1. Introduction

1.1 What is FizziQ?

FizziQ transforms your smartphone or tablet into a true portable scientific laboratory. The app uses the many built-in sensors in your device to conduct physics, chemistry, and life and earth science experiments.

1.2 Who is FizziQ for?

• Students: from middle school to high school, to discover science interactively
• Teachers: to prepare and lead practical work sessions
• Curious minds: to explore the world around us with a scientific perspective

1.3 App Philosophy

FizziQ is inspired by the scientific method:

1.4 Available Languages

FizziQ is available in 20 languages: French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Hungarian, Estonian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, and Malagasy.

1.5 Safety Precautions

Using FizziQ to conduct scientific experiments requires following certain essential precautions.

Protect your device

Protect others

• Do not throw objects toward other people
• Warn people around you before conducting a motion experiment
• Clear the workspace of obstacles

Protect yourself

• Do not take measurements in dangerous locations (roadside, heights, etc.)
• Do not conduct experiments that could injure you
• Stay aware of your surroundings during measurements

1.6 Recommendations for Using FizziQ in Class

1. Be confident

The FizziQ app was designed for students, and its interface is similar to other digital tools they use daily.

2. Put devices in airplane mode

FizziQ does not need Internet access to work. In airplane mode, students will not be distracted by notifications and messages.

3. Encourage group work

Group work allows students less familiar with digital tools to learn the app while benefiting from others' discoveries.

4. Let students familiarize themselves with the tool

During the first session, plan 10 to 15 minutes for students to familiarize themselves with the different features.

5. Choose an appropriate protocol

For your first session, choose a protocol that requires only one measuring instrument. You will find many examples at www.fizziq.org/protocoles.

6. Request a report

FizziQ allows students to easily create synthetic documents including graphs, text, photos, and tables.

2. Getting Started

2.1 Installation

FizziQ is available for free on:

• iOS: App Store (iPhone and iPad)
• Android: Google Play Store
• Web: FizziQ Web (browser version)

2.2 First Launch

On first launch, FizziQ:

1. Automatically detects available sensors on your device
2. Requests necessary permissions (microphone, camera, location)
3. Displays the home screen

2.3 Required Permissions

2.4 Home Screen Structure

The home screen displays five tabs at the bottom of the screen:

3. The Main Interface

3.1 The Measurements Tab

This is the heart of FizziQ. This screen allows you to:

• Select one or two measuring instruments
• Visualize data in real time
• Record observations

Selecting an instrument

1. At the top of the screen, you see the name of the active instrument
2. Tap on this name: the instruments menu opens
3. The menu displays instrument categories
4. Tap on a category to expand it
5. Tap on the desired instrument to select it
6. The menu closes and the display updates
7. The interface color changes according to the instrument

3.2 The Notebook Tab

The experiment notebook contains all your observations, displayed as observation cards. Each card can contain:

• Data (graphs recorded by sensors)
• Data tables
• Photos and images
• Notes and text comments

Navigating the notebook

• Scroll: swipe vertically to browse cards
• Select: tap on a card to see it in detail
• Reorganize: long press then drag
• Delete: swipe left or use the menu

3.3 The Tools Tab

Access to complementary tools:

• Sound synthesizer
• Color synthesis
• Sound library
• Scientific calculator
• Automatic stopwatches
• Triggers
• AskFizziQ (AI assistant)

3.4 The Activities Tab

Four areas: Getting started with FizziQ (five guided steps), the online activity Catalog, Import by QR code and My activities. See section 16.

3.5 The Settings Tab

The Settings tab allows you to customize the app behavior:

• Data: sampling frequency, signal filtering, quadratic adjustment
• Settings: screen orientation, sensor organization (by instrument or by theme), language
• Camera: LED for colorimetry, photo saving, camera selection
• Calibration: magnetometer and sound level meter adjustment
• System status: available sensors, app version, device information

4. Measuring Instruments

FizziQ offers more than 50 measuring instruments. The menu can be organized by instrument or by theme.

