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  • Minnesota Standards
  • Science: 9-12 Life Science

Minnesota - Science: 9-12 Life Science

Academic Standards | Adopted: 2019

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

1: : Exploring phenomena or engineering problems


1.1: : Asking questions and defining problems

1.1.1: : Students will be able to ask questions about aspects of the phenomena they observe, the conclusions they draw from their models or scientific investigations, each other’s ideas, and the information they read.

1.1.1.1: : LS: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

9L.1.1.1.1: : Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Screenshot of Building DNA

Building DNA

Construct a DNA molecule, examine its double-helix structure, and then go through the DNA replication process. Learn how each component fits into a DNA molecule, and see how a unique, self-replicating code can be created. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of DNA Analysis

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. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of DNA Profiling

DNA Profiling

Learn how DNA is compared to identify individuals. Identify the sections of DNA that tend to differ and use PCR to amplify these segments. Then use gel electrophoresis to create DNA profiles. Based on what you have learned, create your own DNA profiling test and use this test to analyze crime scene evidence. 5 Minute Preview


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Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Human Karyotyping

Human Karyotyping

Sort and pair the images of human chromosomes obtained in a scan. Find differences in the scans of the various patients to find out specific things that can cause disease, as well as determining the sex of the person. 5 Minute Preview


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Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of RNA and Protein Synthesis

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Meowsis - High School

Meowsis - High School

As a geneticist in an animal hospital, students learn about genetic changes in meiosis to determine the reason why a male cat can have calico fur coloring. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

1.2: : Planning and carrying out investigations

1.2.1: : Students will be able to design and conduct investigations in the classroom, laboratory, and/or field to test students’ ideas and questions, and will organize and collect data to provide evidence to support claims the students make about phenomena.

1.2.1.1: : LS: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

9L.1.2.1.1: : Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

Screenshot of Homeostasis

Homeostasis

Control a simulated person running on a treadmill. Your challenge is to use clothing, exercise, and sweat to maintain a constant body temperature as air temperature goes up and down. Sweating (perspiration) can be controlled automatically by the Gizmo or, for a challenge, manually by the user. Don't forget to eat and drink! 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Human Homeostasis

Human Homeostasis

Adjust the levels of clothing, perspiration, and exercise to maintain a stable internal temperature as the external temperature changes. Water and blood sugar levels need to be replenished regularly, and fatigue occurs with heavy exercise. Severe hypothermia, heat stroke, or dehydration can result if internal stability is not maintained. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Paramecium Homeostasis

Paramecium Homeostasis

Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium. 5 Minute Preview


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Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Enzymes - High School

Enzymes - High School

As a veterinary technician, students learn about enzymes to help a dog that has been eating normally but is losing a lot of weight. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases
Screenshot of Homeostasis - High School

Homeostasis - High School

In the role of a physician assistant, students help a young man, named Anthony, who has Type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Students must make a diagnosis and then must apply the principles of filtration and homeostasis to help Anthony. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

2: : Looking at data and empirical evidence to understand phenomena or solve problems


2.1: : Analyzing and interpreting data

2.1.1: : Students will be able to represent observations and data in order to recognize patterns in the data, the meaning of those patterns, and possible relationships between variables.

2.1.1.1: : LS: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

9L.2.1.1.1: : Apply concepts of probability to explain and predict the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.

Screenshot of Chicken Genetics

Chicken Genetics

Breed "pure" chickens with known genotypes that exhibit specific feather colors, and learn how traits are passed on via codominant genes. Chickens can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of feather color are reported every time the chickens breed. Punnett squares can be used to predict results. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 1 - Growth and Genetics

Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics

Grow Wisconsin Fast Plants® in a simulated lab environment. Explore the life cycles of these plants and how their growth is influenced by light, water, and crowding. Practice pollinating the plants using bee sticks, then observe the traits of the offspring plants. Use Punnett squares to model the inheritance of genes for stem color and leaf color for these plants. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 2 - Mystery Parent

