The Science Journal will be handed over to Arduino this fall and Google will stop supporting it on December 11, 2020. “Moving forward, all new updates to the app will take place through Arduino's new version of Science Journal, which will be available for both Android and iOS in September 2020,” Google announced.

Designed by Making & Science - a Google initiative, Science Journal is a free app that uses the sensors in smartphones to gather data. The app can be adapted to measure all sorts of data and create interesting experiments and games.

The Tech Interactive has used the app to develop an interesting variety of education games including High Tech Hot Potato -  “a group activity that focuses on creative problem solving, as well as data visualization”. It uses the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis accelerometers to create the classic game Hot Potato.  They also have a design challenge that allows users to be amusement park engineers called Zipline.

“Their job is to create a model version of the transport vehicle for a zipline. However, like an engineer, participants must keep in mind that their experience can be fast, but it still needs to be stable, safe and enjoyable. Using Science Journal, an app that can use the sensors in everyday smartphones, participants can find out if their zipline ride can stand the test of amusement park guests,” Tech Interactive explains.

The Science Journal will employ Arduino’s open source firmware and other APIs that developers can use to create new projects.

“Arduino Science Journal will include support for the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense board, as well as the Arduino Science Kit, with students able to document science experiments and record observations using their own Android or iOS device. The Science Journal actively encourages students to learn outside of the classroom, delivering accessible resources to support both teachers and students for remote or in person activities. For developers, the Arduino version will continue to be open: codes, APIs, and firmware to help them create innovative new projects,” Arduino reported.

Fabio Violante, Arduino’s CEO, noted that the company shares the original Journal’s goals of providing education and a place where children can learn in a safe and supportive environment.

“Taking on the next generation of the Science Journal, we can continue providing the essential tools for STEAM classes that develop with students as they progress through school and university, preparing them for a successful future,” Violante stated.

The Science Journal can be downloaded in the Google Play Store.