4.1 Instrument Menu Organization

Default organization: by measuring instrument

Alternative organization: by theme

In Settings > Organize by theme, you can enable thematic organization:

4.2 Microphone

The smartphone microphone allows several types of acoustic measurements.

Sound Level Meter

• Measurement: Sound level in decibels (dB)
• Range: 0 to 110 dB
• Use: Measure the sound volume of an environment
• Examples: Noise pollution, acoustic insulation, sound comparison

Dominant Frequency

• Measurement: Main sound frequency in Hertz (Hz)
• Range: 50 to 10,000 Hz
• Use: Identify the note played by an instrument
• Examples: Tune an instrument, study the human voice

Amplitude (oscilloscope view)

• Display: Real-time audio signal (waveform)
• Range: 0 to 10,000 ms or 0 to 100 ms (switchable)
• Use: Visualize the sound waveform
• Examples: Compare pure and complex sounds, observe beats

Spectrograph

• Display: Frequency spectrum of sound (FFT)
• Range: 0 to 5,000 Hz
• Use: Analyze harmonic composition
• Examples: Instrument timbre, voice analysis

Noise Level

• Measurement: Average ambient sound level (dB)
• Range: 0 to 110 dB
• Use: Measure average ambient noise in an environment

4.3 Accelerometer

The accelerometer measures accelerations experienced by the phone.

Linear Accelerometer X, Y, Z

• Measurement: Acceleration without gravity (m/s2)
• Axes: X (front-back), Y (left-right), Z (up-down)
• Examples: Free fall, oscillations, impacts

Accelerometer with gravity

• Measurement: Total acceleration including g (m/s2)
• At rest value: approx. 9.81 m/s2 (vertically)

Absolute Acceleration X, Y, Z

• Measurement: Acceleration in the Earth reference frame (m/s2)
• Difference: Independent of phone orientation

4.4 Gyroscope

• Measurement: Rotation speed (deg/s or rad/s)
• Axes: X (roll), Y (pitch), Z (yaw)
• Examples: Spinning top rotation, pendulum motion

4.5 Pedometer

• Measurement: Cumulative step count
• Examples: Stride study, distance calculation

4.6 Compass

• Measurement: Direction relative to magnetic north (deg)
• Range: 0 to 360 degrees
• Note: Hold the phone horizontally for accurate measurement

4.7 Inclinometer

Front-back inclinometer (pitch)

• Measurement: Longitudinal tilt angle (deg)
• Range: -90 to +90 degrees

Lateral inclinometer (roll)

• Measurement: Transverse tilt angle (deg)
• Range: -90 to +90 degrees

4.8 Theodolite

Horizontal bearing (Azimuth)

• Measurement: Direction of an object relative to north (deg)
• Range: 0 to 360 degrees

Vertical bearing (Elevation)

• Measurement: Angle above or below the horizon (deg)
• Range: -90 deg (nadir) to +90 deg (zenith)

4.9 GPS

4.10 Magnetometer

• Magnetometer (magnitude): Total magnetic field intensity (uT)
• Earth value: approx. 25 to 65 uT depending on location
• Magnetometer X, Y, Z: Magnetic field components
• Magnetic angle: Horizontal magnetic field direction

4.11 Light Meter

• Measurement: Illuminance in lux
• Range: 0 to 100,000+ lux

4.12 Colorimeter

The colorimeter uses the camera to analyze colors.

4.13 Barometer

• Measurement: Pressure in hectopascals (hPa) or millibars
• Standard value: 1013.25 hPa at sea level
• Variation: approx. -12 hPa per 100 m altitude
• Note: Available only on certain devices

4.14 Kinematic Analysis

Video kinematics

• Function: Analyze motion in a video
• Measurements: Position (x, y), velocity, acceleration

Chronophotography

• Function: Analyze motion in a photo
• Measurements: Position (x, y), Velocity (Vx, Vy, V), Acceleration (Ax, Ay, A), Rotation (alpha), Energy (Ek, Ep, Em)

