This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.
SB1: : Students develop an understanding of the characteristic properties of matter and the relationship of these properties to their structure and behavior.
SB1.1: : predicting the properties of an element (i.e., reactivity, metal, non-metal) using the periodic table and verifying the predictions through experimentation.
Electron Configuration
Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius. Discover trends in atomic radii across periods and down families/groups of the periodic table.
5 Minute Preview
SB3: : Students develop an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy, including physical, chemical, and nuclear changes, and the effects of these interactions on physical systems.
SB3.1: : predicting how an atom can interact with other atoms based on its electron configuration and verifying the results.
Electron Configuration
Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius. Discover trends in atomic radii across periods and down families/groups of the periodic table.
5 Minute Preview
SB4: : Students develop an understanding of motions, forces, their characteristics and relationships, and natural forces and their effects.
SB4.1: : conducting an experiment to demonstrate that when one thing exerts a force on another, an equal amount of force is exerted back on it.
Fan Cart Physics
Gain an understanding of Newton's Laws by experimenting with a cart (on which up to three fans are placed) on a linear track. The cart has a mass, as does each fan. The fans exert a constant force when switched on, and the direction of the fans can be altered as the position, velocity, and acceleration of the cart are measured.
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SB4.2: : conducting an experiment to explore the relationship between magnetic forces and electric forces to show that they can be thought of as different aspects of a single electromagnetic force (e.g., generators and motors).
Electromagnetic Induction
Explore how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current. A magnet can be moved up or down at a constant velocity below a loop of wire, or the loop of wire may be dragged in any direction or rotated. The magnetic and electric fields can be displayed, as well as the magnetic flux and the current in the wire.
5 Minute Preview
Measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field at different locations in a laboratory. Compare the strength of the induced magnetic field to Earth's magnetic field. The direction and magnitude of the inducting current can be adjusted.
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SC1: : Students develop an understanding of how science explains changes in life forms over time, including genetics, heredity, the process of natural selection, and biological evolution.
SC1.2: : researching how the processes of natural selection cause changes in species over time.
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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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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SC2: : Students develop an understanding of the structure, function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms.
SC2.1: : describing the structure-function relationship
Digestive System
Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo.
5 Minute Preview
SC2.3: : describing the functions and interdependencies of the organs within the immune system and within the endocrine system.
Digestive System
Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo.
5 Minute Preview
SC3: : Students develop an understanding that all organisms are linked to each other and their physical environments through the transfer and transformation of matter and energy.
SC3.2: : analyze the potential impacts of changes (e.g., climate change, habitat loss/gain, cataclysms, human activities) within an ecosystem.
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.
5 Minute Preview
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.
5 Minute Preview
SD2: : Students develop an understanding of the origins, ongoing processes, and forces that shape the structure, composition, and physical history of the Earth.
SD2.2: : describing how the theory of plate tectonics explains the dynamic nature of its surface.
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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SD3: : Students develop an understanding of the cyclical changes controlled by energy from the sun and by Earth's position and motion in our solar system.
SD3.1: : describing causes, effects, preventions, and mitigations of human impact on climate.
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.
5 Minute Preview
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.
