Coding in the Classroom
Coding in the classroom has become an important way to introduce problem solving, nurture creativity, increase critical thinking, and build confidence, all while learning a new language.
Vernier offers a range of coding solutions—from entry-level block-based languages to advanced instrument-control programming. With Vernier technology and an appropriate coding application, students can create code to control robots, incorporate sensor input, and create sensor-controlled projects.
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Entry-Level
Colorful and modularized drag-and-drop graphical blocks make it easy for beginning programmers to learn to code.
- mBlock™ Program your Makeblock® robots.
- LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Program your LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 robots.
- Scratch Create unique Scratch code using your Vernier sensors.
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Intermediate
With text-based coding, students can build on their coding knowledge while learning new skills and solving more complex problems. Vernier code libraries and sample code provide support for Go Direct® sensors using the following intermediate programming languages:
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Advanced
Programming languages used by researchers and professional engineers introduce students to automation, advanced analysis, and sensor-controlled projects.
- Arduino® IDE Connect Vernier sensors to an Arduino microcontroller.
- National Instruments LabVIEW™ Incorporate Vernier sensor input into LabVIEW VIs.
Coding with Robots
The benefits of coding extend beyond their practical applications in the job market. When students learn to code, they learn to organize, express, and share their ideas in a whole new way. With robotics in the classroom, students learn coding skills that extend beyond the screen as they program robots to interact with the physical world.
Coding with Makeblock Robots
Using Makeblock® robots, students learn coding skills in a fun and tactile way. Students easily program their robots with block-based programming—prior coding experience is not required.
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Neuron Inventor Kit
Create inventions with Neuron—for all ages.
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Codey Rocky
Practice necessary skills and concepts in coding.
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mBot™
Learn entry-level coding skills with this robotics kit.
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mBot™ Explorer
Explore robotics with this kit and accessories.
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mBot™ STEM Classroom Kit
Apply intermediate robotics with this expanded kit.
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mBot™ Ranger
Examine intermediate robotics and coding with this kit.
Coding with LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 gives students the power to create and command their own robotic LEGO® creatures, vehicles, machines, and inventions. By combining LEGO® elements with a programmable brick, motors, and sensors, students can make their creations walk, talk, grab, think, and do almost anything they can imagine.
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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Set with Charger
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Set is a hands-on robotics and coding solution that engages students using the familiar LEGO® brick platform and easy-to-learn, easy-to-use EV3 Software and EV3 Programming app.
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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Expansion Set
The Expansion Set contains a wide range of structural and mechanical elements to augment the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Set. Students can deepen their experience with the additional building programs and instructions.
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LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Sensor Adapter
Enhance your robots with Vernier sensors for measuring everything from temperature to force, light level, UV level, pH, and more. The NXT Sensor Adapter allows compatible sensors to work on the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 and LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robotics systems.
Activities
Each book includes ready-to-use student instructions, teaching tips, sample data, and customizable word-processing files of the student pages.
Coding with mBot: Self-Driving Vehicles
- Appropriate for middle school and high school students
- Topics include automatic lane changes, autonomous parking, security systems, and avoiding obstacles.
Coding with Codey Rocky: Mission to Mars
- Appropriate for middle school students
- Topics include fundamental programming structures, simulating a robotic exploration of Mars, and more.
Vernier Engineering Projects with LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3
- Appropriate for middle school and high school students
- Topics include using robots to test batteries, locate “land mines”, automate plant watering, and more.
Engineering Projects with NI LabVIEW and Vernier
- Appropriate for university and high school students
- Topics include analog and digital input, sensor calibration, feedback and control, servo and stepper motors, PID control, and more.
Hands-On Introduction to NI LabVIEW™ with Vernier
- Appropriate for university and high school students
- Topics include running example virtual instruments, reading and analyzing data, creating a temperature conversion, and more.
Structures and Materials Testing
Science experiments traditionally focus on a particular principle and specify which tools to use in the investigation. Engineering activities, on the other hand, typically present a problem and challenge students to apply creativity and limited materials to solve it.
Increase student engagement by including engineering activities in your science curriculum. Engineering activities offer an alternative form of assessment and foster good problem-solving skills by connecting mathematics and physics concepts to real-world bridges and structures.
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Vernier Structures & Materials Tester
Use the Vernier Structures & Materials Tester (VSMT), along with the engineering design method, to design, build, and test structures.
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Truss Tester Accessory
The Truss Tester Accessory for the Vernier Structures & Materials Tester (VSMT) provides a fast and effective method to evaluate the strength of trusses.
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Vernier Bridge Competition Software
Vernier Bridge Competition Software is a free Windows® and macOS® application that is used to visualize forces acting on structures.
Engineering Education Resources
Renewable Energy
Explore wind and solar energy with experiment kits, sensors, and lab books for KidWind projects, challenges, and competitions.
Learn MoreProject Lead the Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading provider of rigorous and innovative STEM education curricular programs used in middle and high schools across the US.
