2006 NSTA/Vernier Technology Award Winners

Vernier would like to congratulate the 2006 award winners for their innovative use of data-collection technology. These six were judged by a panel of experts, appointed by NSTA, to be the best in their respective categories.

Each winner received $1,000 in cash, $1,000 in Vernier Products, and up to $1,000 toward expenses to attend the 2006 NSTA National Convention in Anaheim, California. The winners were formally recognized at the NSTA Awards Banquet during the national convention.

Elementary (Grades K - 5)

The Power of the A.P.P.L.E. Bus

Deborah Wickerham
5th Grade Teacher/Science Curriculum and Assessment Committee Chairperson
Chamberlin Hill Intermediate
Findlay, OH

Synopsis:
Working in partnership with community organizations, area school districts, and local scientists, Deborah has created the A.P.P.L.E. bus, a mobile science technology laboratory used to provide inquiry-based field studies for her community. A.P.P.L.E. stands for an Awesome, Practical, Powerful, Learning Experience, and students participating in the program have just that. Starting in 3rd grade, students use the A.P.P.L.E bus to investigate various ecosystems found at Van Buren State Park using data-collection technology, including the Vernier LabPro and sensors. The A.P.P.L.E. bus curricula available to educators include "pre-bus" activities; on-site field tests; specimen collection and observation; and follow-up data analysis. Deborah further enhances the experience by encouraging her students to present their findings to classmates. By providing instruction that emphasizes experimentation, documentation, observation, analysis, and application, the A.P.P.L.E. bus program helps teachers meet standards while allowing students to become real scientists.

Middle School Level (Grades 6 - 8)

Soil on the Horizon in Stanly County

Jamie Mabry
6th Grade Science Teacher/Department Chairman
New London Choice Middle School
New London, NC

Synopsis:
Jamie learned early in his career that teaching with technology, including computers, Vernier probeware, and graphing calculators, can positively impact student attitudes and achievement, especially from at-risk students. Jamie takes this a step further by providing activities using technology that build awareness of issues affecting Stanly County, the predominately farming community in which he resides. Jamie uses an activity called Soil on the Horizon as a means to build understanding of the responsibility the residents of Stanly County have in caring for the soil for future generations. In the activity, students bring in soil samples from all over the county and use the Vernier pH sensor to measure soil pH as an indicator of soil fertility. Once they have completed their analysis, Jamie�s students present their findings to a Stanly County Soil and Water Conservation Board committee, enabling his 6th grade students to take an active role in the community.

High School Level (Grades 9 - 12)

Heart Rate Measures in Crayfish: Environmental Changes, Social Interactions and Physiological Response

Heidi Anderson
AP Biology Teacher
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Lexington, KY

Synopsis:
By incorporating Vernier data-collection technology into her classroom, Heidi encourages students to ask relevant questions, design appropriate tests, and use appropriate tools to enhance their study of biology. In collaboration with researchers from the University of Kentucky, Heidi has developed an inquiry-based activity designed to spark student motivation to learn. In the activity, students use the Vernier EKG Sensor connected to wires inserted under the dorsal carapace of a crayfish to monitor its heart rate. Students develop experiments to investigate variations in heart rate due to environmental changes such as depth of water, temperature, exposure to air, exercise, and social response. By allowing students to design and conduct experiments, Heidi believes her students will have a better understanding of experimental design and improve their ability to evaluate, question and develop research protocol, all while learning to assess their own progress.

Air Toxics Under the Big Sky

David Jones
Chemistry Teacher
Big Sky High School
Missoula, MT

Synopsis:
Over the years, David has developed inquiry labs that utilize computers and Vernier data-collection technology giving his students the opportunity to discover concepts and their applications in a meaningful way. David�s commitment to teaching relevant science led to "Air Toxics Under the Big Sky," a research project he developed with colleagues from the University of Montana. David and his students are looking for a link between incidence of asthma and the levels of different groups of air pollutants, particularly during times of severe temperature inversion. Students collect global positioning data and air samples from outside and inside their homes and analyze the samples using a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. The students collaborate with scientists from the university�s Department of Chemistry, the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, and the Missoula City and County Health departments to interpret their data and relate their findings to real-world applications. This gives his students a better understanding of the scientific process and the role of science in society.

Rocketry

Stephen Potashnik
Physics and Math Faculty
Chesapeake Bay Governor�s School
Tappahannock, VA

Synopsis:
Stephen believes that using technology develops student�s critical thinking skills, allowing them to move beyond textbook problems to confront real-world situations. His Rocketry lab is just one example of how he connects science and math to real-world situations. In this lab, students work in small groups using model rockets they construct from kits. Prior to launching the rockets, the students mount the rocket engines [horizontally] on a Vernier Dynamics System cart and measure the engine thrust using a Force Sensor. The thrust data are analyzed using numerical integration techniques to predict the maximum height their rockets will attain; these results are compared to an actual launch. The students investigate discrepancies between predicted and actual results using rocket simulation software modeling air drag. Stephen�s students use this experience to build student interest in state and national competitions, such as the Team America Rocket Challenge.

College Level

Interactive Learning Experiments � Improving Student Experiences in Introductory Science Courses

Marina Milner-Bolton
Instructor/Research Associate
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Synopsis:
Building interest in science, developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, and supporting independent and responsible thinkers are goals of every introductory science course and can be especially challenging in classes with large enrollments. To meet these goals, Marina is utilizing Vernier Logger Pro software and a digital video camera in her introductory physics classes to carefully record data during lecture demonstrations. Following the lecture, students access the data from the web for further analysis, allowing them time to work with the data to develop a deeper understanding and uncover misconceptions. During the subsequent lecture, students submit the results of their analysis, using a classroom response system, and feedback is provided. Marina�s approach capitalizes on the appeal of the traditional "show-and-tell" demonstrations, turning them into Interactive Learning Experiments that can positively impact student success. Marina will be studying the success of this program through continued research on student achievement and hopes the program will grow to other departments at UBC and beyond.