Equipment and Software
6 HP8453 UV-Vis Diode Array Spectrophotometers - The instruments are computer-controlled and can measure a complete spectrum [190nm-1100nm] in less than 1 second. The workstation interface records data and allows for immediate comparison of spectra. The software includes quantification and kinetics modules. Data can be exported to other spreadsheet-styled programs for further analysis by students using classroom computers. Each unit consists of the spectrophotometer, PC, and printer [$15,000 value each]. Trained teachers have a 3-week period for student use of this instrument in their classrooms. $200 Rental fee.
1 Reflectance Accessory - This unit attaches to the HP8453 [see above] to obtain reflectance and scattering data in the 350-1100nm area of the electromagnetic spectrum. Both opaque and translucent materials may be used.
4 Class Sets of DNA Electrophoresis and PCR Equipment -
Each class set consists of 6 electrophoresis mini-gel chambers, 2 variable voltage power packs [4-chambers can be connected], 2 microcentrifuges, 6 - 2-20 m L and 6 - 20-200 m L micropipetors, transilluminators, hand-held UV lamps, and programmable thermocyclers. $100 Rental fee.
2 Class Sets of Protein Electrophoresis Equipment - Each class set consists of 6 mini-protean systems, 2 variable voltage power packs [4-chambers can be connected], and 6 - 2-20 uL micropipetors. This equipment is available for student use for a 2-3 week period to participating teachers. $100 Rental fee.
2 High Performance Liquid Chromatographs - One diode array and one multiple wavelength detector. These instruments are premier, research-grade tools integral to the biotechnology industry, biomedical research, and other applications where complex mixtures need to be separated and analyzed. The systems are controlled by computers which allow for automated diagnostics to improve performance and analysis. The ChemStation software is similar in design to the UV-Vis Spectrophotometers which makes it easier for Advancing Science users. Users will need to order their own HPLC-grade methanol for use. $200 Rental fee.
4 Gas Chromatographs with internal air compressors - These instruments were purchased specifically for their robust-design and use-ability in classroom settings. From separations and identifications of alcohols and other solvent-based mixtures such as gasoline. Head-space analysis of vapors provides students with real-time experiences in testing out their understanding of boiling point diffferences with molecular structures and validation of unknown components with spiked and calibrated standards. Science Technology Institute training provides participants with example activities and the support to develop new activities with these computer-controlled instruments. Once again the software-friendly graphics interface promotes quick start-ups and analyses. $200 Rental fee.
2 FT-IR Spectrophotometers - These research-grade instruments provide incredible access to the identification of molecular substances. Heavily used by the plastics industry, forensic laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industry, these instruments feature ATR attachments with diamond crystals for robust and trouble-free analysis of materials. Sample preparation is reduced to seconds as materials can be placed directly on the crystals and analyzed rapidly. Mixtures of components can be delineated by subtracting spectra and searching the computer-based libraries for matches. These instruments provide the "fingerprints" to the molecules! Students can obtain specific spectral information aligned to structural features of molecules. This instrument makes the abstract structural features of molecules a very concrete experience for students and connects beautifully with the vibrational spectra produced by the Spartan ST molecular modeling software. $200 Rental fee.
Molecular Modeling Software
Given by the the Peter J. Stulgis Memorial Fund provides secondary students with the opportunity to explore a virtual molecular world, powered by computational science. Wavefunction's Spartan software is currently used by both academic and industrial scientists to research molecular characteristics and interactions. This incredibly powerful software is also extremely user-friendly. We are proud to have worked with Wavefunction, Inc. to tailor SPARTAN ST for student accessibility and learning. ST is an affordable calculation driven software that engages students in molecular structures and details for physical, biological, and chemical sciences. Currently NH schools are moving from our shared software to purchasing network licenses of the student version for multiple grade level use. Additionally, now ODYSSEY [another Wavefunction product] can be used to explore inter-molecular interactions from basic phase changes to more complex reactions. $100 Rental fee.
Full Assortment of Vernier LabPro and Probeware Equipment - 6 LabPros and a very complete collection of temperature, pH, conductivity, sound, motion, photogates, magnetic field, and force sensors for technology-rich classrooms. Although Advancing Science believes that these are affordable instruments for schools, we realize that teachers appreciate an opportunity to use them in the teaching environment prior to making substantial purchases. Our Science Technology Institutes provide training, expertise, and personal experiences with all of the sensor accessories and provides and opportunity for teachers to borrow specific sensors for project work that may not be available within the school system. $100 Rental fee.