Looking for Cool Uses of Data-Collection Technology? NSTA/Vernier Winners Have Them

Seven educators win Vernier data-collection technology and funding for professional development and classroom resources

BEAVERTON, Ore., March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- David and Christine Vernier, founders of Vernier Software & Technology, will award seven educators with the NSTA/Vernier Technology Award at the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Conference in Philadelphia, PA on March 19, 2010. These educators will be recognized for their planned or current innovative uses of data-collection technology and were chosen by an NSTA-appointed panel of experts.

Each winner will receive $1,000 in Vernier products, $1,000 in cash, and up to $1,000 to reimburse expenses incurred while attending the 2010 NSTA National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 17-20, 2010. Each educator will be formally recognized during the convention's NSTA Awards Banquet.

Below are brief descriptions of each winning entry.  Some projects have already taken place while others will take place in the future.  

Category: Elementary

Judy Heitkamp, Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, MN

Judy plans to use Vernier data-collection technology with her 4th grade students to study how humans can affect the quality of the water supply in their community.

Category: Middle School

Nicole Anderson, Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL

Nicole developed an innovative cross-curricular activity that connects biology, mathematics and engineering using LEGO® NXT® robotics and Vernier sensors.

Cynthia Ollendyke, Peters Township Middle School, McMurray, PA

Cynthia will have her students use Vernier probeware to determine if the area behind her school is environmentally healthy.

Category: High School

Steve Ahn, Abingdon High School, Abingdon, VA

Steve plans to have his students use GPS and sensor data to predict the type of underlying base rock along the Virginia Creeper bike trial.

Stephen Biscotte, Cave Spring High School, Roanoke, VA

Stephen has created a Physicians-In-Training program, in which he uses physiology sensors to incorporate real-world experiences into his anatomy and physiology curriculum.

Deborah Carder, Fruitvale High School, Fruitvale, TX

Deborah will have her students do water-quality testing on the retention ponds located on school property.

Category: College

Brian Geislinger, Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL

Brian had his introductory astronomy students use a Light Sensor to measure small variations in light intensity as a "planet" orbits a star in a model solar system he created.

For more information on the winners and their projects or to prepare your 2011 entry visit www.vernier.com/nstaawards.

If you are interested in speaking with any of these innovative educators, please contact Brooke MacDonald at [email protected] or via phone at 410-975-9638.

About Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier Software & Technology has been an innovator of data-collection technology for 29 years and their products can be found in 130 countries.  Creating easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and software, their products are used 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