Vernier, NSTA Open Entries for Technology Awards

Vernier and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have opened applications for their annual technology awards.

The annual competition gives cash, technology and travel funds to science teachers at all grade levels for demonstrating innovation in inquiry-based learning activities involving data collection.

This year's competition will award seven prizes to K-12 and post-secondary educators (one elementary, two middle school, three high school and one post-secondary educator). Winners will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier equipment and $1,500 for travel expenses to attend the 2017 NSTA National Conference March 30-April 2 in Los Angeles

According to Vernier, successful applicants will enter projects involving hands-on, inquiry-based learning and data collection using computers and handheld devices, including graphing calculators. In the recent past, award-winning projects have included studies of weather patterns, monitoring water quality at a nearby lake, pollution in ponds and natural waterways, and researching ants and termites.

The deadline for applying for the awards is Nov. 30. Anybody who teaches at a K-12 school or higher education institution in the United States is eligible, with the exception of those who have won the award in the past at their current school.

"We are committed to supporting teachers in providing students with engaging, hands-on STEM education," said Vernier Software & Technology CEO John Wheeler. "The Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards recognizes teachers for their innovative teaching practices and awards them so they can further expand their use of data-collection technology in the classroom."

About the Author

Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.

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