Vernier Launches its 2014 Engineering Contest

Vernier honors three STEM teachers who will each receive $5,500 in prizes for innovative uses of Vernier sensors in teaching engineering concepts

BEAVERTON, Ore., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vernier Software & Technology is now accepting applications for its 2014 Engineering Contest that recognizes STEM educators for introducing students to engineering concepts and practices through innovative uses of Vernier sensors. A middle school teacher, a high school teacher, and a college instructor will each win prizes valued at $5,500.

Educators interested in applying for this contest must submit a video showcasing the use of Vernier sensors in a project or experiment. Applications are due by January 15, 2014.

The sensors may be used in conjunction with Vernier's Logger Pro software, NI LabVIEW software, LEGO NXT or EV3, 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 are asked to specifically 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, 2014 on the Vernier web site and Facebook page. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 towards expenses to attend the 2014 National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) STEM conference or the 2014 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference.

"There are thousands of ways technology can be used to teach engineering concepts and to engage students with problem-solving and engineering practices," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "For over thirty years, we have been helping teachers incorporate sensor technology into engineering activities, and we have seen teachers design their own creative sensor-based activities as well. The Vernier Engineering Contest recognizes and awards teachers for their innovative uses of technology with students and provides a great way for them to showcase these best practices to fellow educators."

Last year's Vernier Engineering Contest winners used Vernier sensors with NI LabVIEW software to create a virtual musical instrument and to conduct a transiting exoplanet experiment.

For more information on the 2014 Vernier Engineering Contest and to submit an entry, visit www.vernier.com/grants/engineering/.

About Vernier Software & Technology
Vernier Software & Technology has been a leading innovator of scientific data-collection technology for 32 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 www.vernier.com. 

SOURCE Vernier Software & Technology

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED