Vernier and SAM Labs have created these ready-to-use customized packages of Vernier Go Direct® sensors and SAM output blocks to engage students in scientific discovery and introductory block-based coding. Middle school educators can now blend essential science concepts with computational thinking, beginning block-based coding, and maker-space activities.
Each science-based package comes with a Vernier Go Direct® sensor, SAM Labs output block(s) for a small group of 3–5 students*, and free guided activities that incorporate coding and sensor data based on these science topics:
- Force
- Magnetism
- Motion
- Sound
- Temperature
Please see the What’s Included tab above to see specific details for these packages.
*Educators can support larger student groups or an entire class by adding additional Vernier Go Direct® sensors and our Vernier Coding with SAM Labs Extension Package.
Experiments
The staff scientists at Vernier developed these free guided science-based middle school activities in collaboration with SAM Labs. These activities utilize Vernier Go Direct sensors and SAM Labs output blocks in SAM Studio’s Blockly coding platform.Â
Click the links below and make your own copies of the lesson plan, slides, and instructions for each activity.
Force: Forces and Springs Activity*
*Note: the free activity for this package utilizes springs. You can use your own springs, or purchase them separately here.Â
Magnetism: Electromagnetism Activity
Motion: Ball Toss Activity
Sound: Sound Level Spotlight Activity
Temperature: Temperature Tester Activity
What's Included
Force Package*
*Note: the free activity for this package utilizes springs. You can use your own springs, or purchase them separately here.Â
Magnetism Package
Motion Package
Sound Package
Temperature Package