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Educators Pushing Data Collection Take Science Prizes

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 04/11/13

Along with two middle school teachers and four high school teachers, one college teacher will be recognized later this week as a recipient of the 2013 Vernier/National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) awards during the annual NSTA conference. Each winner receives $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier products, and up to $1,500 to attend the conference, which is being held this year in San Antonio.

Vernier provides a number of products for the classroom to allow students to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data. Each of the award winners currently uses or could use tools from Vernier.

Heidi Buffer plans to build out lessons on photosynthesis and respiration rates of various agricultural crops grown in northwest Kansas, where her school, Colby Community College, is located. Her biology students will strengthen their data collection technology skills through the use of a Vernier photosynthesis and respiration lab.

"The use of data-collection technology in the classroom helps foster students' interest in [science, technology, engineering, and math] education and provides them with engaging, hands-on opportunities for scientific investigation," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. "For 10 years Vernier and NSTA have recognized innovative STEM educators through this award, and this year's winners are no exception--their projects and programs truly utilize the power of data-collection technology as part of the teaching and learning process."

Educators interested in applying for the 2014 award have until November 30, 2013 to submit their application.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

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