Vernier, Variable Bring Sensor Platform to STEM Classrooms

Vernier has partnered with Variable to bring the latter company's iPad-based modular wireless sensor platform, Node, to science classrooms.

The Node sensor platform connects to an iOS device via Bluetooth to transfer data from the built-in gyroscope, accelerometer, or magnetometer. The device also includes USB expansion ports at each end to add additional sensor modules.

Additional features of Node include:

  • Multiple, simultaneous data streams;
  • Open APIs for all sensor modules;
  • A 12-hour continuous-use battery life; and
  • A 256-bit encryption engine.

"The addition of the Node platform to our line of data-collection technology for science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education brings exciting new potential for students around the world," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier Software & Technology and former physics teacher, in a prepared statement. "Educators using tablets and other mobile devices have the flexibility to use these wireless sensors with many of the experiments we have written to support science standards and to let students tap into their own creativity to explore science concepts."

Normally available for $149, the iOS-only version of the Node is currently selling for $99. A version compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS X, Raspberry Pi, and Linux devices is available for $149.

More information is available at nodesensors.com.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • large cloud icon with abstract code  and interconnected polygons

    Report: Enterprise AI Workloads Are Tipping Toward Private Cloud

    Broadcom's 2026 Private Coud Outlook report says enterprise AI is moving from experimentation into production, with private cloud emerging as the preferred deployment environment for AI inference among surveyed organizations.

  • abstract glowing cube outlines

    Microsoft Positions Windows as a Platform for AI Agents

    The recent Microsoft Build 2026 developer conference highlighted a significant shift in the company's Windows strategy. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as a collection of standalone features, Microsoft is increasingly positioning Windows as an operating environment for AI agents.

  • large cloud icon on the right in an abstract world above a polygon with a dark blue background

    Cloud Security Alliance Expands Agentic AI Governance Work

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) has announced a series of CSAI Foundation milestones aimed at securing what it calls the agentic control plane, including a new catastrophic risk initiative, CVE Numbering Authority authorization, and the acquisition of two agentic AI specifications.

  • lock icons, shields, and glowing data paths

    Studies Suggest AI Is Accelerating Familiar Cyber Attacks

    Research released around the recent Black Hat USA 2026 conference demonstrates that artificial intelligence is increasing the speed and scale of cybersecurity activity without replacing the attack methods defenders already face.