Vernier Sensors for Science at NTHS

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Jason Flesock
Grant Category
Grant Date
2018-04-30T12:00:00
Description

With the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards across the state of California, there have been a number of instructional shifts that have occurred as a result of the 3-dimensional learning promoted through these standards. Each Next Generation Science Standard has three learning dimensions: a Disciplinary Core Idea, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts. These standards promote a classroom that is student-centered, driven by scientific inquiry, and promotes learning content through experimentation and exploration activities. In total, there are 8 Science and Engineering Practices:

 

1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems

2. Developing and Using Models

3. Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence

8. Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information

 

In helping to fully embrace the science and engineering practices, students must be able to produce data that can be analyzed to derive meaning. Data patterns and trends are not always obvious for any scientist, so a number of different tools are utilized to make meaning of their data. Modern technology has made collecting data much easier and the analysis of it far more impactful, as students are now able to make comparisons of data sets easier than ever before. 

It with the support of an Excellence in Education Grant, that I hope to expand on our collection of probeware sensors from Vernier at NTHS. Vernier offers a number of different sensor options for student use, which open more possibilities with data collection and analysis for students. Specifically, I am hoping to use this grant to obtain Temperature Sensors, pH Sensors, Conductivity Sensors and Melt Stations, which will greatly enhance our lab program for Chemistry and AP Chemistry at NTHS. These Go Direct Sensors connect wirelessly through Bluetooth to our students Chromebooks or wired via USB. 

 

 

Benefits of Program

If you were to come into our chemistry classroom at NTHS, you would see students as active scientists. We have actively embraced the instructional shifts that NGSS has promoted, and we are now a classroom where students learn through experimentation and exploration. By incorporating the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, we have placed added value on the experimental process of developing questions, designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and making evidence-based claims. Modern technology available to students today has really evolved in recent years, and has made data collection and analysis more accessible to students than ever before. 

 

At NTHS, we already have a number of Vernier Sensors, primarily for Environmental Science and Physics. With this EEF grant, we hope to expand our sensor collection to our chemistry students by obtaining Temperature Probes, pH Probes, Conductivity Probes and Melt Stations.  All of these sensors are Go Direct Sensors, which means they will connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to our students' Chromebooks or via wired connection using USB.  These kits will be purchased as part of a teacher bundle, which includes charging stations for the sensors. Here is a description each sensor from Vernier and how it would enhance our classroom:

Go Direct Temperature Sensor

Unlike a traditional thermometer, the Go Direct Temperature sensor allows students to collect real-time temperature measurements of a single instance or over a period of time. Because it is also waterproof, it is more durable than sensors that are simply water resistant.

We would use this sensor in a variety of experiments:

  • Conduct endothermic and exothermic reactions.
  • Investigate the freezing and melting of water in phase changes
  • Measure the energy content of foods
  • Monitor environmental conditions

Go Direct pH Sensor

The Go Direct pH Sensor is an important and versatile sensor for lab and field activities alike. It gives students the freedom to explore pH without the inconvenience of wires, which commonly interfere and cause solution spills. The Go Direct pH transmits live readings and captures data in real-time.

This sensor can be used in a variety of experiments:

  • Conduct acid-base titrations.
  • Monitor pH change during chemical reactions.
  • Test the pH and alkalinity of bodies of water.
  • Investigate household acids and bases.

Go Direct Conductivity Sensor

The Go Direct Conductivity Probe determines the ionic content of an aqueous solution by measuring its electrical conductivity. It features a built-in temperature sensor to simultaneously read conductivity and temperature. Automatic temperature compensation allows students to calibrate the probe in the lab and then make measurements outdoors without temperature changes affecting data. This temperature compensation can be turned off to perform conductivity studies as a function of temperature.

We would use this sensor in a variety of experiments:

  • Demonstrate diffusion of ions through membranes.
  • Investigate the difference between ionic and molecular compounds, strong and weak acids, or ionic compounds that yield different ratios of ions.
  • Measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).

Go Direct Melt Station

This station teaches students the visual detection capillary method of melting point determination with the Go Direct Melt Station. It accurately measures melting temperatures of a solid (up to 260°C), and the real-time graphing provides a unique perspective of the melting process.

The wide-angle observation and magnification window, LED-lit heater block, and adjustable tilt base give students a clear view of the substance as they witness the state change. Internal cooling fans reduce the waiting time between sample testing. Also included is an important safety feature that automatically powers down the heating block after 60 minutes with no change to the control knob.

The Go Direct Melt Station can be used in a variety of experiments:

  • Determine the melting temperature of an known organic solid such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or caffeine.
  • Identify an unknown organic solid by its melting temperature.
  • Use melting temperature to analyze reaction products.

