This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.
2: : Develop an understanding of the history and evolution of the universe and Earth.
2.d: : Summarize the early evolution of the Earth, including the formation of Earth?s solid layers (e.g., core, mantle, crust), the distribution of major elements, the origin of internal heat sources, and the initiation of plate tectonics.
2.d.1: : How the decay of radioactive isotopes is used to determine the age of rocks, Earth, and the solar system
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives.
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3: : Discuss factors which are used to explain the geological history of Earth.
3.a: : Develop an understanding of how plate tectonics create certain geological features, materials, and hazards.
3.a.1: : Plate tectonic boundaries (e.g., divergent, convergent, and transform)
Plate Tectonics
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth.
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3.a.2: : Modern and ancient geological features to each kind of plate tectonic boundary
Plate Tectonics
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth.
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4: : Demonstrate an understanding of Earth systems relating to weather and climate.
4.a: : Explain the interaction of Earth Systems that affect weather and climate.
4.a.1: : Latitudinal variations in solar heating
Seasons Around the World
Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth's axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes.
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5: : Apply an understanding of ecological factors to explain relationships between Earth systems.
5.a: : Draw conclusions about how life on Earth shapes Earth systems and responds to the interaction of Earth systems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere).
5.a.2: : Distribution of biomes (e.g., terrestrial, freshwater, and marine) to climate regions through time
Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors
Explore the abiotic factors that affect Caribbean coral reefs. Many factors can be manipulated in this simplified reef model, including ocean temperature and pH, storm severity, and input of excess sediments and nutrients from logging, sewage, and agriculture. Click "Advance year" to see how the reef responds to these changes.
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5.a.3: : Geochemical and ecological processes (e.g., rock, hydrologic, carbon, nitrogen) that interact through time to cycle matter and energy, and how human activity alters the rates of these processes (e.g., fossil fuel formation and combustion, damming and channeling of rivers)
Carbon Cycle
Follow the path of a carbon atom through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Manipulate a simplified model to see how human activities and other factors affect the amount of atmospheric carbon today and in the future.
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Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced.
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5.b: : Interpret the record of shared ancestry (fossils), evolution, and extinction as related to natural selection.
Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage.
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Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Compare the processes of natural and artificial selection. Manipulate the mutation rate, and determine how mutation rate affects adaptation and evolution.
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Observe the effect of predators on a population of parrots with three possible genotypes. The initial percentages and fitness levels of each genotype can be set. Determine how initial fitness levels affect genotype and allele frequencies through several generations. Compare scenarios in which a dominant allele is deleterious, a recessive allele is deleterious, and the heterozygous individual is fittest.
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Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real-world consequence) to avoid extinction.
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5.c: : Identify the cause and effect relationships of the evolutionary innovations that most profoundly shaped Earth systems.
5.c.1: : Photosynthesis and the atmosphere
Cell Energy Cycle
Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced.
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Study photosynthesis in a variety of conditions. Oxygen production is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and wavelength of light can all be varied. Determine which conditions are ideal for photosynthesis, and understand how limiting factors affect oxygen production.
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Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
