Chemical Education Today
Advanced Chemistry with Vernier by Jack Randall Vernier Software and Technology: Beaverton, OR, 2004. 296 pp. ISBN 1929075367, $45 reviewed by Kristin Baksa
Advanced Chemistry with Vernier consists of 35 experiments, designed for AP and IB chemistry courses, that utilize a Vernier data-collection system. Four different versions of each of the experiments are provided: computer-based (printed and CD versions), a calculator-based (CD version), Palm OS-based (CD version), and a generic CD version written for any of these platforms. Several features of this manual make it a useful resource. Correlations to the 22 experiments recommended by the College Board in the AP Chemistry Course Description Booklet (1) are included, as well as links to many of the International Baccalaureate (IB) objectives. The experiments are appropriate for these advanced high school courses. Instructions for loading and using the Logger Pro program are thorough and clear. The data collection system provides an excellent basis for data analysis. The experiments are clear and concise. Each provides a summary of the concepts, objectives, list of required materials, a detailed procedure, data table template, and post-lab questions.
The questions facilitate thorough analysis and interpretation of results. The supplementary information for teachers is helpful and includes procedural tips, specific hazard information, and solutions to the post-lab questions. A particularly useful feature is the example data provided in this section. Although the data-collection capabilities are useful and the experiments appropriate for advanced high school courses, equipment costs are a disadvantage. With a cost of approximately $159 for the software, $220 per interface, and $30–$100 per sensor (there are 10 sensors available), outfitting a 20-student lab will be expensive. (Older Vernier sensors will work with this system, but updated interfaces are required.) Another drawback is the cookbook nature of the experiments. This is true for many advanced chemistry laboratory manuals. The data-analysis questions posed are insightful, but personally I would like to see more inquiry-based laboratories included. And finally, enhanced data-generation capabilities are not substitutes for those “wowfactor” labs that capture our students’ interest in chemistry. In that regard, this manual isn’t a stand-alone resource. Literature Cited 1. Chemistry Course Description, May 2007, May 2008: The College Board; pp 35–38.
Kristin Baksa teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry at Farragut High School, Knoxville, TN, 37934;
[email protected].
www.JCE.DivCHED.org • Vol. 84 No. 10 October 2007 • Journal of Chemical Education 1611
