Abstract
Microcomputer Based Laboratory (MBL) is often represented by a system containing sensor(s), which measure some quantities, for example pH, pressure, voltage etc. Although the employment of probeware into science education is not new, they are not widely spread.
The lack of suitable educational materials, lack of experience and pedagogical knowledge and possible technical problems can be considered as other factors which hinder employment of probeware in education. Hence, preparation and testing of new experiments and experimental approaches, educational and supporting materials and technical support provided secondary school teachers is necessary to boost the penetration of probeware into secondary school laboratories.
Regarding that, this contribution is focused on MBL description and its possibilities in secondary school education and laboratory experiments, especially in chemistry, attitudes and opinions of secondary school teachers and pupils acquired through orientation questionnaire inquiry and experience with probeware in courses for secondary schools teachers and pupils. In a framework of projects Přírodní vědy a matematika na středních školách v Praze and COMBLAB, new materials supporting introduction of probeware into secondary school education were/will be prepared.
Also laboratory courses for teachers and pupils were held and evaluated, including their attitudes and opinions. It was shown that majority of teachers (8) and pupils (81) do not consider the experiments made using probeware more or less attractive than "common" experiments, on the other hand, they identified their benefits and support introduction of probeware into secondary school laboratory.
Majority of them would appreciate new educational materials, new courses on probeware and technical support information.