News Home

Earth Day: Inspire Your Students’ Interest in a STEM-Related Career with Hands-On Activities and Experiments

Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to get your students engaged in a conversation about conservation and sustainability. By incorporating hands-on activities and experiments that take place beyond a book into your curriculum, you can help your students connect the dots between the lab and the real world. When your students visualize data through real-world applications, they are better able to understand the root causes behind issues and engage in critical thinking.

Four Ways to Get Elementary Students Excited About Science

by Nüsret Hisim

It can be challenging to engage students in science activities, despite how exciting the lessons are. As an Education Technology Specialist at Vernier Software & Technology, I frequently receive phone calls and inquiries from elementary teachers looking for ways to engage their students with hands-on science experiments. Teachers are tasked with teaching an array of subjects, and as a result, many find themselves teaching science despite not having the experience to describe complicated and seemingly intimidating concepts in an effective and stimulating way. After years of attending and conducting workshops with teachers of all levels, and being a former science teacher myself, I know this to be an especially significant challenge for teachers.

One Device for Teaching Science and Coding with Scratch

Do you teach force and motion? Equipped with a load cell to measure force and both an accelerometer and gyroscope to measure motion, our Go Direct^® Force and Acceleration Sensor is perfect for hands-on science activities. Drag a sneaker across the floor to study friction, or tie Go Direct^® Force and Acceleration Sensor to a string and swing it around your head to investigate circular motion. Incorporate the sensor in your LEGO^® machines and measure the mechanical advantage of levers and ramps.

Introduce STEM and Engineering Concepts with Real-World Applications: Testing Fishing Knots

“Let’s break some stuff, shall we?” Martin excitedly proclaims during his recent review of the Vernier Structures & Materials Tester (VSMT) on NSTA Recommends.

Martin and his physics students at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana, used the VSMT to investigate the tensile strength of a variety of different pencils, as well as different kinds of popular fishing knots. Martin decided to use the local interest for fly fishing to introduce engineering applications for testing and design. After collecting data with the VSMT, students determined which knots for fishing were best to use in terms of strength.

In the review, “Vernier Structures and Materials Tester: An Engineering Marvel To Test Student’s Engineering Marvels,” Martin Horejsi highlights the functionality of the VSMT, which is designed for all project-based STEM and engineering classrooms. He says:

“Vernier Structures & Materials Tester is truly a piece of engineering elegance. It looks amazing sitting in the classroom and no doubt will inspire innovation and creativity by its mere presence. And its good looks are just the beginning. The dynamics of operation also share the elegance. Using two sensors in tandem, the Vernier Structures & Materials Tester measures both force and displacement. The force sensor has a range from zero up to 1000 newtons with 1 N resolution. And the displacement sensor will measure at tenth-millimeter resolution a distance up to seven centimeters.”

Check out Martin’s experiments on NSTA Recommends »

Hands-On Spectroscopy Experiments Encourage Student Engagement

In a recent two-part review on NSTA Recommends, reviewer and educator Martin Horejsi used the to describe his experiences with his high school chemistry and physics students throughout multiple investigations. During one of the investigations, he used the spectrophotometer and a compatible optical fiber to explore various spectrum-specific light bulbs, including both frosted and clear bulbs with different wattages. He was able to use the spectrophotometer to measure the wavelength spectrum and draw conclusions about the types of bulbs on the market today. He said:

“So now when I see interesting light bulbs and light sources, I try to imagine what the wavelength spectrum looks like. And given the rapid evolution of LED lights and light applications, I cannot easily think of a limit to the educational applications of the Vernier Go Direct^® SpectroVis^® Plus Spectrophotometer.”

In another investigation, Martin used the Go Direct^® SpectroVis^® Plus Spectrophotometer to teach his students about the transmission and absorption spectrum of a fluid. After preparing the liquid using isopropyl alcohol and a kale leaf, the class used the spectrophotometer to view and investigate the sample’s absorbance spectrum. Martin then engaged students in a whole-class discussion about the findings, in which he said:

“While running this analysis projected onto a large screen with a classroom full of students, I posed the question of what would the spectrum curve look like for transmittance, or reflectance, as we like to think of it. A student slowly approached the whiteboard with the giant projected absorbance spectrum curve and tentatively plotted some data points opposite the existing graph. As the mental gymnastics went into overtime, it was clear that the undeniable inverse within science was inescapable. The reflectance could be nothing other than the opposite of the absorbance.”

With the Go Direct^® SpectroVis^® Plus Spectrophotometer, students can easily and wirelessly collect a full wavelength spectrum—absorbance, percent transmission, or intensity—in less than one second. The spectrophotometer can be used in a variety of spectroscopy experiments including determining the peak wavelength to collect data on solution concentration for studies of Beer’s law or to monitor rates of reaction; collecting a full wavelength spectrum to measure absorbance, percent transmittance, fluorescence, or emissions; conducting enzyme kinetics experiments; and more.

