when pointing the time interval (expressed in milliseconds)

To find out more, you can consult our blog - Our 7 tips for making a great cinematic video - and you can check out  the video of La main à la pâte - Science marbles on the subject

Question 5

Kinematics: download a video from the kinematics video space

Accepted Answer

The Kinematics videos space in Resources contains a large number of videos on sports and on the movement of objects to conduct investigation sessions on movement in class or at home.

To download a video from the Cinematic Video space in FizziQ: 
- open the Kinematics module in the fizziQ application from the Tools tab,
- select on FizziQ Resources which redirects you to a web browser and the Cinematic Videos page,
- copy video link to clipboard,
- return to FizziQ then select the Internet icon,
- tap the Copy icon.

Question 6

Kinematics: calculation of positions, speeds and acceleration

Accepted Answer

The kinematics module allows the calculation of several essential data for the study of movement, such as position, speed, acceleration, angle and associated energies.1. PositionThe position is calculated using the points stored in the pointing module. Each position point is defined from the reference frame and the scale defined during Scaling. When scaling, the origin can be separated from the reference frame by pressing the + button in the top right corner. The X and Y axis directions are oriented relative to the origin relative to these axes.2. SpeedSpeed is calculated in two different ways:- Centered finite difference: for a given point, the speed is calculated using the positions before and after this point: v(i) = x(i+1) - x(i-1) / [t(i+1)- t(i-1)]- Derivative of the smoothed curve: a portion of the curve smoothed over 5 points (or 3 at the ends) is generated, and the speed is calculated from the derivative of this curve at the point considered. This method makes it possible to minimize measurement errors and make the calculation smoother.By default, the module uses the smoothed curve for speed calculation. This option can be changed in Settings > Modeling.In both cases, the first and last points are excluded since they do not have neighboring points to perform the calculation.3. AccelerationAcceleration is calculated in two ways:- Centered finite difference: for a given point, the acceleration is calculated using the velocities before and after this point: a(t) = [v(i+1) - v(i-1)] /[t(i+1) - t(i-1)]- Second derivative of the smoothed curve: a portion of the curve smoothed on 5 points (or 3 at the ends) is generated, and the acceleration is calculated from the second derivative of this curve at the point considered.By default, the module uses the smoothed curve for calculating acceleration. This option can be changed in Settings > Modeling.In both cases, the first two and last two points are excluded.4. AngleFizziQ allows you to measure the angle at each instant tt, thus offering the possibility of analyzing rotational movements or describing the position of the mobile in polar coordinates.The angle calculated by FizziQ is obtained from the successive positions of the mobile during the movement. It corresponds to the angle formed between the horizontal axis XX and the straight line connecting the origin to the position of the mobile at time tt. This angle is measured in the trigonometric direction, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction from the XX axis.5. Kinetic, Potential and Mechanical EnergiesThe energies related to the movement are calculated from the positions, speeds and weight of the object (see the calculation of these different parameters). The weight is entered at the first analysis, and can then be modified by tapping on the displayed value.

Question 7

Kinematics: Spreadsheet and Graphs

Accepted Answer

By adding data to the experiment notebook, simple analyses can be performed on the data. It is also possible to export this data to Excel or Python for further analysis.Adding data to the experience notebookAt the end of the kinematic analysis, a screen allows you to select the data you wish to export to the experiment notebook. You can export up to three data items.Analysis in tabular formOnce the data is added to the experiment notebook, it can be analyzed in table format. The table can consist of up to 100 rows and 3 columns. Several features make it easy to organize and customize data:Editing Cells: You can add text, numbers, or formulas to each cell. Double-clicking on a cell can copy the contents of that cell to the entire column.Line Management: You can add additional lines for annotations or delete lines that are no longer needed.Data Accuracy: The display of digits after the decimal point can be adjusted to obtain a more precise or simplified presentation of values.Formulas: Very simple calculations can be performed on the table by entering a formula. Formulas can only be entered in the last column. They begin with the = sign followed by a formula that will use the column headings. For example, = T * x /5. Parentheses or brackets can be used interchangeably. Note that the previous or next row can be referenced with the prefix prec(column heading) or suiv(column heading).Statistics: The last line allows you to calculate statistics on the data in a column (Sum, Average, Standard Deviation, Sum Product).Analysis in graphical formFizziQ allows you to represent data in the form of a graph:Choice of axes: You can select one data for the abscissa (X) axis and another for the ordinate (Y) axis.Scale and Centering: The scale of the graph can be adjusted using the magnifying glass buttons, allowing you to zoom in or out to the desired precision. You can also center the graph to get a different view of the curve.Modeling: By pressing the modeling button, you have access to different options:Linear Interpolation: This option connects data points with straight line segments. The formula appears in the top right corner.Quadratic smoothing: This type of modeling applies a quadratic smoothing to the data. The formula for the curve appears in the top right corner.No Modeling: You can also choose to display the data without any modeling if you prefer to observe the raw points.Data export: once in the notebook, the data can be exported in CSV format (period or comma separators) or as a Python file (the data is presented in the form of row data that can be easily integrated into a Python program).

Question 8

Kinematics: export data to Excel

Accepted Answer

FizziQ allows the export of data present in the workbook to an Excel-compatible CSV file.

To export data from the kinematics module:
- once the pointing is done, select Results to calculate trajectory, speed, acceleration or energy data
- in the menu, select a maximum of three data to export to the notebook
- press Notebook to export the data to the experiment notebook
- the data is then added to the notebook where it can be analyzed

Once the data is in the workbook, it can be exported to a file in CSV format:
- in the notebook, press the Share icon at the top right of the screen
- select "Create CSV file
- decide on a dot or comma decimal separator depending on your spreadsheet configuration
- export the document

Question 9

General: what is FizziQ used for?

