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Vernier/NSTA 2009 Technology Award
Are you looking for ways to add to your data collection technology? Then you should apply for the Vernier Technology Award, an NSTA Teacher Awards program. Entries can be a tried and true lesson or a new idea of how you would like to use data-collection technology in your classroom. Applicants submit their innovative data-collection activity to NSTA for judging by a panel of experts. One of the seven $3,000 awards is presented to a K-5 teacher. Deadline for entries for the 2009 awards is November 30, 2008.
2008 Technology Award Winner
Music Maker
Allison Needham
5th Grade Teacher
J. B. Watkins Elementary School
Midlothian, VA
Synopsis:
As chairperson of the Children's Engineering and Design Technology program at Watkins Elementary School, Allison frequently pioneers new programs and technology solutions that will give all students a chance to excel in the elementary setting. Allison was introduced to Vernier data-collection products at the 2007 NSTA National conference in St. Louis. She saw the use of Vernier probes as great way to expand the educational technology use within the program. Her first attempt at integrating data-collection technology was with the culminating activity in her sound unit—Music Maker. In this activity, students apply what they have learned in their design of a musical instrument that can play three distinct notes. In past years, some of her students struggled with the basic concepts while others quickly finish and became bored. Adding a Vernier Microphone to capture a graphical representation of the notes played greatly enhanced student understanding and provided opportunity for additional exploration. Allison's success with this activity has her looking for additional ways she can incorporate data-collection technology into the program.
2007 Technology Award Winner
Investigating Seasonal Changes
Wendy Smith
3rd Grade Teacher
Klem Road South Elementary School
Webster, NY
Synopsis:
Wendy’s 3rd grade curriculum includes learning about cycles and patterns of seasonal change. To meet this standard, Wendy engaged her 3rd grade students as “environmental scientists” in a year-long investigation of the ecosystem around the ponds at nearby North Ponds Park. Wendy created guided inquiry lessons in which students investigated whether shade affects the temperature of a body of water, and whether it is easier for fish to breathe in warm or cold water. Wendy used these activities to show how data-collection technology can be used to investigate scientific phenomena. Her students developed their own questions and took sensors to the park to gather data. The students collected air, water, and soil temperatures around the park, as well as pH and dissolved oxygen levels in the ponds. The students shared their work by creating e-books, pod-casts, and videos, which are available on their school web site. Student response to this activity was amazing. Wendy is pleased with how this project has allowed her students to shine in ways like never before.
2006 Technology Award Winner
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.
2005 Technology Award Winner
"The Drinking Fountain Dilemma"
Julia Green
Teacher
Berry Elementary
Detroit, MI
Synopsis:
Through the use of Vernier probes, Berry Elementary students in the Detroit Public School District use inquiry learning and a positive learning climate to foster active scientific investigations. With this mutual interdependence of science and technology, students have the opportunity to explore scientific understandings, reinforce mathematical thinking and concepts, and engage in dialogue. The use of probes in an elementary classroom also helps to translate difficult concepts into terms more easily understood, building a framework of knowledge. Popular investigations include the discussion and investigation of the coldest drinking fountain in the school, the pH of the soil around the school, and the real temperature of microwave popcorn.
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