Vernier Products Reel In Educators
Brigham says the upcoming staff development sessions will give Binghamton teachers the chance to maximize the value of the Vernier products. "Several of the schools had purchased the probes in the past, and wanted to learn more about their capabilities," he says. "Having a trainer from Vernier on site during Camp WYSIWYG will be an enormous help to these teachers, as well as my group, as we can then assist all of the districts that are considering purchasing the probes.

"The feedback from the teachers is that Vernier makes just wonderful technology, and they really want to learn to use it as effectively as possible," Brigham adds. "Being able to take the data and put it into a spreadsheet to produce charts and graphs really helps students 'see' the information. Plus, the Vernier probes give students limitless opportunities to explore, then they can access data that will provide substance to back up their hypotheses."

The "School" of Fish
When school commences in the fall of 2004, the young scientists and their teachers will begin "Trout in the Classroom." Brigham points out that without the support of the local community, the effort would…well, dry up. His friends at the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, who have already contributed three aquarium chillers to the cause, will provide all trout eggs and food for the fish. Additionally, the organization will intercede on the districts' behalf with the state Department of Conservation for release permits. This will become critical at the conclusion of the school year, when students will release their aquarium-bred trout into the wild.

At the start of the 2005 school term, a new delivery of eggs will begin the process anew. If all goes well, Binghamton will be touting its trout for years to come.