Vernier Software & Technology's 'SpectroVis Plus' Wins Tech & Learning Magazine's 2011 Awards of Excellence

BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tech & Learning Magazine has named Vernier's SpectroVis Plus a winner in the "Best Upgrade" category of its 2011 Awards of Excellence competition. In its 29th year, the awards program honors innovative software, hardware, network and Web products that break new ground, as well as those that added significant enhancements to proven education tools.

The SpectroVis Plus provides an affordable, portable, visible to near-IR spectrophotometer and fluorometer. Using array spectrometer technology and either Vernier's Logger Pro software or the LabQuest application, students and educators can collect a full wavelength spectrum – absorbance, percent transmittance, or intensity – in less than one second. Once the peak wavelength is determined, users can easily determine the concentration of a solution or monitor rates of reaction. With its two different excitation wavelengths, the SpectroVis Plus can also quantitatively measure the fluorescence spectra of many compounds, such as chlorophyll, fluorescein, GFP and more.

"Vernier is honored that SpectroVis Plus has been named a Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence recipient," said John Melville Ph.D., biology staff scientist at Vernier Software & Technology. "This small array spectrophotometer helps students understand the concept of absorbance, which is very important in the fields of chemistry and biology."

A panel of more than 30 educators tested more than 160 entries and chose 100 education technology products as winners. All entries were divided into two categories: New Products and Best Upgraded Products. Winning products included software and web-based products, as well as hardware and AV tools. Honorees included resources that addressed curriculum instruction, safety, communication, assessment and other key areas in education.

To learn more about the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence, visit http://www.techlearning.com/section/AwardsofExcellence. To learn more about the SpectroVis Plus, visit www.vernier.com/spectrovisplus. To learn more about Logger Pro, Vernier's graphing and analysis software, visit www.vernier.com/lp. To learn more about LabQuest, visit www.vernier.com/labquest.

About Tech & Learning

For more than 30 years, Tech & Learning has been — and continues to be — the leading resource for K-12 leaders. Its publications, Web sites, and events provide factual and evaluative information on trends, products, and strategies to educators who purchase technology products in their districts and schools. Tech & Learning, published by NewBay Media LLC, delivers the highest quality content and essential resources to manage, train, and teach technology. For more information, visit www.TechLearning.com.

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