This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.
SPI 0407.2: : All life is interdependent and interacts with the environment.
SPI 0407.2.1: : Recognize the impact of predation and competition on an ecosystem.
Prairie Ecosystem
Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time.
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SPI 0407.6: : The cosmos is vast and explored well enough to know its basic structure and operational principles.
SPI 0407.6.1: : Organize the phases of the moon in the correct sequence.
Phases of the Moon
Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of Moon phases and in what order they occur. Click Play to watch the Moon go around, or click Pause and drag the Moon yourself.
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SPI 0407.6.2: : Infer that the moon?s phases are caused by the revolution of the moon and earth around the sun.
Phases of the Moon
Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of Moon phases and in what order they occur. Click Play to watch the Moon go around, or click Pause and drag the Moon yourself.
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SPI 0407.8: : The earth is surrounded by an active atmosphere and an energy system that controls the distribution life, local weather, climate, and global temperature.
SPI 0407.8.1: : Identify the basic features of the water cycle and describe their importance to life on earth.
Water Cycle
Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle. Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the water moves from one location to another, and learn how water resources are distributed in these locations.
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SPI 0407.9: : The composition and structure of matter is known, and it behaves according to principles that are generally understood.
SPI 0407.9.1: : Choose an appropriate tool for measuring a specific physical property of matter.
Mineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify.
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Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon.
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SPI 0407.9.2: : Determine the mass, volume, and temperature of a substance or object using proper units of measurement.
Weight and Mass
Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon.
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SPI 0407.10: : Various forms of energy are constantly being transformed into other types without any net loss of energy from the system.
SPI 0407.10.1: : Identify different forms of energy, such as heat, light, and chemical.
Energy Conversions
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another.
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Shine a powerful flashlight on a variety of materials, and measure how quickly each material heats up. See how the light angle, light color, type of material, and material color affect heating. A glass cover can be added to simulate a greenhouse.
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Use a powerful flashlight to pop a kernel of popcorn. A lens focuses light on the kernel. The temperature of the filament and the distance between the flashlight and lens can be changed. Several obstacles can be placed between the flashlight and the popcorn.
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SPI 0407.10.2: : Determine which surfaces reflect, refract, or absorb light.
Color Absorption
Mix the primary colors of light by using red, green, and blue lights. Use pieces of colored glass to filter the light and create a wide variety of colors. Determine how light is absorbed and transmitted by each color of glass.
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Shine a powerful flashlight on a variety of materials, and measure how quickly each material heats up. See how the light angle, light color, type of material, and material color affect heating. A glass cover can be added to simulate a greenhouse.
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SPI 0407.12: : Everything in the universe exerts a gravitational force on everything else; there is an interplay between magnetic fields and electrical currents.
SPI 0407.12.1: : Identify how magnets attract or repel one another.
Magnetism
Drag bar magnets and a variety of other objects onto a piece of paper. Click Play to release the objects to see if they are attracted together, repelled apart, or unaffected. You can also sprinkle iron filings over the magnets and other objects to view the magnetic field lines that are produced.
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SPI 0407.12.2: : Determine how an electrically charged material interacts with other objects.
Charge Launcher
Launch a charged particle into a chamber. Charged particles can be added into the chamber to influence the path of the moving particle. The launch speed can be changed as well. Try to match a given path by manipulating the fixed particles in the chamber.
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SPI 0407.12.3: : Determine the path of an electrical current in a simple circuit.
Circuit Builder
Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery voltage. Thousands of different circuits can be built with this Gizmo.
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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.
