This summer 2010 at Notre Dame, the NISMEC group ran 6 one-week Guided Inquiry using Vernier modules workshops for middle school teachers (grades 5-8).
The six workshops were two sets of sequential three week workshops - we labeled them A, B, C and A2, B2, C2.
The "A" workshops focused on Guided Inquiry in the classroom; the "B" workshops focused on learning to use the Vernier Labquests
and many of the associated probes; the "C" workshops focused on developing Guide Inquiry-based Lesson plans utilizing
the Vernier Laquest and probes.
In addition we held a one-week workshop of Modeling in Chemistry - a pilot workshop for high school chemistry teachers.
All these workshops encourage the use of Vernier Labquests and probes in the science classrooms to create an active hands-on learning atmosphere for students
utilizing modern technology. Unfortunately many school districts cannot afford to buy this modern technolgy for any or all their classrooms. In districts where some of the Labquest technology is available
(The South Bend Community Schools Corporation is one such district), there is a need for more Labquests and probes than are available.
Since both sets of workshops featured the Labquest technology, we have been working to make our supplies more available to these 7-12th grade teachers:
Hence, we have put together our Labquest and probe supplies as a "Special Collection" lending library within the Notre Dame Hesburgh Library system.
This "Special Collection" will be available for loan to all teachers who have completed one or more of our summer workshops.
A preliminary listing of the materials available is given here: "the Notre Dame Labquest Special Collection Library".
Here is a listing with pictures of the materials (not complete)
Once the collection is in place, you will be able to check the collection directly from the Notre Dame Library website, (to see what components are available or checked out), and order the materials you need -
they will be available for pick up at the Notre Dame Physics Library within a few days of ordering. You will be responsible for pick-up and return of all items:
there will be a checking service to make sure all components of the items returned are in working condition.
The library collection is not yet on line, but Vernier materials may be ordered by filling in
and sending the order form to Gordon Berry
(by Fax - 631-5952, by regular mail: Gordon Berry, Physics Dept, NSH225, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN 46556;
or by email to hgberry@nd.edu)
Contact Gordon Berry at hgberry@nd.edu for further information.
