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PASCO's SPARK Science Learning System Redefines Concept of Easy-to-Use With Seamless Integration of Probeware, Inquiry-Based Content and Assessment

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 February 2009, 11:30 CST

Discovery Learning Environment Raises the Bar for Mastery of Essential Scientific Concepts Linked to Achievement and Success in Knowledge-Based, Global Economy

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Casting students in the role of scientists and engaging them in authentic scientific experiments through the use of digital technology can raise the bar for mastery of essential scientific concepts. This will help to prepare them for success in a knowledge-based, global economy that places a premium on science, technology, engineering and math skills (STEM), an executive from PASCO(R) scientific said today at the Texas Computer Education Association conference.

"This is the impetus behind PASCO's SPARK Science Learning System(TM), a mobile all-in-one discovery learning environment that puts real-world science exploration into the hands of students and engages them in a way that keeps their focus on science," said Wayne Grant, Ph.D., chief education officer at PASCO, a leading provider of 21st century science solutions. "It was designed from the ground up to allow students to mirror what real scientists do -- conceptualize, think, act and communicate using digital technology. Every major science today relies on digital technology. It is indispensable if we are going to adequately prepare students to live and work in a world that relies heavily on STEM skills."

SPARK, which stands for sense, perceive, analyze, reflect and know, builds on a science learning process that empowers teachers and energizes students. With The SPARK Science Learning System, students can explore the world around them and make their own scientific discoveries. They can ask significant questions, gather data, reflect on data, and interpret their findings.

The SPARK Science Learning System redefines that concept of "easy-to-use" with its large full color display, finger-touch navigation and completely intuitive data collection and analysis capabilities -- all in a single device that seamlessly integrates probeware, inquiry-based curriculum and assessment. The lightweight, rugged device enables students to move about the classroom or in the field while conducting experiments, and is designed for viewing data alone or in collaboration with others. It is so simple and intuitive to use that teachers and students can use it once and pick it up a week later without missing a beat.

Designed to become the center of a school's discovery-based science learning environment, The SPARK Science Learning System provides both teacher and student embedded support for exploring scientific concepts. The system includes 62 pre-installed SPARKlabs(TM), standards-based guided inquiry labs in a unique electronic notebook format. These SPARKlabs completely integrate background content, data collection and analysis, and assessment -- all within the same environment. Students no longer need to navigate to a separate file for instructions or even refer to paper manuals. Everything they need to support inquiry is right there in context.

The System includes two sensors -- temperature and voltage -- and students can connect up to two additional PASPORT sensors, including PASCO's unique line of MultiMeasure Sensors(TM). The full color, high-resolution screen provides ample room for multiple representations of data--show graphs, digits and meters in the same view.

The SPARK Science Learning System is available for $329 (U.S. Educator Pricing). For more information visit the PASCO website at http://www.pasco.com/spark or call 800-772-8700.

About PASCO scientific

PASCO scientific is a leading developer of innovative, technology solutions for hands-on science. PASCO's team includes former and current teachers, educational researchers, engineers and many more. Throughout its more than 45-year history, PASCO has focused exclusively on science education -- designing, developing and supporting better ways of teaching and learning science. Teachers and students in more than 100 countries throughout the world use PASCO solutions. For more information visit http://www.pasco.com/spark.

PASCO is a registered trademark of PASCO scientific. The SPARK Science Learning System, SPARK, SPARKLabs and MultiMeasure Sensors are trademarks of PASCO scientific.

Contact: Kathleen Dixon Dixon Communications 408-871-7765 kathleen@kdixon.com

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Wayne Grant, Ph.D.

http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=42962

SOURCE PASCO scientific

Source: PR Newswire

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