Learn MoreEngineering Contest
Vernier recognizes instructors for creative uses of Vernier sensors to introduce engineering concepts and/or practices.
Learn MoreEngineering for Science Classrooms
Increase student engagement by including engineering activities in your science curriculum.
Learn MoreWe’re Engineers. We’re Educators. We Are Your Team.
Sam Swartley
Director of Engineering Education
After receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University, Sam worked in industry for seven years using NI LabVIEW™ software. He assisted in the creation of two of the Vernier engineering lab books, Hands-On Introduction to NI LabVIEW with Vernier and Engineering Projects with NI LabVIEW and Vernier.
Sam spends his time skiing on the mountain, hiking the numerous wooded trails, or exploring the Oregon coast. Enjoying the ease of bicycle-friendly streets, Sam is a committed bicycle commuter. He is also a dedicated soccer fan, and he supports the Portland Timbers by attending every game.
Contact Sam at engineering@vernier.com
Tom Smith
Engineering Educational Technology Specialist
Before coming to Vernier, Tom taught Physics, AP Physics C, and Principles of Engineering for nine years at Lake Oswego High School in Lake Oswego, Oregon. During his teaching career, Tom explored the effect of low gravity on convection cooling in NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Program.
Tom earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University, and he spent a decade working in private industry before becoming a teacher. In addition, Tom was an officer in the Coast Guard, serving aboard the USCGC Polar Star.
Tom enjoys caring for his large garden and fruit orchard. On the days that he does not have his pruning shears in hand, he can be found fly fishing on the Deschutes River.
Contact Tom at engineering@vernier.com
Josh Ence
Engineering Educational Technology Specialist
Josh has nine years of experience teaching physics and engineering in Fairfax County, Virginia. He challenged his students to a water rocket competition each year, and Josh mentored a FIRST® Robotics Competition team for most of his teaching career. Josh earned his B.S. in physics from Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree in Science Education from Virginia Tech.
As an avid cyclist, Josh commutes to work daily by bicycle. He is also a member of Vernier’s Green Team. Josh enjoys exploring the sights that Oregon has to offer with his family.
Contact Josh at engineering@vernier.com
Dave Vernier
Co-President and Co-Founder
During his eight years of experience teaching high school physics and physical science, Dave programmed software applications that helped his students see live data and scientific phenomena in real time. Encouraged to share his applications, Dave founded the company with his wife, Christine, more than 30 years ago. Dave received his B.S. in Physics from Ohio State University and his M.S. in General Science from Oregon State University.
Dave feels lucky to be healthy and to still have the ability to enjoy Portland’s neighborhoods and parks by running or walking with his wife. He enjoys playing his guitar and sampling the good Oregon wines and brews.
Contact Dave at engineering@vernier.com
After receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University, Sam worked in industry for seven years using NI LabVIEW™ software. He assisted in the creation of two of the Vernier engineering lab books, Hands-On Introduction to NI LabVIEW with Vernier and Engineering Projects with NI LabVIEW and Vernier.
Sam spends his time skiing on the mountain, hiking the numerous wooded trails, or exploring the Oregon coast. Enjoying the ease of bicycle-friendly streets, Sam is a committed bicycle commuter. He is also a dedicated soccer fan, and he supports the Portland Timbers by attending every game.
Before coming to Vernier, Tom taught Physics, AP Physics C, and Principles of Engineering for nine years at Lake Oswego High School in Lake Oswego, Oregon. During his teaching career, Tom explored the effect of low gravity on convection cooling in NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Program.
Tom earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University, and he spent a decade working in private industry before becoming a teacher. In addition, Tom was an officer in the Coast Guard, serving aboard the USCGC Polar Star.
Tom enjoys caring for his large garden and fruit orchard. On the days that he does not have his pruning shears in hand, he can be found fly fishing on the Deschutes River.
Josh has nine years of experience teaching physics and engineering in Fairfax County, Virginia. He challenged his students to a water rocket competition each year, and Josh mentored a FIRST® Robotics Competition team for most of his teaching career. Josh earned his B.S. in physics from Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree in Science Education from Virginia Tech.
As an avid cyclist, Josh commutes to work daily by bicycle. He is also a member of Vernier’s Green Team. Josh enjoys exploring the sights that Oregon has to offer with his family.
During his eight years of experience teaching high school physics and physical science, Dave programmed software applications that helped his students see live data and scientific phenomena in real time. Encouraged to share his applications, Dave founded the company with his wife, Christine, more than 30 years ago. Dave received his B.S. in Physics from Ohio State University and his M.S. in General Science from Oregon State University.
Dave feels lucky to be healthy and to still have the ability to enjoy Portland’s neighborhoods and parks by running or walking with his wife. He enjoys playing his guitar and sampling the good Oregon wines and brews.
Engaging students in the collection and analysis of scientific data takes innovative technology. It also takes stellar service from the partner you choose. At Vernier, our priority is to provide science educators with unparalleled customer service, technical support, and resources so that you are always supported when integrating our technology.
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