Celebrate Brain Awareness Week with Your High School Students

By John Melville

Brain Awareness Week is March 11–17. This is an excellent opportunity for you to discuss the importance of neuroscience in your class using engaging activities. As a former instructor, I often found that teaching neuroscience could be challenging. Neuroscience is a broad field, and students need to understand molecular and cellular concepts, as well as brain anatomy and physiology. After years of teaching, I found several ways that seemed to make neuroscience easier for my students to understand. I’d like to share them with you.

Vernier in the Chemistry Journals (Spring 2019)

• A Second Look at the Kinetics of the Iron−Oxygen Reaction: Determination of the Total Order Using a Greener Approach

  A. M. R. P. Bopegedera (The Evergreen State College, Washington);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 1897−1899.

  The author demonstrates how to use Vernier Oxygen Gas Sensors and Logger Pro 3 software to monitor the change in oxygen level as the iron in commercial hand warmers react with the air above them.

• Investigating NOx Concentrations on an Urban University Campus Using Passive Air Samplers and UV−Vis Spectroscopy

  Cole M. Crosby, Richard A. Maldonado, Ahyun Hong, Ryan L. Caylor, Kristine L. Kuhn, and Matthew E. Wise (Concordia University, Oregon);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 2023−2027.

  The authors demonstrate how to use Vernier SpectroVis Plus Spectrophotometers and LabQuest 2 interfaces to measure gaseous nitrogen oxides concentrations.

• Investigating the Clough, Lutz, and Jirgensons Rule for the pH Dependence of Optical Rotation of Amino Acids

  Scott Simpson and Alexandra M. Izydorczak (St. Bonaventure University, New York);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 1872−1874.

  Students use a Vernier Chemical Polarimeter and Logger Pro 3 software to determine if lowering the pH on L configuration amino acids causes the molar optical rotation to become more positive.

• Buffers in Context: Baby Wipes As a Buffer System

  Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez, Sarah Hensiek, Jeanne R. Meyer, Cynthia J. Harwood, and Marcy H. Towns (Purdue University, Indiana);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 1816−1820.

  Students use baby wipes and deionized water to create and test buffer solutions. Vernier pH Sensors and LabQuest 2 interfaces help students study the buffer solutions.

• Unnatural Chemical Biology: Research-Based Laboratory Course Utilizing Genetic Code Expansion

  Kelsey M. Kean, Kari van Zee, and Ryan A. Mehl (Oregon State University, Oregon);
  J. Chem. Educ., 96, 2019, pp 66−74.

  Students use a Vernier SpectroVis Plus Spectrophotometer or Gas Pressure Sensor to determine the kinetics of enzyme hydrolysis.

• Combining the Maker Movement with Accessibility Needs in an Undergraduate Laboratory: A Cost-Effective Text-to-Speech Multipurpose, Universal Chemistry Sensor Hub (MUCSH) for Students with Disabilities

  Ronald Soong, Kyle Agmata, Tina Doyle, Amy Jenne, Tony Adamo, and Andre Simpson (University of Toronto, Ontario);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 2268−2272.

  The researchers develop a cost-effective sensor interface that uses Arduino technology. This article describes how to use a Vernier pH BNC electrode and open source software.

• Demonstration Extensions Based on Color-Changing Goldenrod Paper

  Donald K. Schorr and Dean J. Campbell (Bradley University, Illinois);
  J. Chem. Educ., [Online early access], DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00341, Published Online: Dec 5, 2018, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00341 (accessed Feb 8, 2019).

  The authors use a Vernier UV-VIS Spectrophotometer to examine ultraviolet and visible absorbance spectra from extracts of goldenrod paper.

• Modified Siwoloboff−Wiegand Procedure for the Determination of Boiling Points on a Microscale

  Timothy L. Troyer, Kristen R. Mounsey, William J. King, Laura M. Givens, Jessica A. Hutton, Melissa Hood Benges, Kindra N. Whitlatch, and Jacob D. Wagoner (Huntington University, Indiana; West Virginia Wesleyan College, West Virginia);
  J. Chem. Educ., 95, 2018, pp 1406−1410.

  The authors devise a system to determine the boiling points of very small volumes of liquids using a digital hotplate, block of aluminum, Go!Temp temperature probe, and an original LabQuest interface.

• Applying Chemistry Knowledge to Code, Construct, and Demonstrate an Arduino−Carbon Dioxide Fountain

  Seong-Joo Kang, Hye-Won Yeo, and Jihyun Yoon (Korea National University of Education, Republic of Korea, Dankook University, Republic of Korea);
  J. Chem. Educ., [Online early access], DOI: 10.1021/acs/jchemed.8b00663, Published Online: Jan 30, 2019, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00663 (accessed Feb 8, 2019).