5. Measurement Display - First Steps

5.1 Accessing the Measurement Screen

From the home screen

1. Look at the bottom bar of the screen
2. Tap on the Measurements tab
3. The instruments menu is displayed

Selecting an instrument

1. Tap on a category (e.g., Accelerometer)
2. The category expands and displays available instruments
3. Tap on the desired instrument (e.g., Acceleration X)
4. The measurement screen is displayed

5.2 The Measurement Screen

Screen elements

1. Top bar

• Back arrow : return to instruments menu
• Instrument name: indicates the active instrument

2. Circular dial (main display)

• Numerical value: real-time measurement
• Unit: unit of measurement
• The value updates continuously

3. Real-time graph

• Displays the measurement evolution over time
• The graph scrolls from right to left

4. Action buttons (at the bottom)

• Capture button: capture an instant measurement
• REC button: start continuous recording

5.3 Practical Example: Measuring Acceleration

Step 1: Select the accelerometer

1. Tap on the Measurements tab
2. Tap on Accelerometer
3. Tap on Acceleration X

Step 2: Observe the measurement screen

• The dial displays a value close to 0 m/s2 if the phone is stationary
• The graph shows a flat line

Step 3: Take a measurement

• Gently shake the phone left and right
• Observe the dial: the value changes
• Observe the graph: a wavy curve appears

5.4 Changing Instruments

From the measurement screen, several methods:

• Method 1: Back arrow at top left
• Method 2: Tap on the circular dial
• Method 3: Tap on the graph

6. Recording Measurements

6.1 Recording Types

6.2 Continuous Recording

Recording procedure

1. Check that the desired instrument is displayed
2. Locate the red "REC" button at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap on "REC" to start recording
4. The graph turns red, a clock is displayed
5. Perform your experiment during recording
6. Tap on "STOP" to stop
7. The observation is automatically added to the notebook

6.3 Instant Measurement (spot capture)

1. Check that the desired instrument is displayed
2. Observe the displayed value in the dial
3. Wait for the value to stabilize
4. Tap on the capture button
5. An instant observation card is added to the notebook

6.4 Multi Mode: Measuring up to Four Quantities at Once

Multi mode replaces the former Duo mode. It displays and records up to four instruments simultaneously, each on its own row, with a common time axis.

Enabling Multi mode

From the measurement screen, with a first instrument displayed, tap the Multi button ("layers" icon, circle in the instrument's colour) at the top right of the dial area. The screen switches to Multi mode with that instrument on the first row. The mode is also available through Tools → Acquisition → Multi.

The Multi screen

Each instrument occupies one row: on the left, a dial with the real-time value and its unit; on the right, a compact scrolling graph of the measurement. Rows are browsed vertically. Below the last row are two buttons:

• the blue + circle adds an instrument: the instrument menu opens and the chosen instrument takes the next row (four rows maximum, after which the + disappears);
• the red "crossed layers" circle leaves Multi mode and returns to the single-instrument screen (the first instrument of the list is kept).

To change the instrument of a row, tap its dial: the menu opens for that row only. To remove a row, swipe it to the left; the following rows move up.

If no row has an instrument yet, the screen shows "Tap + to choose a sensor".

Recording in Multi mode

The REC button starts and stops the recording of all rows at the same time. Measurements are timestamped on the first instrument's clock, the others being resampled onto that common time base: a single card is created in the notebook, with up to four curves. The instant capture button works as in single mode.

The multi-curve card in the notebook

The card displays the curves on a single vertical axis, with each instrument's name and colour in the header. The graph settings button lets you:

• choose which curves are displayed;
• switch to a relative scale ("compare shapes", from −100% to +100%), useful when the quantities have very different units or amplitudes;
• display lines, points, columns or the histogram of occurrences;
• choose the horizontal axis: time, or one of the instruments for an X-Y graph (for example acceleration X versus acceleration Y). Vertical zoom and reframing remain available.

The CSV and Python export of a Multi card contains the four measurements (Measurement 1 to 4, with each sensor's name and unit). The PDF export currently reproduces only the first two.