 

Additionally, all of these sensors work with free software provided by Vernier, called Graphical Analysis 4. This program also works on iphones and Androids. The program is a key part of the data collection and analysis process. Some of the features the program offers to our students, using the sensors in conjunction with the program, are:

Data Collection

Collect data from multiple sensors simultaneously, either with a multiple-channel interface such as LabQuest Stream or by using multiple Go Direct sensors. Use Data Sharing to retrieve data from just about every Vernier sensor.

  • Select time-based or event-based data collection, including events with entry.
  • Adjust data-collection rate and duration as needed.
  • Trigger time-based data collection on sensor values (iOS will not support triggering or change display units in the initial 4.0 release).
  • Calibrate sensors, although most of the time this is not needed.
  • Enter data manually or using the clipboard.
  • Change display units on many sensors.

Data Analysis

  • Display one, two, or three graphs as needed.
  • Set the graph scale.
  • Select what is graphed on each axis, and select line- or point-style graphs.
  • Calculate descriptive statistics on all or some of your data.
  • Fit lines and curves to some or all of your data.
  • Define calculated columns based on sensor columns. Use this to linearize a graph, for example.
  • View data in a table.
  • Highlight and read values from a graph.
  • Interpolate and extrapolate using graphed data.

 

Needless to say, these sensors really open up new possibilities for experimentation in our classrooms and embrace the goals of NGSS by using modern technologies in the experimental process. It will greatly increase our students' data analysis skills, which we also know have great crossover with Common Core Standards for Mathematics. 

Success of Program

As I have mentioned earlier, having these sensors greatly enhances our current technology for collecting data in our classrooms. For example, we only have about 6 digital thermometers. Though they are water resistant, but do not have the ability to transfer data to an analytical format. Additionally, they cost about $40. We do not have functioning pH meters, either due to improper storage or poor calibration abilties. Also, they do not have the ability to transfer pH data. We do not have conductivity testers, which we would normally use as we explore properties of chemical compounds and acids/bases. Lastly, we do not have a melt station, which would be incredibly useful for our students as we explore properties of matter. Additionally, using the capillary method for testing would be extremely useful in giving students authentic laboratory experience with this piece of equipment, which is used very often in college laboratories, as they potentially pursue a STEM major. 

 

As a teacher, I have a lot of experience using Vernier Sensors, primarily at my previous school site before I came to North Tahoe High School. I have found them to be incredibly engaging and easy to use for students. They integrate seamlessly into any lab program and get extensive use, especially with regards to the temperature and pH probes. They also allow students to generate real-time graphical analysis through the free software available on our students' Chromebooks. At a time when students must engage in evidence-based argumentation as a result of NGSS implementation, these laboratory tools are indispensible in a 21st century classroom. 

 

 

Implementation

Due to the updated timing of the spring cycle for the EEF Grant process, it is my hope to be able to implement the use of these sensors into our lab program for the 2018-2019 school year. We would start by making the software available to our students on their Chromebooks andThe melt stations and temperature probes would be used right away with out first NGSS unit in chemistry, Structure and Properties of Matter and Energy. As we progress through the year, the other sensors would be used to enhance and support the data collection and analysis process for our lab program. 

Due to my previous experience in working with Vernier sensors at my prior school site, I already am in possession of the support lab curriculum from Vernier, which integrates the use of these sensors in NGSS-aligned labs for both Chemistry and AP Chemistry. 

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

These particular sensors (Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Melt Station) have applications across all disciplines in science. At NTHS, we have already obtained a number of different Vernier sensors over the years, most recently with the acquisition of Vernier Spectrophotometers for the AP Chemistry class at NTHS using an EEF Grant.  In particular, the temperature probes and pH probes would be used by all of our science classes, as they enhance a number of different lab activities in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy/Physiology and Environmental Science. 

Sustainability
This project is fully sustainable and very durable. Vernier Sensors are notoriously durable and specifically designed for student use from middle school through college. They also have a proven track record of excellent customer service. As I mentioned earlier, I am already in possession of the supplementary lab program authored by Vernier, which properly trains teachers and students to integrate the Vernier Sensors in our lab program. Beyond this year, there will be no additional funds needed from EEF for this program.
Amount Funded
$3010.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$599 - Go Direct Temperature Teacher Pack
$758 - Go Direct pH Teacher Pack
$396 - Go Direct Conductivity (QTY 4)
$1038 - Go Direct Melt Station (QTY 2)
Budget Notes

Itemized budget for the Vernier Sensors is attached. Vernier Sensors are very competitive when it comes to pricing in comparison to other major companies that produce similar products, such as Pasco. 

Shipping
$17.00
Taxes
$202.35
Other funding sources

The primary funding sources that would be available for this program would be Measure A funds. There are two designations for those funds: a small amount for classroom use and Measure A science funds. However, those funds are used regularly to maintain chemical inventories, biological consumables, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Due to the magnitude of this particular request, site funds would not be sufficient to cover these expenses and maintain what is currently used for science consumables and equipment.