Vernier Adds New Lab Equipment and Sensors to Its Family of Technology Offerings

Projectile Launcher, Polarizer/Analyzer Set, Constant Current System, and Chemical Polarimeter aid students in scientific experimentation

BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Continuing to expand on its robust set of STEM offerings, Vernier Software & Technology has developed new lab equipment and sensor technology for use in the science classroom. The Projectile Launcher and Polarizer/Analyzer Set help students investigate physics concepts, while the Constant Current System and Chemical Polarimeter aid students in chemistry experiments.

"Our new products not only expand classroom experimentation options for science teachers, but they actively engage students in the learning process through hands-on investigation," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier Software & Technology and a former physics teacher. "Each of these new technologies helps to teach students essential scientific concepts."

About the New Sensors, Lab Equipment, and Probeware

The Projectile Launcher, which includes a launcher, six steel balls, hand pump, goggles, and accessories, helps students investigate important concepts in two-dimensional kinematics—important topics taught in both high school and college physics. The unique pneumatic launching system allows students to set the launch velocity and provides excellent repeatability. Additionally, the built-in photogates simplify the measurement of launch velocity, allowing for precise quantitative analysis.

Designed for the physics laboratory, the Polarizer/Analyzer Set is an extension of Vernier's Optics Expansion Kit, and it allows students to study light polarization by conducting experiments such as Malus's law. The set includes a Fixed Polarizer, an Adjustable Analyzer, and an Adjustable Analyzer for a Rotary Motion Sensor, and it is compatible with other Vernier sensors and hardware.

The Constant Current System is a combination current sensor and power supply that eliminates the need for a separate power supply when performing electroplating and electrolysis experiments in chemistry. Using the system, students can explore Faraday's law and determine Avogadro's number.

Perfect for organic chemistry experiments, the Chemical Polarimeter measures the rotation of plane-polarized light caused by optically active substances such as organic, inorganic, or biological compounds. Used with other Vernier technology such as the LabQuest, students are provided with a graph that shows a clear change in the light's polarization, thus no longer having to determine the optical maximum by eye.

Pricing

The Vernier Projectile Launcher–$289
http://www.vernier.com/products/lab-equipment/vpl/

Polarizer/Analyzer Set–$99
http://www.vernier.com/products/accessories/pak-oek/

Constant Current System–$49
http://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/current-sensors/ccs-bta/

Chemical Polarimeter–$499
http://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/chem-pol/

About Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier Software & Technology has been a leading innovator of scientific data-collection technology for 31 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