Precision of the Built-in Atmospheric Pressure Sensor in a Smartphone and Evaluation of an Air Pressure Observation Activity Program

Abstract

The precision of the built-in atmospheric pressure sensor in a smartphone and the educational effect of an air pressure observation activity were investigated. The air pressure observed using an iPad and iPhone were accurate within ±1 hPa under 1000 m above sea level. Pre and post questionnaires of trial lessons showed that students treated the sensor app like a TV weather forecast program and wanted to know air pressure in more detail, that students felt atmospheric pressure changes, and that this lesson was useful to understand air pressure and was enjoyable.