Vernier - The Caliper Fall 2003 -

Has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon for the last four years?
Has made the list of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Oregon six out of the last seven years?
Supports the community by matching employee charitable contributions up to $1,000 per year, per employee?
Created a volunteer program for employees to spend 4 hours per month of paid time off working with the non-profit of their choice?
Supports environmental concerns through recycling, and rewarding alternative transportation to work?

10 Years Ago in The Caliper

We introduced two important new hardware products, Serial Box Interface and Colorimeter, along with ULI Timer for Macintosh photogate timing.

15 Years Ago in The Caliper

We announced our first IBM-compatible program, Precision Timer (MS-DOS version).

Good News for Linux^® Users!

Now, you can do LabPro data collection and control using the Linux operating system. Go to www.vernier.com/linux to view our updated collection of stand-alone applications for use with Linux.

Check out our DCU/stepper motor controlled webcam at www.vernier.com/webcam

The camera is located in our classroom at Vernier Software & Technology in Portland, OR. It is an example of how LabPro can be used with a LabVIEW remote panel to publish a data collection program on the internet.

Vernier Celebrates Mole Day 2003!

The Vernier Mole Day Contest is on again for 2003. Here is how it works: You and your students (minimum 1 teacher and 5 students) gather on Mole Day morning, October 23. The first class to call Vernier at precisely 6:02 a.m. in your time zone wins. (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Time Zones only. If you live outside of these time zones, use the one nearest you.) We will have our clocks set according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. They can be found at http://nist.time.gov/. The winning class in each time zone will receive a prize and an award certificate. But remember, no fair calling us early. After all, would you accept 6.01 x 1023 for Avogadro’s number? Good luck!

JASON Project Uses Vernier Sensors!

Texas Instruments and the JASON Foundation for Education, in cooperation with Vernier, are creating a series of hands-on activities that will engage your students in real world, inquiry-based learning. These sample lessons extend the JASON Project curriculum, bringing out the math in science and giving students opportunities to explore key concepts with TI and Vernier products. The activities will be built on JASON XV: Rainforests at the Crossroads and JASON’s popular Local Aquatic Field Study. They will be available free of charge on the TI and JASON web sites starting in Fall 2003. Learn more at www.jason.org or http://education.ti.com/jason.

Interested in trying it out? Borrow a JASON Loaner Kit through the TI Workshop Loan Program and get a free hands-on activity. Learn more about this offer at http://education.ti.com/jason.

Attention AP® and IB Science Teachers!

Provide your students with AP and IB experiments that work every time-and in a fraction of the time required in the past!

Biology: Data-collection technology can be used to do 7 of the 12 recommended AP Biology labs, as well as many labs that cover the IB topics:

Diffusion and Osmosis
Transpiration
Enzyme Catalysis
Cell Respiration

Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis
Physiology of the Circulatory System
Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Productivity

Chemistry: Many of the 22 AP recommended labs can be done with probeware using Chemistry with Computers and Chemistry with Calculators. Many of the labs in these books can also be used to cover the IB topics.
Physics and Environmental Science: Many of the experiments in our physics, Earth Science, water quality, nuclear radiation, and math lab books can be used to satisfy the laboratory portion of these courses in both AP and IB programs of study.

For a complete correlation of Vernier biology and chemistry labs with AP and IB objectives, visit www.vernier.com/resources/ap.html. IB Physics and Environmental Systems correlations can also be found there.

Science Humor

Phrases and definitions for anyone reading academic papers or PhD dissertations.

Statement: "It has long been known."
Translation: "I didn’t look up the original reference."

Statement: "Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study."
Translation: "The other results didn’t make any sense."

Statement: "While it has not been possible to provide definite answers to the questions..."
Translation: "It was an unsuccessful experiment, but I still hope to get it published."

Statement: "Typical results are shown."
Translation: "This is the prettiest graph."

Statement: "It is generally believed..."
Translation: "A couple of others think so too."

Statement: "It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field."
Translation: "I quit."

Vernier Software & Technology
13979 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, OR 97005-2886

phone 888.837.6437
fax 503.277.2440
email info@vernier.com