Usage examples

• Motion: acceleration X, Y and Z of a cart during a single push.
• Sound: sound level and fundamental frequency of a sustained note.
• External sensors: voltage and current to plot a characteristic curve.
• Environment: pressure, temperature and illuminance over a day.

Known limits

• Instruments that use the microphone (sound level meter, noise level, frequency meter, spectrum, oscilloscope) can only occupy the first two rows; the colorimeter and the camera, only the first one.
• In Multi mode, the back arrow of the top bar only appears in the selection menu; to return to a single instrument, use the red button below the rows.
• Multi mode is not remembered: on the next launch, FizziQ starts in single mode.

6.5 Automatic Stopwatches and Triggers

These tools are accessible from the Tools tab.

• Stopwatches: measure time between two events
• Triggers: trigger an action when a condition is met

6.6 Recording Settings

Sampling frequency

The standard sampling frequency corresponds to the maximum frequency for the selected sensor. This frequency can be configured in Settings > Data.

Maximum recording duration

7. The Experiment Notebook

7.1 Notebook Concept

The experiment notebook works like a digital scientific logbook. It contains all your observations in the form of observation cards.

Each card can contain:

• Data: graphs recorded by sensors
• Tables: organized numerical data
• Photos: images taken during the experiment
• Text: notes, comments, hypotheses, conclusions

7.2 Observation Card Types

7.3 Card Management

Renaming a card

It is very important to name the different cards explicitly. This allows students to easily find their way in their experiment notebook and properly document their experimentation session.

How to rename a card

1. Open the card in full screen
2. Tap on the card title
3. Type the new name
4. Confirm

Reorganizing cards

1. Tap on the reorganize icon at the top
2. Long press on a card then drag it
3. Release to drop

Deleting a card

• Method 1: Swipe left, then Delete button
• Method 2: Menu, then Delete

7.4 Adding Observation Cards

There are several ways to add observation cards to your notebook:

From the measurement screen

Return to the Measurements tab and take new measurements. These will be automatically added to the notebook.

From the floating + button

Tap on the floating + button (square) located at the bottom right of the notebook window. This button allows you to add:

7.5 Exporting and Sharing Observation Data

To export observation data, open the card in full screen then tap on the share icon.

7.6 Exporting and Sharing the Notebook

To export the entire notebook, tap on the share icon located at the top right, in the banner displaying the notebook name.

Export options

Notebook PDF Export

When exporting to PDF, FizziQ asks you:

• Notebook name: title that will appear on the document
• Author: document author name
• Number of columns: between 1 and 3 columns per page

Once the PDF is generated, you can share it through all available means on your smartphone: email, WhatsApp, Messages, or save it to the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox...).

7.7 Notebook Management

• Rename: Tap on the notebook name at the top
• Access all notebooks: Folder icon at the top left
• Create a new notebook: + icon in the list
• Automatic save: Notebooks are saved automatically

8. Sensor Data

Sensor data contains a lot of information. It is presented as graphs that allow for quick and efficient visual analysis.

Data can also be exported in CSV or Python format for in-depth analysis in a spreadsheet or programming environment.

Graph display makes it easy to visualize large amounts of data and quickly identify trends and anomalies.

8.1 Graph Analysis

Display mode

A button allows you to select the graph display mode:

• Line: classic curve display
• Statistics: displays occurrences for different measured values

Line mode commands

9. Tables

9.1 Concept

FizziQ uses a scientific spreadsheet adapted to experimentation needs. Main difference from Excel: formulas use column names (t, x, y...) instead of cell references (A1, B2...).

9.2 Creating a Table

1. Notebook tab
2. Tap on +
3. Select Table
4. A table with 3 default columns is created

Automatically created tables

Some analyses create their own tables: kinematic analysis (video or chronophotography), for instance, adds to the notebook a table containing the computed data (positions, velocities, accelerations...). These tables are handled exactly like a table created by hand: columns, formulas and charts work the same way.

