New Instruments Help Students Learn Chemistry Data Collection

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.

Vernier

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.

Vernier

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.

Vernier

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."

About the Author

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

Featured

  • open laptop in a college classroom with holographic AI icons like a brain and data charts rising from the screen

    4 Ways Universities Are Using Google AI Tools for Learning and Administration

    In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways institutions are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • three main icons—a cloud, a user profile, and a padlock—connected by circuit lines on a blue abstract background

    Report: Identity Has Become a Critical Security Perimeter for Cloud Services

    A new threat landscape report points to new cloud vulnerabilities. According to the 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report from Fortinet, while misconfigured cloud storage buckets were once a prime vector for cybersecurity exploits, other cloud missteps are gaining focus.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.