Vernier Software & Technology lends a helping hand to deserving teachers

BEAVERTON, Ore., May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vernier Software & Technology joined forces with the National Lab Day initiative by awarding deserving teachers much needed science equipment. The goal of the National Lab Day, a nationwide initiative started by the Obama administration, is to match volunteers, university students, scientists, engineers, businesses, other STEM professionals and members of the community in order to bring a more creative science experience to the classroom. Vernier Software & Technology decided to contribute to projects posted by teachers who needed Vernier technology through the National Lab Day website (www.nationallabday.org).

Lisa Devellez, a teacher in Benton, Kentucky, needed Vernier technology for her students in order to prepare them to compete in the "Technical Problem Solving" event at the regional and state Science Olympiad in Kentucky. The Science Olympiad was held on April 24, 2010. Vernier donated to Ms. Devellez a Vernier LabQuest data-collection interface and numerous sensors including the Gas Pressure Sensor, Motion Detector, pH Sensor, and Stainless Steel Temperature Probe. The goal of this project was to test students' data collection and analysis skills.

Debra Phillips, a teacher in Avondale, Arizona, wanted her students to experiment how the shape of cars affects the speed and acceleration at which they move. Once the car models are completed, students will test each car's speed on an inclined plane and examine who has the fastest car. Vernier gave Ms. Phillips' class a Vernier LabQuest and a Motion Detector to help with this project. A Stainless Steel Temperature Probe and a copy of Middle School Science with Vernier lab book were also donated. The students have begun implementation of the project.

The third recipient was Maria Brown of West Sayville, New York, whose students are studying the variance of growth of the American oyster in the Great South Bay. Two Vernier LabQuest interfaces will allow Ms. Brown's students to use their Vernier probes and sensors in the field for this unique project.

According to Robyn Johnson, partner at Vernier and a former science teacher, "We know that powerful science teaching begins with having the right technology. We hope that by supporting this nationwide initiative, more students will have access to quality science instruction that uses the latest devices for inquiry and analysis."

Vernier plans to choose one additional teacher to receive products for his or her project submitted to National Lab Day. Visit http://my.nationallabday.org/vernier for more details about these projects. 

About Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier Software & Technology has been an innovator of data-collection technology for 29 years.  Creating easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and software, their products can be found in education from elementary school to college. Vernier helps teachers enhance their science curriculum, increase learning, and build students' critical thinking skills. For more information visit www.vernier.com.

SOURCE Vernier Software & Technology

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