9.3 Columns

Renaming a column and setting its unit

Tap the column name to edit it. To attach a unit, put it in parentheses inside the name, for example acceleration (m/s2) or t(s): the identifier to use in formulas remains the bare name ("acceleration", "t"), and the unit is automatically reused on chart axes.

Moving between columns

Not all columns are visible at once. Use the arrows at the bottom of the table, next to the numbers of the visible columns, to scroll through the columns.

Adding a column

1. Scroll to the last column with the arrow
2. A new column with a + in its title appears
3. Tap the + to confirm the creation

Column header menu

The column header menu also offers:

9.4 Text and Numbers

Each cell can hold a number or a text. Numbers are recognized automatically. Decimals entered with a comma are automatically converted to decimals with a point, the standard notation of this spreadsheet. A cell can also hold a formula: that is the subject of the next section.

9.5 Formulas and Functions

Concept

• Formulas start with =
• Reference a column by its name (e.g., B, t, x...)
• The formula uses the value from the same row

Example

To calculate the sine of column B: =SIN(B)

Neighbor functions

Mathematical operators

Mathematical functions

SIN, COS, TAN, ASIN, ACOS, ATAN, SQRT, ABS, LN, LOG, EXP

Statistical functions

• SOMME(col) or SUM(col)
• MOYENNE(col) or AVERAGE(col)
• ECARTYPE(col) or STDEV(col)

Differentiation functions

• DIFF(y, x): First derivative dy/dx (velocity)
• DIFF2(y, x): Second derivative d2y/dx2 (acceleration)

9.6 Graph Visualization

1. Open the table in full screen
2. Tap on the Graph button
3. Choose the column for the X axis
4. Choose the column for the Y axis
5. The graph is displayed

Interpolation options

• Linear: regression line (y = ax + b)
• Logarithmic
• Sinusoidal

10. Text and Photos

This section describes how to add observation cards containing text or photos to your experiment notebook.

10.1 Adding a Text Card

Creating a text card

1. Tap on the + button (floating at bottom right)
2. Tap on Text
3. A text card is created
4. Tap in the card to write your comment
5. Confirm by tapping Confirm

Writing mathematical formulas

In a text card, you can write mathematical formulas using LaTeX format.

How to create a formula

1. Type two dollar signs: $$
2. Write your formula in LaTeX
3. Close the formula with $$
4. Tap on Confirm
5. The formula displays in mathematical notation

Example

To write a fraction:

$$F = \frac{2}{3} \times X$$

Will display as a real mathematical formula with the fraction correctly formatted.

Available symbols

Many mathematical symbols are automatically recognized:

• Functions: \log, \sin, \cos, \tan, \sqrt...
• Greek letters: \alpha, \beta, \gamma, \epsilon, \pi...
• Fractions: \frac{numerator}{denominator}
• Exponents and subscripts: x^2, x_i

10.2 Adding a Photo

Taking a photo or choosing an image

1. Tap on the + button
2. Choose Camera to take a new photo
3. Or choose Gallery to select an existing image
4. The photo is added to the experiment notebook

Rotating a photo

If the photo is poorly framed, you can rotate it:

• Open the photo card
• Tap on the Rotation button in the card banner

11. Kinematic Analysis

Kinematic analysis allows you to study object motion from videos or photos.

11.1 Accessing Kinematic Analysis

1. Tap on the instrument name at the top
2. Select Kinematic analysis
3. Choose: Video kinematics or Chronophotography

11.2 Video Kinematics

Concept

1. Import or select a video
2. Define the pixel-to-meter conversion scale
3. Point the object position frame by frame
4. FizziQ automatically calculates position, velocity, and acceleration

Video sources

Video library categories

• Sports: Pole vault, skiing, skating, tennis, diving, soccer...
• Mechanics: Free fall, uniform motion, accelerated motion, cycloid...
• Pendulums: Simple pendulum, Newton's pendulum
• Collisions: Impacts between objects
• Miscellaneous: Dye drop, SpaceX launches, vehicles...