  The authors automate a classic experiment, the Carbon Dioxide Fountain, by using a Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor connected to an Arduino microcontroller.

2018 Ecology/Environmental Science Teaching Award Winner Announced

Lacey Hoosier of Buckeye High School in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, was the 2018 recipient of the National Association of Biology Teachers’ NABT Ecology/Environmental Science Teaching Award, which is sponsored by Vernier.

Lacey’s students are active learners who participate in solving engineering problems, educate the community about vital environmental concepts, and volunteer their time to rehabilitate animals while learning about each animal’s characteristics and habitat. In addition to teaching, Lacey sponsors and coaches six extracurricular clubs/teams, serves as a Wildlife Rescuer and Rehabilitationist, and advocates for Environmental Science Community Education. Her passion for animals translates to her classroom as many animals surround her students as they learn to become knowledgeable and responsible proponents for the environment.

“Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions in the world,” she explains. “We have the unique ability to shape a mind and unlock passions otherwise unknown or unexplored. Our job is to prepare students from all walks of life for a variety of future professions. It is a privilege to be able to influence the next generation by igniting a passion in them for learning about the world around them.”

For more information about this award, visit www.vernier.com/grants/nabt

Now Accepting Applications for Vernier Emerging Science Education Leader Scholarship

For the third consecutive year, Vernier Software & Technology is partnering with the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) to award six educators with a Vernier Emerging Science Education Leader Scholarship (VESELS). The winning educators, one from each of the NSELA regions, will each receive a $500 scholarship to be used toward attendance at the annual NSELA Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) held on June 24–26, 2019 in Orlando, FL.

All applicants must have held an emerging leader role at the school, district, state, or informal level for three years or less to qualify for the scholarship. To apply, educators must submit a resume or vita, a personal letter with evidence illustrating emerging leadership, and a support letter from a supervisor. All applicants must also agree to work with an NSELA mentor and communicate to others in the organization throughout the year about how they are applying what they learned at the SLI.

Amy Hochschild, a 6th grade science teacher at Burton Elementary School in Ohio, was one of the six recipients of the 2018 VESELS.

“Winning the VESELS has been a tremendous experience,” Amy explained. “I’ve learned to give up some control of the activities I want to do. Instead, I let students really take the steering wheel with their own learning. I’ve also incorporated the Three Dimensional Learning model, which gives students ample opportunities to reflect on data and what they’ve learned during each lesson. This process makes learning real and more relatable for my students and encourages them to continue to set new learning goals.”

All applications for the 2019 VESELS are due March 22, 2019. Scholarship awardees will be announced by April 19, 2019.

Learn more about VESELS »

Building a Better Mousetrap – A New Vernier Photogate

We are excited to announce a new sensor for physics—Go Direct Photogate. With our first-ever wireless photogate, you get better-than-stopwatch timing accuracy of a cart traveling eight or more meters without having to run wires between the gates. And that is not even its best feature.

Go Direct^® Photogate is actually three photogates in one. The interior arms of the photogate include two photodiodes. This double-gate design measures velocity more accurately in comparison to single-gate photogates. The known separation of the gates makes it possible to measure speed without concern for the object’s geometry or knowing its dimensions. The direction of motion is indicated by positive or negative velocities determined by the order in which the internal gates are blocked. For objects that have two or more flags, the acceleration of the object through the gate can be reported as well. You can also use the internal gates independently for experiments that utilize traditional photogate modes, such as motion and pendulum timing.

The third photogate is a laser gate that you can use with a laser pointer (not included) to make a single gate that is any width. This is useful when dealing with larger objects that cannot pass between the interior arms of the photogate.

You can use Go Direct Photogate with all of our existing photogate accessories including the Laser, Picket Fence, Cart Picket Fence, Ultra Pulley Attachment, and Bar Tape. (Go Direct Photogate includes a built-in Bar Tape guide located on the sensor). You can mount Go Direct Photogate on our dynamics track using the photogate brackets included with the cart and track systems without any additional parts or adapters. You can also mount Go Direct Photogate to our Centripetal Force Apparatus.

There are two optional accessory cables for the Go Direct Photogate, each sold separately. Use a Go Direct Photogate Timing Cable to daisy-chain two Go Direct Photogates together. This configuration makes the two Go Direct Photogates work using a single clock, which can improve timing accuracy by up to 10 ms. Use the Go Direct Time of Flight Pad Cable to connect a Time of Flight Pad to a Go Direct Photogate for use in projectile motion experiments.

For more information about Go Direct Photogate, see www.vernier.com/gdx-vpg