PASCO to Translate Inquiry-based Science Learning Software Into 11 Languages

SPARKvue to Offer Countries Easy-to-Use Interface for Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis in Their Own Languages

LONDON, January 13 - As part of an international effort to stimulate the use of inquiry-based,
hands-on technology in science education, PASCO(R) scientific today announced
that its SPARKvue(TM) software will soon be available in 11 languages.
SPARKvue is an integrated learning application that works with a sensor
interface to bring award-winning SPARK Science Learning System capabilities
to other computing environments, such as Windows(R) XP and Vista.

Educators can preview several international versions of SPARKvue today at
BETT, a leading world showcase for innovative information and communications
technologies and education resources. SPARKvue translations include Danish,
Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish,
Swedish and Turkish. The translated versions are expected to ship in March.

"PASCO is taking action to support countries that are raising the bar for
science learning," said Kevin Mather, PASCO's director of international
business. "More and more countries are investing in science technology that
supports a "learn by doing" model through which students can initiate their
own investigations, ask significant questions, gather and reflect on data and
interpret their findings using the same sensor interface capabilities that
real scientists use in research and discovery. PASCO has been steadfast in
developing technologies that support these capabilities."

SPARKvue software combines multimedia curriculum, real-time data
collection, and powerful scientific analysis tools in an easy-to-use,
icon-based user interface that can be used in either a Windows or Mac
computing environment. Students using the SPARKvue application in any
language can simply plug one of PASCO's 70 PASPORT(R) sensors into a
compatible PASCO sensor interface-SPARKlink.(TM) USB Link, PowerLink, Xplorer
GLX(R) and Xplorer datalogger–and collect real-time data. Just like the
stand-alone SPARK Science Learning System, SPARKvue creates a media-rich
environment that promotes real-time analysis and direct manipulation of data.
Students can represent data as graphs, tables, digits and analog meters-all
in a single view. The application is designed to promote student reflection
and discussion with built-in annotation tools, snapshot tools and journal
tools. It enables students to print their journals or even create electronic
portfolios so that teachers can use them to monitor student progress and
understanding. The labs contain all the instructions, procedures, safety
tips, graphs, tables, analysis tools and student response tools needed for
successful inquiry-based investigations all within the same framework.

SPARKvue currently ships with six free labs and supports 61 integrated
SPARKlabs, with more in development. SPARKvue labs are available in English
and Spanish. PASCO's country partners continue to work with local education
experts to adapt and localize SPARKlabs in order to meet the needs of each
country.

"The beauty and power of SPARKvue is the ability to create custom,
embedded curriculum that meets local needs," said Mather.

For more information call +1-916-786-3800 or visit www.pasco.com.

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
www.pasco.com or call +1-800-772-8700.

PASCO and PASPORT are registered trademarks of PASCO scientific. SPARK
Science Learning System, SPARKvue, SPARKlabs and SPARKlink are trademarks of
PASCO scientific. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be
trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify products or services
of their respective owners.

    PASCO Contact:
    Kathleen Dixon
    Dixon Communications
    +1-408-871-7765
    kathleen@kdixon.com
    -------------------

Kathleen Dixon of Dixon Communications, +1-408-871-7765, kathleen at kdixon.com, for PASCO