Step 1: Define the scale

1. Two circles flash: Origin and End
2. Move the "Origin" circle to the start of your reference object
3. Move the "End" circle to the end
4. Tap on "Ruler length"
5. Enter the actual value (e.g., 1 for 1 meter)
6. Confirm

Advanced settings (gear button)

Step 2: Track the motion

1. Bring the target to the object to track
2. Tap on the screen to record the position
3. The video advances to the next frame
4. Repeat for each frame

Tracking screen buttons

Step 3: View results

Tips for good analysis

• Use a tripod to stabilize the camera
• Film perpendicular to the plane of motion
• Place a ruler or reference object in the frame
• Use a contrasting background
• Light the scene properly

11.3 Chronophotography

Analyze a photo showing multiple successive positions of an object.

Access options

• My images: photo from your gallery
• Photo library: educational chronophotographs
• Create from video: convert a video

11.4 Video to Chronophotography Conversion

Access

1. Tools tab
2. Tap on Video Chrono

Settings

12. Experimentation Tools

12.1 Sound Synthesizer

Concept

The synthesizer generates pure sine waves and allows you to superimpose up to 3 voices simultaneously.

Usage

• + and - buttons: adjust frequency (Hz)
• Play button: start the sound
• Red button: stop
• Volume slider: adjust intensity

Adding multiple voices

1. Tap on "Add another voice"
2. For each voice: frequency, volume, phase shift

Creating beats

1. Add a second voice
2. Set two slightly different frequencies (e.g., 440 Hz and 442 Hz)
3. Beat frequency = |f1 - f2|

12.2 Sound Library

Collection of calibrated sounds ready to use:

• Musical notes and tuning forks
• Sounds for Doppler effect
• Sounds for Shepard effect
• Urban noises, sirens...

12.3 Color Synthesis

Additive synthesis (RGB)

Three sliders: Red (R), Green (G), Blue (B) from 0 to 255.

Experiments

• R(255) + G(255) + B(0) = Yellow
• R(255) + G(0) + B(255) = Magenta
• R(0) + G(255) + B(255) = Cyan
• All at 255 = White
• All at 0 = Black

12.4 Sound Stopwatch

Concept

Automatically measure time between two sound events.

Usage

1. Set the sensitivity (detection threshold)
2. Set the dead time (avoid rebounds)
3. Tap on Arm
4. First sound - the stopwatch starts
5. Second sound - the stopwatch stops

Available stopwatch types

12.5 Triggers

Possible actions

• Delayed measurement: take a measurement after a delay
• Conditional recording: start/stop based on a condition
• Automatic capture: trigger a capture automatically
• Alarm: trigger a sound or vibration signal

Condition types

• Time-based: after a defined delay
• Sound: when sound exceeds a threshold
• Motion: when acceleration exceeds a threshold
• Light: when light changes
• Magnetic: when magnetic field varies

12.6 Scientific Calculator

Features

• Basic operations (+, -, x, /, %)
• Trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan...)
• Logarithms (ln, log)
• Exponentials, powers, roots
• Constants (pi, e)
• Degrees/radians modes

13. AskFizziQ - The AI Assistant

13.1 Access

1. Tools tab
2. Tap on AskFizziQ

13.2 Features

• Scientific questions: physics, chemistry, life sciences
• Analysis help: attach observations
• Experiment suggestions: guided protocols

13.3 Response Levels

13.4 Attaching Observations

1. Tap on the paperclip icon
2. Check the observations to attach
3. Confirm
4. Type your question
5. The AI analyzes your data

13.5 Best Practices

• Ask clear and precise questions
• Provide necessary context
• Verify important information
• Use AI as a help tool

14. External Bluetooth Sensors

14.1 Connecting Microcontrollers

You can connect an Arduino or micro:bit to FizziQ via Bluetooth Low Energy.

