At our MSHS campus, teachers have access to various Vernier
data probes.
Below is a list of the Vernier probes we have available in the physics
rooms. They can be used in all sorts of physics demonstrations or experiments
AND they can be used in math class to generate real data for students
to manipulate. Each probe connects to the computer or calculator with
something called a LabPro (the interface between computer/calculator
and probe). It is surprisingly easy to set up and use with computers
and
TI calculators. If you need help using these probes, ask your colleagues
in the science/math departments.
This website is a list of books that you can buy from Vernier for using their
equipment in various math and science classes.
http://www.vernier.com/cmat/index.html
Here is a list of our inventory of probes.
- Lab Pro Connector - 3
-
- Voltage Probe - 3
- Motion Detector - 3
- Force Sensor - 3
- Microphone - 3
- Picket Fence - 5
- Light Sensor - 3
- Low-g Accelerometer - 3
- Photogates (set of 2) used for getting accurate times -
5
- Ultra Pulley Attachment (connects to photogates) - 3
- Magnetic Field Sensor - 2
- Differential Voltage Probe - 2
- Current Probe - 2
- Temperature Probe - 2
This email arrived from Vernier announcing some of their ideas and programs.
Subject: A Variety of Activities from Vernier
Hello,
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.
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