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A Publication for Users of Vernier Products
There have been a lot of articles in recent physics journals about experiments and demonstrations using our sensors and software. Here are some that you may want to look up:
Measuring the Forces Required for Circular Motion by Charles Henderson (Macalester College), The Physics Teacher, Feb 1998. Measures centripetal force using our Dual-Range Force Sensor mounted on an easy-to-build device.
Another Use for the Sonic Ranger by James C. Kernohan (Milton Academy), The Physics Teacher, Feb 1998. Students make predictions about what they would expect on energy graphs and then test their predictions with the motion detector.
The 100-Meter Dash: Theory and Experiment by Glenn Wagner (Centre Wellington District HS, Fergus, Ontario), The Physics Teacher, Mar 1998. Students use Graphical Analysis to analyze data on sprinter's performances and compare with a mathematical model.
Milkweed Seed Dispersal: A Means for Integrating Biology & Physics by Gregory D. Bisbee and Cheryl A. Kaiser (Arrowhead HS, Hartland, WI), The American Biology Teacher, Sept 1997. Students study the range of dispersal of seeds as a function of wind speed and use Graphical Analysis for analysis.
Force Exerted by a Chain by Willem H. van den Berg (State College Area HS, State College, PA), The Physics Teacher, Jan 1998. Students use a CBL™ and force sensor to measure the force exerted and compare it to mathematical models.
Assessing Student Learning of Newton's Laws: The Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation and the Evaluation of Active Learning Laboratory and Lecture Curricula by Ronald K. Thornton (Tufts University) and David R. Sokoloff (University of Oregon), American Journal of Physics, April 1998. Compares student results after traditional physics instruction and after active learning, including the use of MBL. Also includes the complete force and motion conceptual evaluation, which you may want to use with your classes.
Sensing Subtle Tsunamis - The Amateur Scientist by Shawn Carlson, Scientific American, May 1998. Our Serial Box Interface is recommended as a low-cost way to log the data on a PC or a Macintosh computer from a microbargraph and other home-made devices.
Logger Pro was favorably reviewed in the March, 1998 issue of Technology and Learning.
A Microcomputer-Based Phase-Change Experiment by Francis X. Hart, University of the South, Sewanee, TN, The Physics Teacher, Feb 1998. In this experiment, students monitor the temperature of a beaker of Crisco shortening as it cools. At the same time, they monitor the light transmission through it. When the phase change occurs, there is a big change in the light transmission.
Graphical Analysis for Windows
Several people have complained about the fact that Graphical Analysis for Windows always tries to use the wrong COM port when importing data from a TI calculator or CBL. Here is the way to permanently change the setting:
- Choose Import from TI calculator from the File menu as usual.
- Click on the option to Select Port.
- Select the proper COM port and click on OK.
- Import some data from a calculator, just to make sure you have the right port.
- Choose Save As from the File menu and save the file with the exact name Startup.dat. This is the file that is automatically loaded each time you start Graphical Analysis.
Grants and Donations
We are often asked for advice on how to find funding for technology. We would like to pass along some of the tips, tricks, and strategies of our loyal Caliper readers. Have you recently won a grant for technology in your school? Do you have any advice for others who want to write a grant proposal or inquire about corporate donations? Please send us an e-mail (info@vernier.com), and let us know how you got your grant or donation. We would like to start a new section on our web site with tips, tricks, and links to useful resources for schools in need of funding.
Ten Years Ago in this Newsletter . . .
We announced our first version of Precision Timer for MS-DOS computers. Also included was a report on Laser 128 compatibility and a review of our book How to Build a Better Mousetrap and 13 Other Science Projects Using the Apple II.
info@vernier.com