Vernier Science Education Adds 2 New Sensors to Environmental Science Equipment

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 08/31/23

Scientific data collection company Vernier Science Education has introduced two new sensors to its lineup of equipment for high school and college environmental science. The two sensors are wireless and connect to student devices to collect and analyze data.

The Go Direct Pyranometer measures electromagnetic radiation in watts per square meter in the infrared, visible, and UV ranges. This sensor is particularly suitable for reading and analyzing solar cells and their efficiency, the company said. The pyranometer page outlines specs and requirements.

The Go Direct PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor measures photosynthetic light levels in both air and water, reporting on photosynthetic photo flux density from both sunlight and electric light. It has a waterproof sensor head useful for “agricultural science, biology, and environmental science applications, including experiments investigating photosynthesis and primary productivity,” Vernier said. This device page also lists its specs and requirements.

Both of these sensors connect to students’ mobile devices, Chromebooks, or other computers, with the Vernier Graphical Analysis Pro app. They can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired with a micro USB cable, included. Both sensors include a rechargeable battery. Each device costs $299.

The app allows students to time mark events such as sunrise and sunset, and they can perform experiments and share and analyze data in real time either on site or remotely.

"These sensors give educators new ways to study solar energy and photosynthesis with their students," said John Wheeler, Vernier CEO. "Whether investigating how energy varies with clouds or the process of photosynthesis in aquatic and terrestrial environments, educators can engage their students in meaningful, hands-on learning with real world applications."

Visit Vernier’s environmental science page to learn more about its product offerings.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • laptop displaying cybersecurity and financial charts, next to a locked safe and stacked gold coins

    Majority of Districts Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Funding

    According to a recent CoSN survey, most school districts (61%) do not have dedicated funding to keep networks and data secure, instead relying on general funds to pay for cybersecurity efforts.

  • charts and graphs over a softly blurred academic-style background

    New Jersey School District Taps Otus, Discovery Education for Data Insights

    West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District in Central New Jersey has partnered with assessment and data platform Otus and ed tech company Discovery Education to better utilize data to support student achievement.

  • illustration of stacked coins, bar graphs, downward arrows, and two school buildings

    Survey: Top Education and Budget Challenges for Schools

    A recent survey of more than 2,500 educators, school leaders, and district administrators across the country identified the top challenges schools are facing this year. The 2025 National Educator Survey, conducted by PowerSchool, found that teacher shortages and mounting financial uncertainty are persistent pain points across K-12 education.