Data format

sensorName:value

Examples: tem:23.5 (temperature), hum:65 (humidity)

Recognized prefixes

Complete documentation: www.fizziq.org/connexion-de-capteurs-externes

14.2 FizziQ Connect

FizziQ Connect is a data acquisition box developed by the FizziQ team, based on M5Stack.

Advantages

Radio Mode (unique innovation)

Broadcasts measurements to all nearby smartphones simultaneously. Ideal for classroom demonstrations!

Compatible probes

• Waterproof temperature (-55C to +125C)
• Infrared thermometer (-70C to +380C)
• Light, distance, pH, CO2 sensors...
• Ammeter (-4 to +4 A)

14.3 Smartphone Connection

1. In the Measurements screen, tap on the instrument name
2. Select External sensors
3. Tap on Refresh
4. Select your device
5. Sensors are automatically detected

15. Export and Sharing

15.1 PDF Export

1. Open the card in full screen
2. Share icon
3. Select PDF
4. Share or save

15.2 CSV Export

Universal text format compatible with Excel, LibreOffice, Google Sheets.

1. Share icon
2. Select CSV

15.3 Image Export

Share > Image menu - PNG capture of the graph.

15.4 FizziQ Files

• Native .fizziq format
• Contains all data
• Can be reopened in FizziQ

15.5 Sharing Methods

• Email, Messaging (WhatsApp, Messenger...)
• AirDrop (iOS), Bluetooth
• Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
• QR Code (without Internet)

16. The Activities Tab

The Activities tab is the pedagogical entry point of FizziQ: this is where you discover the app, get ready-to-use activities and find the ones you have saved. The home screen has four areas: Getting started with FizziQ, Catalog, Import by QR code and My activities.

16.1 Getting started with FizziQ

Five guided hands-on steps, one minute each, to master the essential functions:

1. Measure a sound: the sound level meter
2. 440 Hz challenge: the frequency meter
3. Make a sound with the synthesizer: the Synth tool
4. Discover the notebook: an absolute acceleration recording, then the notebook cards
5. Measure three quantities at once: pick an instrument, switch to Multi mode with the dedicated button, then add more measurements

Each step opens the relevant screen directly; the back arrow returns to the list of steps. Progress (x/5) is remembered and shown on the home card, with a check mark on completed steps.

16.2 Catalog

The online catalog of FizziQ activities, sorted by domain and level. A downloaded activity is kept on the device and remains available offline.

Difficulty levels

16.3 Import by QR code

Opens the built-in QR code reader to add an activity from a QR (see section 16.6).

16.4 My activities

The last three activities added, with "See all" for the full list. To delete an activity, swipe it to the left then confirm. An activity opens with a single tap.

16.5 Reading an activity

An activity sheet shows its title, domain and level badges (when known), the goal, then the protocol steps displayed as a numbered timeline.

Depending on how the activity was designed, opening it can also pre-configure the app: instrument already selected in the Measures tab, tool opened (synthesizer, sound library, stopwatches, calculator...) or a landing screen other than the sheet.

16.6 Activity QR codes

A FizziQ QR code contains the complete activity: title, goal, steps, domain, level and any app settings, not a mere link. The activity therefore works without a connection once imported.

Two ways to use it

• With the phone camera, without opening FizziQ first: QR codes generated on the website are www.fizziq.org/qr links. If FizziQ is installed, the camera offers to open it and the activity is displayed directly, without going through the home screen. If the app is not installed, the link leads to a page of the website explaining how to get it.
• From FizziQ, with "Import by QR code" in the Activities tab: the built-in reader recognizes the same QR codes as well as the older formats.

In both cases, the activity is added to "My activities" and opens immediately. An already imported QR can be scanned again: the activity is simply added a second time (delete it with a swipe if needed).

16.7 Creating your own activities

Activities are no longer created or edited inside the app. This is done on the website, at the experiment creator on the website: write the title, the goal and the steps, set the domain and the level, and optionally choose the instrument or tool FizziQ will open when the activity starts. The site then generates the QR code to project, print or share; students scan it with their phone camera and land directly on the activity.

