Back in June, PASCO’s SPARKscience™ learning environment landed a coveted spot on EdNET’s Best for 2011 list as one of the top five recipients in the Shining Stars category – adding it to a prestigious list of “game changers” in the education marketplace.

Described as a “whole new generation of science learning technology,” the SPARKscience environment is designed from the ground up to integrate inquiry-based science investigations within a research-based, state-of-the-art learning environment, while providing both teacher and student support for success in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

Another added bonus is that SPARK was created with today’s schooling environments in mind. It operates on Windows and Mac-based computers as well as on interactive whiteboards, netbooks (such as the Intel-powered classmate PCs), the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch – along with functioning as a standalone system.

And SPARK is popping up everywhere. Several dataloggers are being used at the TELUS Spark Centre in Calgary – and the Apple app is proving to be a popular teaching aid, granting students and educators alike with the flexibility to collect data anytime using their mobile Apple device.

As a PASCO distributor, we’re pleased to be playing a role in furthering science education, using cutting-edge technology like SPARKscience!

Click here to read more about SPARK’s EdNET designation.

Earlier this month, PASCO Scientific hosted its Global Science Partners Meeting in Roseville, California.  More than 35 countries from around the world were represented – Australia, Taiwan, Chile and Italy to name just a few.

PASCO launched several new products for both the post-secondary and K-12 markets and Distributors shared regional stories and successes.

During the day we had an opportunity to play with PASCO’s crown jewel for physics and engineering educators – the new 850 Datalogger and Capstone software.

At night we had an opportunity to mingle and mix it up with our Global Partners. We enjoyed an Awards Dinner at the Firehall Restaurant in Old Sacremento where our PASCO Canada Division was recognized for the third year in a row for growing the science education market in Canada.

But probably the most fun was the Pizza and Bowling Night where Team AYVA (pictured above) managed to hold their own amongst some stiff competition.

It was a great week and the culmination of a great deal of hard work by our wonderful hosts at PASCO Scientific.  We learned a lot and are anxious to share the latest developments and releases with our customers.