DataSnap™ Air Racer STEM Lab

What grade levels is the DataSnap Motion Sensor designed for?
The DataSnap Motion Sensor is ideal for upper elementary, middle, and high school students exploring STEM, physics, and engineering concepts.

How does this sensor differ from traditional data collection methods?
The DataSnap Motion Sensor drives engagement by making setup and operation easy. Moving beyond the stopwatch and calculator of the past, the sensor collects, calculates, and presents accurate data directly to students, allowing them to deeply engage in the iterative engineering design process.

What data does it collect?
Using multiple integrated sensors and advanced algorithms, the DataSnap Motion Sensor measures and displays values of position, velocity, acceleration, and force data. Results are presented through easy-to-read graphs in the free DataSnap app.

How do students access the data?
Students connect the sensor to the free DataSnap app using Bluetooth® technology. The app displays lesson-specific data and visualizations that help students analyze results and make design improvements.

How many students can use the sensor?
The wireless design makes it easy to share sensors among student teams. While classroom needs vary, we generally recommend two to eight sensors per class.

What is the difference between the Standard and Advanced Curriculum?
The Standard Curriculum focuses on building conceptual understanding, while the Advanced Curriculum incorporates algebra-based math skills for deeper analysis and application.

Is teacher training or support included?
Each STEM Lab (sold separately) includes two curriculum levels, student-facing lesson slide presentations, printable student engineering workbooks, and a teacher guide designed for easy classroom implementation.

What devices does the DataSnap app work on?
The DataSnap app works in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Chromebooks, laptops, desktop computers, and select tablets. It is supported on Windows and Mac operating systems but does not operate on iOS.

What other program support do you provide?
We provide free webinars, blogs, and classroom resources to help educators successfully implement STEM learning experiences.

What STEM Labs does this DataSnap Motion Sensor work with?
The DataSnap Motion Sensor is compatible with multiple DataSnap STEM Labs. For a complete comparison, see the DataSnap Comparison Chart.

DataSnap Comparison Chart

What hardware is required?
You will need a Bluetooth-enabled Chromebook, laptop, or desktop computer with internet access and either the Chrome or Edge browser.

Are student accounts required?
No. The DataSnap app does not require user accounts, and student data is not stored.

What happens if the sensor is dropped?
The sensor is engineered to withstand the drops and impacts specified in the curriculum activities.

How do you charge the sensor?
Place the sensor into the magnetic charging dock.

How long will the battery last?
Each sensor’s battery will last six hours when fully charged. We recommend using the charging cases as a “Pairing Station” in the classroom, where students bring their device to be paired with the sensor.

How do students know which sensor they are paired to?
When paired, the sensor’s LED lights match the color shown in the DataSnap app. Students can also select the sensor icon in the app to flash the sensor light and confirm the connection.

How does the sensor perform updates?
Sensor firmware updates are delivered through the DataSnap app when available. The app will notify the user when an update is needed.

How many devices can a sensor connect to at once?
Each sensor can only connect to one device at a time. Placing the sensor on the powered charging case will disconnect the Bluetooth connection.

What is the range between the device and sensor?
The typical operating range is approximately 30 feet (9 meters).

What happens if the sensor moves out of range?
The app may indicate that the connection has been lost. Move the sensor closer to the device and reconnect through the pairing process.

What is the main learning objective of this lab?

The main learning objective is to teach principles of force, motion, acceleration, and automotive design optimization through hands-on racing.

How many racers are included?

Eight customizable air racers are included with extra components tools for design modifications.

Does this lab require CO₂ cartridges?

No, it uses a pneumatic air system for safe and reusable propulsion.

What technology is included?

DataSnap Motion Sensors and the free web app that accompanies them are used for real-world data collection and analysis. The motion sensor connect to the app via Bluetooth technology.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by RealityWorks, Inc. associated products is under license.

Is this suitable for competitions or classroom use?

Both! It’s perfect for classroom projects and STEM competitions.

How many labs would you recommend for a 20-student classroom?

We recommend one lab for a 20-student classroom.

Can the Racer come off the guide string? 

The guide string helps keep the Racer moving in a controlled path while minimizing interference with the collected data. Create a clear launch area so the Racer can travel freely and safely. If a car is repeatedly coming off the track, check that the air tube is straight and in line with the guide string. 

Do I need to use the foam bumper at the finish line? 

Yes. The foam bumper provides the impact event needed for the sensor to accurately calculate race performance data. Omitting the bumper may result in inaccurate velocity or acceleration measurements and potential damage to the car. 

What happens if the Racer doesn’t impact the finish line? 

The sensor relies on the impact event to identify the end of a run. If an impact is not detected, the data may not be processed correctly.

How tight should the guide string be? 

A properly tensioned guide string helps reduce side-to-side movement that can affect the collected data. Check the string before each launch. 

How do I wake the Launcher out of Sleep Mode? 

After five minutes of inactivity, the Launcher automatically depressurizes and enters Sleep Mode. To reactivate it, unplug and reconnect the Launcher. 

What are the motion triggers for the Air Racer STEM Lab? 

The triggers in Air Racer are: 

1. Launch 
2. Stop 
3. Let the sensor rest for 3 seconds 

When should “Start Collecting” be clicked in the app when launching the Racer? 

Once “Start Collecting” is clicked, 30 seconds is the maximum time allowed before an automatic timeout occurs. To prevent automatic timeout, make sure the air compressor has charged the system and the launch countdown has begun. Once the race countdown has begun, click “Start Collecting” in the app. Click “Stop Collecting” once the cars have finished their race and come to rest for 3 seconds. 

Why is my air compressor not exceeding 45 psi of pressure? 

Your air compressor may be set to the wrong mode. Verify if there is a symbol above the psi level (i.e. a car, bike, or ball) which may be covered by the strap securing the compressor to the launcher. If a symbol is present, press the mode button (circle symbol on the air compressor) until the symbol is no longer present. 

Why does my Air Racer say the race time was DNF when it reached the end of the track? 

The DataSnap Sensor may not register sufficiently low forces of impact to avoid false readings during normal use. If the Motion Sensor slowly glides to the end or impacts with a low force, the app may register that the car did not finish its race. 

What other program support do you provide?

We offer free webinars, blogs, and classroom resources to help your program succeed.

How does this DataSnap STEM Lab compare to your other DataSnap STEM Labs?

You can find a detailed comparison of the DataSnap Stem Labs in this chart.

DataSnap Comparison Chart