For any K-12 science teacher, the name Vernier is most likely a familiar one. The company has been making science equipment since 1981, and is a common classroom name. As a former biology teacher, I was always a fan of Vernier’s data collection probes and sensors. And now, classroom teachers have a new reason to be excited about Vernier, because they’ve launched an entirely new line of wireless, Bluetooth enabled, Go Direct sensors.
I had the chance to review the Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor, and was impressed with the overall ease of use.
I had the chance to review the Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor, and was impressed with the overall ease of use.
The overall goal of these sensors are to be teacher and student-friendly, so that even those who have no experience with data collection can easily begin using the instruments. The Vernier team offers 18 Go Direct sensors, which are supported by over 100 standard-aligned labs and experiments.
However, it’s also important to note that while Vernier’s curricular resources are all available from their website in both print and digital format, they do come at an added cost (usually around $40 - $50 depending on format).
However, it’s also important to note that while Vernier’s curricular resources are all available from their website in both print and digital format, they do come at an added cost (usually around $40 - $50 depending on format).
For those looking for additional lesson plan ideas, I would also recommend this new Playlist from Vernier which offers 5 different classroom experiments that can be conducted with the Go Direct sensors.
In terms of the specific sensors in the Go Direct line, there are standard sensors like temperature, light and color, pH, and gas pressure. But there are also exciting new possibilities, like the respiration belt, the melt station, and even a radiation monitor.
All of these probes can be connected via Bluetooth to any compatible iOS device, Android device, Chromebook, Windows machine, or Mac. You also have the option of connecting through the included USB cable as well. The only thing you’ll need to connect your sensor to your device is the Graphical Analysis™ application, which is available for free, regardless of which device you’re using.
Once you’ve got the app installed, just connect your device through the Bluetooth or USB cable and you can start collecting data. It’s ridiculously easy.
Just like Vernier’s previous generations of sensors, I found the force and acceleration sensor to be sturdy, and well-built. They’re definitely ready to stand up to life in the classroom.
Additionally, I had no issues connecting the probe to my Mac, Windows laptop, and iOS device. The Vernier team has made the process of syncing the sensor with your device incredibly simple and straightforward, which is definitely a plus for the classroom.
Overall, I think Vernier has built a solid line of sensors that are well-suited for the modern, 1:1 classroom. Students can easily collect data, regardless of the type of device they’re using. Plus, Vernier’s collection of standards-aligned lesson plans offer teachers great ideas for how to integrate these probes and experiments into the classroom.
The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I was not compensated for this review.
I received a Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor for review purposes.
I was not compensated for this review.
I received a Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor for review purposes.
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