Vernier+Probeware

= = = = = = =Data Collection with Vernier Science & Technology = Hands-on science using Vernier Science and Technology gets students excited about science and deepens their understanding of complex concepts. It gives students the tools to analyze data and think like real scientists. Through Merlan Scientific, the exclusive Canadian distributor of Vernier products, each Grand Erie DSB high school science department is now equipped with nine "starter kits" of Vernier interfaces and sensors, supported by the set of netbooks in each lab.



=Logger Pro in Math and Science =

The Logger Pro software is licensed board-wide for all GEDSB Secondary Schools. There are lots of great uses of Logger Pro software EVEN WITHOUT access to the Vernier Probeware.

To install the software on your netbooks or classroom computers, go to Start -- My Computer -- TShare -- Software Installs & Updates -- EdTech -- Logger Pro 3.8.6 Installation -- Install Logger Pro 3.8.6. = =

To learn more about using Logger Pro for Picture and Video Data Analysis (no probeware required),. Thanks to Katie Couch for sharing.

What Do I Need for Data Collection?

//** 1. Interface **// An interface translates sensor data for graphing and analysis software on a computer. The LabQuest Mini (shown above) is the hub of the Vernier “starter sets” you have in each high school. It connects through the USB port on the netbooks and will accept multiple analog and digital sensors.

Vernier also offers the [|LabQuest2] (below), a complete standalone solution for data collection in the lab or out in the field. It combines an interface, data collection software and a touch display screen into one handheld unit. LabQuest2 is also central to the Connected Science System (CSS), broadcasting data to student devices such as iPads and smartphones, thus incorporating their own technology into the lab experience!



//** 2. Sensors **// Measure physical quantities with consistent and high-quality results with any of Vernier’s 80 sensors. Each sensor is individually calibrated, easy to use, rugged, and classroom tested. Your classroom kits contain the following sensors. Check the sensor specifications, photos of the sensors in use and a list of labs in which the sensor is used.

The accessory bag in the box with the pressure sensor contains small pieces for specific labs that may be misplaced if given to students when not required. Set them aside in a __safe place__ until they are needed. . || Graph Matching, found Physics with Vernier Lab#1, is perhaps one of the best labs around to relate real-world motion to its graphical representation. || Also contains a variety of small accessory pieces for specific labs. Set them aside in the __same safe place__ until they are needed! || One provided per school. You may wish to consider the optional optical fibre in order to study emission spectra as well. ||
 * stainless steel temperature probe Chemistry with Vernier, Lab#1 using the temperature probeis the ideal introduction to data collection. ||
 * = gas pressure sensor
 * = motion detector
 * pH sensor Always store the sensor in the provided storage solution. This is the only sensor in your starter kit that needs occasional calibration, perhaps once a year. You will need pH 4 and 7 buffers on hand. ||
 * = dual-range force sensor
 * = SpectroVis Plus

Once you and your students become comfortable using these sensors, you will likely identify additional lab activities that match your curriculum needs. Individual schools that wish to expand their sensor inventory can view the full list of Vernier sensors.



//** 3. Software **// Visualize and interpret sensor data for hands-on learning with Logger Pro‘s real-time graphing and powerful analysis tools. It's capabilities range from a basic, manual-entry graphing program through to a sophisticated video analysis function which can synchronize sensor data to a video of the same event.

Logger Lite is a version of the software with a simpler screen display for use in elementary and middle schools.



//** 4. Curriculum **// Save time integrating data-collection technology into your curriculum with over 400 well-tested, customizable experiments. Lab books include word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data, and more.

You are starting with the following lab books: . || . || . || All 400 labs from over 20 different lab books are available online for evaluation purposes. See the list of all [|Vernier lab books].
 * = Biology with Vernier
 * = Chemistry with Vernier
 * = Physics with Vernier



Technical and Sales Support

The Logger Pro software includes a set of tutorials, along with sample data for selected labs. Find them under File >> Open at the bottom of the list. And don't forget to use the built-in Help menu when you need it!

Vernier also has an extensive library of training videos showing experiments in action, as well as a variety of “Tech Tips” for a wide selection of sensors.

Innovative uses of Vernier Technology, from teachers such as yourselves, are published each spring and fall in their newsletter //The Caliper//. Be sure to sign up for your electronic or mailed copy!

Download the Vernier 2013 Catalog for a complete overview of interfaces, sensors, software and new products. (A hardcopy has been provided to each Science Department Head.)

. . . but most importantly, you should bookmark www.vernier.com in your browser!

For Technical Support, contact Vernier Software & Technology in Beaverton, Oregon. 1-888-VERNIER or support@vernier.com

Sales are provided by Merlan Scientific in Mississauga, Ontario Contact James Frielink, Ontario Sales rep 1-800-387-2474 or james@merlan.ca

Training Opportunities such as customized, live webinars or followup on-site training on more advanced features of Logger Pro can also be arranged through Merlan Scientific.

=** Science You Can Get Your Hands On! **=

Good luck with your implementation of this initiative! It will not only change the way you teach science, but also the way your students learn science. We look forward not only to your questions, but also hearing of your students' successes! And if you and your colleagues develop some innovative uses for using Vernier probeware in you classes, let us know. . . we will pass them on to Vernier for possible use in //The Caliper//!

// The Merlan Scientific Team, on behalf of Vernier Software and Technology //

Posted by Bob Sanders, Vernier Trainer for Merlan Scientific, updated February 13, 2013