We have a variety of new data-collection activities for you to try. With topics from biotechnology to battery testing, there is sure to be something for everyone. So read on and enjoy! 1. Intro to Electrophoresis - Analysis of Food Dyes 2. Investigating Resistivity 3. Chemistry Simulations 4. Which Battery is Best? 5. EasyLink Wins Award 6. Einstein Distinguished Educators 7. Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science 1. Intro to Electrophoresis - Analysis of Food Dyes Our biology expert, Mike Collins, has developed a great activity you can use to teach the basic techniques of gel electrophoresis without all the mess. Best of all, it can be done in a single 45-minute class period. In this activity, students use the E-Gel(r) Pre-cast Agarose Electrophoresis System to investigate the components of food dyes. To download a copy of this activity or to find out more about biotechnology equipment from Vernier, visit http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/biotech/ 2. Investigating Resistivity Alan Gleue, physics teacher at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas, called our tech support line with a challenge. He wanted to use Vernier sensors to investigate resistivity. He needed to accurately measure the small changes in potential across short lengths of wire. We suggested he use the Vernier Instrumentation Amplifier as a multi-range voltage probe. The experiment works great. To see how you can do this activity and to view some sample data, visit http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/innovativeuse69/ 3. Chemistry Simulations John Gelder, Kirk Haines, and Kerry Easton from Oklahoma State University, along with Mike Abraham from the University of Oklahoma, have created some great web-based, interactive chemistry simulations. The simulations depict particulate models of matter, and are supported by inquiry activities that help students understand the chemistry. We are particularly fond of one simulation that allows a user to manipulate the pressure parameter using a Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor and a Go!Link USB interface. The simulations are free and can be found at http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/chemistry-simulations/ To see the simulation using a Go!Link and Gas Pressure Sensor (some setup is required), visit http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/watch-simulation/ 4. Which Battery is Best? Brian Lamore, physical science teacher at the Chinquapin School in Highlands, Texas, wanted his students to investigate which battery was the best. Using four Voltage Probes connected to a LabPro, Brian's students measured the changes in voltage as the batteries supplied power to a simple circuit. The results were fairly close for the alkaline batteries, but that was only part of the story. To find out more and to see Brian's data, visit http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/innovativeuse70/ 5. EasyLink Wins Award We are pleased to announce that EasyLink, our USB sensor interface for use with TI-84 Plus graphing calculators, received an Award of Excellence from Technology & Learning. The Award of Excellence recognizes products that help educators teach with technology. EasyLink was given a rigorous test-drive by qualified educators. Evaluation criteria include quality and effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for use in an educational environment. To find out more about EasyLink and our other products for TI-84 graphing calculators, visit http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/easylink/ 6. Einstein Distinguished Educators Here is a unique opportunity you should consider: The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship is a paid fellowship for K-12 math, science, and technology teachers. Einstein Fellows spend a school year in Washington, DC serving in a federal agency or on Capitol Hill. To be considered for an Einstein Fellowship, apply and submit three letters of recommendation by January 8, 2007. http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/einstein/ Apply and submit recommendations online at http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/apply-for-ede/ 7. Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science Here is another way to get additional funding for your classroom: The Toyota Tapestry Grants recognize outstanding educators who are making a difference by demonstrating excellence and creativity in science teaching. The program offers grants to K-12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in the school and/or school district. Fifty large grants and a minimum of 20 mini-grants, totaling $550,000 in all, will be awarded this year. http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/tapestry/ For other grant opportunities, visit our web site at http://www.vernier.com/e-news/2006-11-16/grants/ Special thanks to Alan Gleue, John Gelder, and Brian Lamore for submitting their innovative uses of Vernier technology. If you have an innovative use you would like to share, send your idea to innovativeuses@vernier.com. If we publish your activity in our newsletter, you will receive a $100 gift certificate for Vernier technology. Christine Vernier Vernier Software & Technology 13979 SW Millikan Way Beaverton, OR 97005-2886 toll free: (888) 837-6437 phone: (503) 277-2299 fax: (503) 277-2440 info@vernier.com ________________________________________________________ Our relationship with you is very important, and we do not want to send unwanted e-mail. 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