17. Settings and Customization

17.1 Data

17.2 App Settings

• Screen orientation: horizontal/vertical
• Sensor organization: by instrument or by theme
• Language: 20 languages available

17.3 Camera

• LED for colorimetry: turns on flash
• Copy photos: saves to gallery
• Front camera: uses selfie camera

17.4 Calibration

Magnetometer

Perform figure-8 rotations to recalibrate the compass.

Sound level meter

Use the slider to apply a dB offset.

17.5 System Status

Displays: detected sensors, OS version, model, FizziQ version.

18. Tips and Tricks

18.1 Optimizing Measurements

Accelerometer

• Place the phone on a stable surface for zero
• Securely attach the phone to the moving object
• Use a shock-resistant case for impacts

Sound level meter

• Move away from sources of parasitic noise
• Do not cover the microphone
• Calibrate with a reference sound

Colorimeter

• Ensure constant lighting
• Avoid reflections
• Use a white background

GPS

• Be outdoors with clear sky view
• Wait for accuracy to stabilize
• Avoid urban canyons

18.2 Saving Battery

• Close FizziQ when not in use
• Reduce sampling frequency
• Disable GPS when not needed

18.3 Organizing Your Notebook

• Give explicit titles
• Add text notes
• Create a notebook per theme
• Delete unnecessary measurements

18.4 Troubleshooting

Appendices

A. Shortcuts and Gestures

B. Useful Formulas

Mechanics

• Average velocity: v = delta_x / delta_t
• Acceleration: a = delta_v / delta_t
• Free fall: h = (1/2)gt^2
• Simple pendulum: T = 2*pi*sqrt(L/g)

Acoustics

• Speed of sound: v = d/t (approx. 340 m/s in air at 20C)
• Frequency: f = 1/T
• Beats: f_beat = |f1 - f2|

C. Contact and Resources

• Website: www.fizziq.org
• Protocols: www.fizziq.org/activites
• Support: info@fizziqlab.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FizziQ free?

Yes, FizziQ is 100% free, ad-free, and has no in-app purchases. No account is required.

Does FizziQ work without internet?

Yes, FizziQ works entirely offline. A connection is only needed to share files or use the AskFizziQ assistant.

Which devices are compatible?

FizziQ works on iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, and tablets. Available sensors depend on your device.

How do I calibrate a sensor?

Go to Settings, then Calibration, select the sensor, and follow the on-screen instructions (usually place the device flat and tap Calibrate).

Why does my sensor show incorrect values?

Try calibrating the sensor. Check that the device is correctly oriented. Some sensors require specific conditions (GPS outdoors, light meter without shadow, etc.).

How do I export my data?

In the experiment notebook, tap Share, choose the format (CSV, PDF, or FizziQ file), and select the destination (email, cloud, etc.).

How do I use video kinematic analysis?

In Tools, then Kinematics, import a video, calibrate the scale, point the object position frame by frame, and the data appears in the notebook.

Is FizziQ Connect included?

The FizziQ app is free and includes FizziQ Connect support. The FizziQ Connect box is separate hardware that needs to be acquired.

What school level is it for?

FizziQ is designed for science education from middle school to university. More than 100 ready-to-use activities are available at fizziq.org/activites.

How do I contact support?

Send an email to info@fizziqlab.org or visit www.fizziq.org for more resources.

What is the difference between FizziQ and other apps like Phyphox or Physics Toolbox?

FizziQ, Phyphox, and Physics Toolbox are all excellent experimental science apps. Here is what distinguishes FizziQ:

• Integrated experiment notebook: document your experiments with text, photos, and data in a single document exportable to PDF
• Video kinematic analysis: frame-by-frame tracking to study motion
• FizziQ Connect: extension with external Bluetooth sensors (exclusive to FizziQ)
• Ready-to-use protocols: 100+ educational activities on fizziq.org
• AskFizziQ: integrated AI assistant to guide experiments
• Designed in France with the La main a la pate Foundation

All these apps are free and complementary depending on your educational needs.