Vernier Awards 30 Innovative Schools $10,000 Technology Grants to Mark Company's 30th Anniversary
K-12 and higher education educators will use technology to implement STEM education initiatives
BEAVERTON, Ore., Sept. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After three decades of serving STEM education, Vernier Software & Technology has chosen 30 innovative schools to receive its 30th anniversary technology grants. As recipients of the grants, each of the 30 selected schools will receive $10,000 worth of Vernier technology equipment of their choosing.
Grantees from ten K-8 schools, ten high schools and ten college or university science departments shared inspiring stories about how they will use the technology and outlined concrete plans for implementation, while demonstrating financial need.
"With nearly 2,000 applications in total, we were overwhelmed by the innovation and dedication demonstrated by educators nationwide for the betterment of STEM education," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "The 30 grantees are truly deserving of this recognition and the technology received through this grant will greatly assist with their ongoing efforts to expose students to many STEM disciplines in an engaging and hands-on manner."
In the K-8 category, the ten grantees truly showed how Vernier's technology would enrich the educational experience for their young students. For example, the grant will afford Gratigny Elementary, a Title I school in Miami, FL with a high ELL population, the opportunity to meet their School Improvement Plans' science goals while helping to implement a science club, a science camp and a science center for students who have traditionally had very limited science experiences outside of the classroom. Other innovative initiatives include Jefferson Middle School's plans to use Vernier sensors as part of their STEM Robotics course for 7th and 8th grade students and Berkley Middle School's multi-disciplinary, inquiry-based study of local water quality in Williamsburg, VA using a variety of Vernier technology.
From physics to biology and chemistry to AP science courses, the ten selected high school grantees will use Vernier technology in a variety of STEM programs across multiple disciplines. Menominee Indian High School, located on a rural Indian reservation; the Manhattan Center for Science and Math in East Harlem; and Discovery High School, an alternative school that works closely with the Northern Oregon Regional Detention Facility, are among the high schools that will help numerous students from diverse backgrounds learn by using engaging science tools.
The ten grantees at the college level also represent diverse disciplines encompassed under the STEM spectrum, from mathematics to engineering to astronomy, at higher education institutions in nine different states. Saint Joseph's College in Indiana will enhance quantitative literacy through student-developed interactive projects, the Science and Mathematics Education Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will provide equipment for teacher professional development, and the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach will use Vernier tools as an integral part of the center's summer camps for youth.
"Hattiesburg High School is so excited and honored to be chosen for this grant," said James Brownlow, head of the Polymers Program at Hattiesburg High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. "Students will use the grant to complete a 'Design a Better Football Helmet' lab. In this lab, students test a variety of polymers for the outer shell of the helmet and many types of padding for the foam inserts. They use impact tests to determine the best combination of materials to use in protecting players. The new Vernier equipment will allow us to incorporate force sensors into the lab design so that we are able to see quantitatively rather than qualitatively how much force reduction each type of foam affords the football player."
To learn more about all of Vernier's 30th anniversary technology grant winners, visit www.vernier.com/30years.
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
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