Bits & Bytes

20, 15, and 5 Years Ago in the Caliper

Vernier Software & Technology started out as a physics company, but over the years we have gradually developed sensors and curricula for many different science areas. Old issues of the Caliper show that:

• 20 years ago, Fall 1987, we announced our first sensor designed specifically for chemistry—a pH sensor.
• 15 years ago, we announced our first probe designed specifically for biology, a Heart Rate Monitor.
• 5 years ago, we announced our first Earth science book and UV sensors.

Science Humor

When you think of Albert Einstein, you probably do not think of humor, but here is a funny story from the great new biography, Einstein, His Life and Universe, by Walter Isaacson. Einstein has often been said to have been slow in developing his verbal skills, but this story shows that by age three, he could make some quite witty comments.

When Albert was shown his new sister for the first time, he was led to believe that she was like a wonderful toy that he would enjoy. His response was to look at her and exclaim, "Yes, but where are the wheels?"