Vernier Software & Technology Now Accepting Applications for Its 2015 Engineering Contest

BEAVERTON, Ore., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vernier Software & Technology is now accepting applications for its 2015 Engineering Contest, recognizing STEM teachers for their innovative teaching of engineering concepts and practices using Vernier sensors in the classroom. Three winning teachers — one middle school teacher, one high school teacher, and one college instructor — will each receive prizes valued at $5,500.

Applications for the contest are due by January 15, 2015. To apply for the contest, teachers must complete an online application form, as well as produce and submit a short video showcasing their engineering project involving Vernier sensors in action. The sensors may be used in conjunction with Vernier's Logger Pro software, NI LabVIEW software, LEGO NXT, VEX, or any other system incorporating Vernier sensors. Applications will be judged on innovation, engineering objectives, and the ease by which others can replicate the project. Middle school and high school applicants will specifically need to explain how the project addresses the engineering practices called for in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

The winners will be announced on March 5, 2015 on the Vernier website and Facebook page. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend the 2015 National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) STEM conference in Minneapolis, MN or the 2015 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference in Seattle, WA.

"We are committed to supporting teachers who are bringing engineering design and hands-on science activities into their courses," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "The Engineering Contest provides educators with a great way to showcase and share their best practices and to win some great prizes that will further support engineering and STEM education."

The winning projects from the 2014 Vernier Engineering Contest focused on developing a biomechanics course, building a system to test rockets, and creating a prototype of a floating robot to explore the concept of "electric shock drowning."

For complete information on the 2015 Vernier Engineering Contest and to submit an application, visit www.vernier.com/grants/engineering/.

About Vernier Software & Technology
Vernier Software & Technology has been a leading innovator of scientific data-collection technology for 33 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, build students' critical thinking skills, and support the science and engineering practices detailed in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Vernier's business culture is grounded in Earth-friendly policies and practices, and the company provides a family-friendly workplace. For more information, visit http://www.vernier.com.

SOURCE Vernier Software & Technology