Learning Tools

New Instruments Help Students Learn Chemistry Data Collection

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 05/21/20

A scientific equipment company that caters to education has launched a new set of data-collection instruments for use by college-level chemistry students, for use when classes have moved back to campus. The new chemistry products from Vernier Software & Technology include the Go Direct Polarimeter, Go Direct Mini GC and Go Direct Cyclic Voltammetry System. All of the instruments include downloadable experiments that can be added to chemistry curriculum.

The polarimeter ($499) provides students with way to gauge a visual representation of chirality (the phenomenon in which objects appear to be mirror images but aren't identical) by measuring the optical rotation of optical isomers such as sugars, amino acids and proteins. The analyzer is automatically rotated by an internal motor, which lets students focus on the results of their experiments, such as the reaction kinetics of hydrochloric acid and sucrose.

The new gas chromatograph ($2,499) is a "portable, easy-to-use" instrument for separating and analyzing compounds contained in a volatile liquid or gaseous sample. It includes the digital book Chromatography Experiments with the Go Direct Mini GC.

The voltammetry system ($899) gives students the chance to experiment with electrochemical reactions. The device features disposable electrodes, which, according to the company, saves students "the hassle" of having to polish traditional electrodes. The system was developed in partnership with electrochemical research instrumentation specialists Pine Research. The instrument includes the ebook Electrochemistry Experiments with the Go Direct Cyclic Voltammetry System, which covers five investigations.

All three instruments connect to computing devices through USB or Bluetooth. A free instrumental analysis app guides students through their data-collection process, with instrument-specific analysis features for each of the new chemistry sensors. The app runs on Chrome, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows and macOS.

"The new instruments, app and experiments make up a robust collection of affordable resources that help college students learn and visualize important chemistry concepts," said CEO John Wheeler, in a statement. "Once in-person labs resume, instructors can easily incorporate these resources into their chemistry curriculum and have students analyze chemical data in new ways."