Innovative Educators Demonstrate Everyday Science in Action and Win Vernier's Video Physics Contest

Contest used to introduce Vernier's mobile video analysis app

BEAVERTON, Oregon, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vernier Software & Technology announces the winners of its Video Physics Contest, a competition created to mark the launch of Vernier's Video Physics app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The winning entries demonstrated both creativity and innovation by using video to demonstrate the science concepts behind many everyday occurrences, from the motion of a supermarket checkout conveyor belt to the flow of a creek. The announcement of the contest winners will be accompanied by a one-week promotion during the national conference of the National Science Teachers Association, March 6-13, during which all users will be able to download the app for free from the iTunes App Store.

The innovative video projects shared by winners illustrate the utility of Vernier's Video Physics application, a new iOS application that can be used by educators and students to take video of an object in motion, mark object position frame by frame, and set up the scale using a known distance. Examples of the use of Video Physics in the field include measuring the trajectory of a free throw shot, the motion of a child's swing, and the velocity of a car. Video Physics draws trajectory, position, and velocity graphs for any moving object and is the perfect tool for teaching two-dimensional kinematics. Video Physics has been featured as "New," "Noteworthy," and "What's Hot" in the iTunes App Store and is the perfect educational tool to go with the HD video recording features of the new iPad and iPod touch.

"Using the Video Physics app, each entry we received provided a unique way for students to use real-world items in motion to learn physics concepts. We congratulate the winners for their creativity and dedication to keeping science interesting, both in and out of the classroom," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. Students and educators benefit not just from the portability of Video Physics, but also from the ability to use the multitouch interface to pan, zoom, mark and view video content in HD resolution.

Three winners were chosen to receive an iPod Touch with HD video recording. These prizes were awarded to:

• The team of Rex Rice, Gabe de la Paz, Rob Laux, Ryan King, and Jennifer Adams, from Clayton High School, in Clayton, MO. Together they created a video examining the uniform circular motion of a hoverpuck anchored by a string. Students are able to see what happens when the centripetal force is removed by a blowtorch.
• Bobby Quimpo, of West Central High School in Francesville, IN, who used video to observe mathematics in the motion of a steel can.
• Dale Basler, of Appleton East High School in Appleton, WI, who investigated physics in the grocery store. Dale chose the unique perspective of the conveyor belt itself for his iPhone camera, creating a frame of reference in which the supermarket counter appeared to be in motion.

Vernier also chose second place winners who each received a $25 iTunes gift card. These prizes were awarded to:

• Tom Pasquini, of Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH. Tom analyzed the puzzling nature of a bouncing ball that retraces its own path.
• Jennifer Meyer of Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, MO, who observed and analyzed the physics of a dive.
• Chris Carman and the environmental partnership between Theodore Roosevelt High School and Davey Elementary School in Kent, OH. The team used Video Physics, an iPhone, and an orange to measure the rate of creek flow in their local watershed.
• Bobby Quimpo, of West Central High School in Francesville, IN, whose students recorded video while balancing a meter stick on one end. Using video analysis, students were able to track the center of mass and reinforce the fundamental nature of trajectory motion.

Teachers and students are encouraged to visit the Video Physics Contest web gallery to view and download the winning entries, and to learn more about Video Physics for iOS: http://www.vernier.com/ios/contest.html. These videos will also be available to users of Video Physics in a free update via the iTunes App Store.

About Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier Software & Technology has been a leading innovator of scientific data-collection technology for 30 years. Focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Vernier is dedicated to developing creative ways to teach and learn using hands-on science. Vernier creates easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and graphing/analysis software. With world-wide distribution to over 130 countries, Vernier products are used by educators and students from elementary school to college. Vernier's technology-based solutions enhance STEM education, increase learning, and build students' critical thinking skills. Vernier's business culture is grounded in Earth-friendly policies and practices and the company provides a family-friendly workplace. For more information visit www.vernier.com.

SOURCE Vernier Software & Technology