Accepted Answer

FizziQ and FizziQ Junior allow you to conduct scientific experiments with a smartphone, mobile phone or tablet. The applications are free and use the many possibilities of digital tools to perform scientific measurements, document these measurements using graphs, tables and comments, share these measurements with a group and create exportable documents in PDF or CSV format for Excel. .

FizziQ and FizziQ FIZZIQ Junior  can be used in class to quickly carry out a manipulation either by the teacher or with the whole class. The applications have been organized to respond well to the specifications of teachers in the school setting.

FizziQ and FizziQ Junior can also be used at home or by pupils and students to conduct personal research on the world around them.

Finally, the applications have been specially designed for use in all situations where pupils or students do not have access to a laboratory to conduct their scientific experiments: 
- Inaccessible laboratories (containment, works)
- Situations of disability (in the hospital or at home)
- Non-existent or faulty hardware
- Field work alone or in a group

Question 10

General: Which smartphones or tablets can I use?

Accepted Answer

Apps are available in iOS and Android environments and work on devices that use those operating systems. On Android, the OS version must be at least 5 (the latest version is 11). The type of data that the user can capture, however, depends on the capabilities of the devices. The features are the same on both platforms.

Question 11

General: do we have to pay to use FizziQ?

Accepted Answer

The FizziQ app is free. It can be used freely for educational purposes for non-commercial uses. If screenshots or parts of screens are distributed on media whose distribution is greater than 250 copies, the mention of the name of the application and the internet link of the application, www.fizziq.org, must be indicated on the medium. You can also use the app logo in connection with the app.

Question 12

General: what makes FizziQ different from other apps?

Accepted Answer

There are other applications, some of which were pioneers in the field. There are also other ways to teach experimentation to students such as using virtual experimentation environments.

FizziQ is the only application that integrates, in a modern and intuitive interface, the capture of information, the experiment notebook, the experiment protocols and experiment tools such as simultaneous recording, the library of sounds, interval timer, shutters and more. FizziQ allows collaboration between students and promotes the development of the educational community.

Question 13

General: what differentiates the versions of FizziQ?

Accepted Answer

FizziQ is a constantly evolving application. We add new features about every month.

If some functionality seems to be missing in the application, send us an email at info@fizziqlab.org.

The latest version of FizziQ is version 3.9, FizziQ Blue, which includes the following features:
- facilitate the exchange of data between students, or between the student and the teacher, without using an internet connection by using a QR code.
- three-column tables with the last column accepting numbers, text and/or formulas. 
- organize the notebook by moving the cards with your finger.
- free selection of data in the kinematics module.
- sampling mode for sound waves.
- histograms for sensor data. 
- the PDF production module has been redesigned for a new presentation, very structured and visually attractive.

You can have more details on these different features by consulting our blog: What's new in FizziQ Blue.

Question 14

Tools: using the tone generator or synthesizer

Accepted Answer

Mobile phones and tablets being equipped with loudspeakers, it seemed obvious to us to create a tool to generate sounds and thus give the researcher the means to have a sound source available that can be adapted to his needs.

The sound synthesizer, or tone generator, present in the Tools tab, allows you to generate a sound at a frequency between 200 and 10,000 hertz on 3 independently programmable channels. In addition, the second channel can be phase shifted relative to the first and each channel has its own volume. Having multiple channels allows the user to generate complex sounds.

Many activities can be conducted with the tone generator as described in this post.

Warning: on Android these sounds can be "played" at the same time as an analysis on the sound is carried out in the Measurement tab. We can therefore play and measure. On iOS this is not possible due to Apple's desire not to infringe copyrights and you must either play a sound or measure but you cannot do both at the same time.

Question 15

Tools: using the sound library

Accepted Answer

The sound library provides the student and the teacher with more than 15 different sounds that can be used to conduct investigative processes.

The sound library is accessed from the Tools tab. By pressing the drop-down menu, you select one of the sounds from the library, which includes the following sounds:
- 3 tuning fork sounds from different eras
- 6 musical notes from different instruments
- 2 noises (an electronic white noise and a busy street)
- 1 Doppler effect
- 1 constant pure tone at 680 Hertz
- 1 intermittent beep 
- 1 ringtone
- 3 sequences of musical notes (scale, octal, mystery sounds)

Warning: on Android these sounds can be "played" at the same time as an analysis on the sound is carried out in the Measurement tab. So we can play and measure. On iOS this is not possible due to Apple's desire not to infringe copyrights and you must either play a sound or measure but you cannot do both at the same time.

Question 16

Navigation: navigate in the application

Accepted Answer

The banner at the bottom of the application allows you to navigate between the 5 independent screens at any time:
- the Activities tab which gives access to all activity protocols as well as creating, editing and sharing activities,
- the Notebook tab in which the student adds the results of his experiments but can also add text, photos or tables,
- the Measurements tab which gives access to the measuring instruments by pressing on the Central Circle,
- the Tools tab which offers many features for performing scientific experiments such as the synthesizer, the sound library, or the kinematics tool,
- the Settings tab where the user will find the different options to adapt FizziQ to his needs, perform tool calibration, or change the sampling.

Question 17

Navigation: select a measuring instrument

Accepted Answer

More than 50 different types of measurements can be made with FzziQ.

To access these measurements, in the Measurements tab, press the Central Circle to access the instrument selection menu.

Knowledge database