This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.
2: : Describe and contrast the structures, functions, and chemical processes of the cell.
2.a: : Relate the structure and function of a selectively permeable membrane to its role in diffusion and osmosis.
Osmosis
Adjust the concentration of a solute on either side of a membrane in a cell and observe the system as it adjusts to the conditions through osmosis. The initial concentration of the solute can be manipulated, along with the volume of the cell.
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2.d: : Differentiate between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
2.d.1: : Cellular sites and major pathways of anaerobic and aerobic respiration (with reactants, products, and ATP per monosaccharide)
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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2.d.2: : Cellular respiration with respect to the sites at which they take place, the reactions involved, and the energy input and output in each stage (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain)
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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2.d.3: : Pigments, absorption, reflection of light, and light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis
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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3: : Investigate and discuss the molecular basis of heredity.
3.c: : Relate gene expression (e.g., replication, transcription, translation) to protein structure and function.
3.c.1: : Translation of a messenger RNA strand into a protein
RNA and Protein Synthesis
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
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3.c.3: : Messenger RNA codon charts to determine the effects of different types of mutations on amino acid sequence and protein structure (e.g., sickle cell anemia resulting from base substitution mutation)
RNA and Protein Synthesis
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
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3.c.4: : Gene expression regulated in organisms so that specific proteins are synthesized only when they are needed by the cell (e.g., allowing cell specialization)
RNA and Protein Synthesis
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
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3.d: : Assess the potential implications of DNA technology with respect to its impact on society.
3.d.1: : Modern DNA technologies (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene splicing, gel electrophoresis, transformation, recombinant DNA) in agriculture, medicine and forensics
DNA Analysis
Scan the DNA of frogs to produce DNA sequences. Use the DNA sequences to identify possible identical twins and to determine which sections of DNA code for skin color, eye color, and the presence or absence of spots.
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4: : Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to evolutionary theory and natural selection.
4.e: : Compare and contrast the basic types of selection (e.g., disruptive, stabilizing, directional, etc.)
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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4.i: : Analyze changes in an ecosystem resulting from natural causes (succession), changes in climate, human activity (pollution and recycling), or introduction of non-native species.
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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In this followup to the Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors activity, investigate the impacts of fishing, disease, and invasive species on a model Caribbean coral reef. Many variables can be manipulated, included intensity of fishing, presence of black band and white band disease, and the presence of actual and potential invasive species. Click "Advance year" to see the impacts of these biotic changes.
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Measure the temperature and oxygen content of a pond over the course of a day. Then go fishing to see what types of fish live in the pond. Many different ponds can be investigated to determine the influence of time, temperature, and farms on oxygen levels.
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5: : Develop an understanding of organism classification.
5.b: : Categorize organisms according to the characteristics that distinguish them as Bacteria, Archaea, or Eucarya.
5.b.4: : Nomenclature of various types of plants (e.g., Bryophyta, Tracheophyta, Gymnospermae, Angiospermae, Monocotyledonae, Dicotyledonae, vascular plants, nonvascular plants).
Dichotomous Keys
Use dichotomous keys to identify and classify five types of organisms: California albatrosses, Canadian Rockies buttercups, Texas venomous snakes, Virginia evergreens, and Florida cartilagenous fishes. After you have classified every organism, try making your own dichotomous key!
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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.
