Tilt and Acceleration Logger Kit

Classes 9-10, typical ages 14–16. Age ranges vary by learner. Guided low-voltage electronics.

Activity engagement

90–120 minutes. Explore 15–20 min · Build 30–40 min · Test and discuss 45–60 min. Estimated time for building, testing and discussion.

What you need

A computer with a USB port and Arduino IDE is required and is not included.

Included components

• Small Breadboard / Mini Solderless Board - 400 points — 1 breadboard
• Jumper Wire Combo - Male to Male, Male to Female and Female to Female Breadboard Connecting Wires (10 Qty Each) — 1 set
• Illustrated Activity Guide and Observation Sheets — 1 set
• Fitted Headers and Labelled Connection Leads — 1 set
• Arduino Uno R3 CH340G version compatible Arduino Development Board — 1 controller board
• USB A to B Programming Cable for Arduino Uno/ Arduino Mega — 1 data cable
• MPU6050 3-Axis Gyroscope/Accelerometer Sensor Module — 1 sensor module
• Bidirectional 3.3 V / 5 V I2C Level Shifter — 1 level-shifter module

What you learn

• An accelerometer reports components of a vector.
• Gravity appears in stationary acceleration measurements.
• Offsets and mounting influence comparisons.

Connection guide

• Supplied regulated GY-521 VCC → 5 V; GND → GND. Its I2C signals remain at 3.3 V.
• Level shifter LV → 3.3 V, HV → 5 V, GND common; A4/A5 → HV1/HV2 and MPU SDA/SCL → LV1/LV2.

Steps to make it

1. Disconnect all power and identify the supplied part labels and pinouts before wiring.
2. Connect the I2C shifter and regulated sensor breakout, then install libraries.
3. Upload and hold the module stationary on a level surface for ten seconds.
4. Place each labelled sensor axis upward in turn and record the acceleration vector.
5. Move it gently, compare dynamic readings, and distinguish acceleration from position.
6. Change only the named parameter for the extension, repeat the controlled trials, save observations and disconnect power afterward.

Programming resources

Arduino IDE: select Arduino Uno and the USB port. Use the supplied USB data cable. Serial Monitor/Plotter: 115200 baud.

Libraries to install

• Adafruit MPU6050
• Adafruit Unified Sensor
• Adafruit BusIO

Download starter sketch

Test challenge

Does the stationary vector magnitude remain near 9.81 m/s² as the orientation changes?

Observation task

Orientation, mean x/y/z acceleration, vector magnitude and observed offsets.

Expected result

Gravity shifts between axes with orientation; gentle movement adds transient accelerations.

If it does not work

Verify address 0x68, level-shifter wiring and a stationary mount. Double-check that the supplied module has its 5 V VCC regulator.

Try next

Subtract a measured stationary baseline and explain why integration drifts.

Use and supervision

Use only the supplied low-voltage DC parts. Disconnect power before rewiring; check polarity and labelled pinouts. No soldering or exposed mains connections. Adult guidance is recommended.

How this experiment works

Download class activity guide

Cover illustrations show component types. Functional animations explain principles and are not recorded prototype tests. Follow the supplied connection labels and pinouts.