The Caliper

Bits and Bytes

Tips for Teachers from Teachers
Here are some tips, tricks, and storage ideas gathered from some of our customers:

• Keep one user’s guide from each sensor you order in a notebook for handy reference.
• Purchase or make at least 500 mL of pH storage solution to have on hand in case of spills.
• When you’re using a pH sensor, place a nickel, or similarly sized coin, in the top of the pH storage solution and replace the cap. This will help you prevent spills.
• Store the Oxygen Gas Sensor in its Nalgene bottle to keep it upright.
• Use a Sharpie^® or other indelible marker to number the probes and interfaces that students may be using over a series of days.
• Buy stackable plastic containers for storage.
• Buy a Pelican^® case to store sensors and interfaces. You can customize them and do inventory at a glance.
• Use hinged, transparent boxes. Label all of the sensors in a particular box after a scientist, such as Newton. Then when Newton shows up in Einstein’s box, you know exactly where it belongs. Have students check the contents of the box against a checklist to make sure all sensors are there before and after the lab period.

Do you have tips to share? If so, send them to Gretchen at gstahmer@vernier.com. Look for the complete list of tips soon on our web site, www.vernier.com.

Are You an AP Teacher?
Looking for new ways to do the traditional AP labs in biology, chemistry, and physics? Vernier LabPro, sensors and lab books make it easier than ever to collect data. In biology, seven of the twelve recommended labs can be done using data-collection technology. A complete correlation of the AP Biology lab objectives and our objectives can be seen at www.vernier.com/resources/ap.html. In chemistry and physics, many of the recommended labs involve the use of technology for data collection. Watch our web site for further developments in these two areas.

Stop by our booth at the AP National Conference July 18-21 in Los Angeles, CA. More information on this conference can be seen at apcentral.collegeboard.com.

www.vernier.com Expands Teacher Resources
You’ll find our updated web site faster to navigate and easier to use. Check out the following:

• We can help you meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act at www.vernier.com/nclb.
• Need help with funding? Vernier has a free "Guide to Grant Writing.".
• Correlations by state: www.vernier.com/resources/standards.
• Order online with credit card or school purchase order.
• A searchable database of answers to technical questions.
• Downloadable product manuals for every Vernier product.
• Free updates on computer, calculator, and Palm OS software programs.
• This edition and past editions of The Caliper.
• Discussion Board, where you can exchange lab ideas with other teachers.

Science Humor
Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics ( http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/) is a web site about the bad physics in movies. It has discussions of the common errors in action movies, such as “the attractive force of glass,” “visible laser beams,” and “outerspace explosions.” It rates moves as: GP = Good physics in general, PGP = Pretty good physics (just enough flaws to be fun), PGP-13 = Children under 13 might be tricked into thinking the physics was pretty good (parental guidance is suggested), and XP = Obviously physics from an unknown universe. It would probably stir up some good discussions in most physical science or physics classes.

Ten Years Ago in The Caliper

• We included an article on Computer Price Trends, which showed that that new computer models often were over $3000 when first introduced, but after two or three years, they dropped to around $1000. The top-of-the-line computers then were Mac IIsi and 486.
• We announced the first AAPT Photo Contest, sponsored by Vernier Software.

Fifteen Years Ago in The Caliper

• We announced our first program for IBM-compatible computers, Precision Timer (MS-DOS Version). It used photogates connected to the game port of the computer. It is still used in many labs today.
• We announced major upgrades of our Apple II Voltage Plotter and Temperature Plotter programs.

Vernier – Setting the Gold Standard

• Vernier Toll-Free Number:(888)837-6437.Customers tell us our technical support is the best in the business. Now, you can call Vernier Technical Support staff more easily from a school telephone. You get the same great service. It’s easier and it’s free!
• 5-Year Warranty.Vernier’s warranty gives you the best value available. We have increased our warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from one year to five years. Data collection technology not sold by Vernier is typically covered for only one year. But, as most of you know, we have rarely charged for repairs on products that are 8, 10, or even 12 years old! Note: This warranty excludes consummables and products manufactured by Texas Instruments, Davis Instruments, and Extech.