Experimental evaluation of smartphone sensors as a portable laboratory for university physics teaching

Abstract

The use of built-in smartphone sensors has emerged as a low-cost alternative for experimental physics teaching. However, quantitative evidence simultaneously validating the accuracy of these sensors and their impact on university academic performance is scarce. This study experimentally evaluated the reliability of atmospheric pressure and gravitational acceleration sensors using the "Sensors Toolbox" app, comparing measurements with theoretical models. Additionally, a quasi-experimental design was implemented with 40 Physics I students, divided into control and experimental groups. Results showed relative errors below 2% in physical measurements and a significant improvement (p < 0.05, d = 1.05) in academic performance of the experimental group. It is concluded that smartphones constitute reliable and pedagogically effective portable laboratories for university physics teaching, especially in resource-limited contexts.