Fast Plants® 2 - Mystery Parent

In this follow-up to Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics, continue to explore inheritance of traits in Wisconsin Fast Plants. Infer the genotype of a "mystery P2 parent" of a set of Fast Plants based on the traits of the P1, F1, and F2 plants. Then create designer Fast Plants by selectively breeding plants with desired traits. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Set the initial percentages of three types of parrots in a population and track changes in genotype and allele frequency through several generations. Analyze population data to develop an understanding of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Determine how initial allele percentages will affect the equilibrium state of the population. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Microevolution

Microevolution

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Mouse Genetics (One Trait)

Mouse Genetics (One Trait)

Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnett squares can be used to predict results. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

Breed "pure" mice with known genotypes that exhibit specific fur and eye colors, and learn how traits are passed on via dominant and recessive genes. Mice can be stored in cages for future breeding, and the statistics of fur and eye color are reported every time a pair of mice breed. Punnett squares can be used to predict results. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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2.1.1.2: : LS: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

9L.2.1.1.2: : Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait.

Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and 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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Natural Selection

Natural Selection

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks

Rainfall and Bird Beaks

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Evolution - High School

Evolution - High School

Working as a CDC researcher, students investigate an outbreak of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and determine how evolution was involved by tracing the source and cause of the outbreak. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

2.2: : Using mathematics and computational thinking

2.2.1: : Students will be able to use mathematics to represent physical variables and their relationships, compare mathematical expressions to the real world, and engage in computational thinking as they use or develop algorithms to describe the natural or designed worlds.

2.2.1.1: : LS: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

9L.2.2.1.1: : Use a computational model to support or revise an evidence-based explanation for factors that have ecological and economic impacts on different sized ecosystems, including factors caused by the practices of various human groups.

Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors

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


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors

Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors

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


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Food Chain

Food Chain

In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Prairie 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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Rabbit Population by Season

Rabbit Population by Season

Observe the population of rabbits in an environment over many years. The land available to the rabbits and weather conditions can be adjusted to investigate the effects of urban sprawl and unusual weather on wildlife populations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Ecosystems - High School

Ecosystems - High School

As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the importance of food chains and webs, and how human factors can impact the health of an environment. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases
Screenshot of Nitrogen Cycle - High School

Nitrogen Cycle - High School

An infant on a farm has blue baby syndrome. As an EPA environmental engineer, students must find the cause of the baby's illness. Using environment data, students learn the importance of the nitrogen cycle and how human factors can impact nature. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases
Screenshot of Photosynthesis - High School

Photosynthesis - High School

As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.2.2.1.2: : Use a computational model to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.

Screenshot of Carbon Cycle

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Ecosystems - High School

Ecosystems - High School

As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the importance of food chains and webs, and how human factors can impact the health of an environment. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases
Screenshot of Nitrogen Cycle - High School

Nitrogen Cycle - High School

An infant on a farm has blue baby syndrome. As an EPA environmental engineer, students must find the cause of the baby's illness. Using environment data, students learn the importance of the nitrogen cycle and how human factors can impact nature. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

3: : Developing possible explanations of phenomena or designing solutions to engineering problems


3.1: : Developing and using models

3.1.1: : Students will be able to develop, revise, and use models to represent the students’ understanding of phenomena or systems as they develop questions, predictions and/or explanations, and communicate ideas to others.

3.1.1.1: : LS: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

9L.3.1.1.1: : Develop and use a model to illustrate the levels of organization of interacting systems and how that translates into specific functions in multicellular organisms.

Screenshot of Cell Types

Cell Types

Explore a wide variety of cells, from bacteria to human neurons, using a compound light microscope. Select a sample to study, then focus on the sample using the coarse and fine focus controls of the microscope. Compare the structures found in different cells, then perform tests to see if the sample is alive. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Circulatory System

Circulatory System

Trace the path of blood through a beating heart and the network of blood vessels that supplies blood to the body. Take blood samples from different blood vessels to observe blood cells and measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sugar, and urea. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Digestive 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


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Frog Dissection

Frog Dissection

Use a scalpel, forceps, and pins to dissect realistic male and female frogs. Organs can be removed and placed into organ system diagrams. Once the dissections are complete, the frog organ systems can be compared. Zooming, rotating, and panning tools are available to examine the frog from any angle. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Muscles and Bones

Muscles and Bones

See how muscles, bones, and connective tissue work together to allow movement. Observe how muscle contraction arises from the interactions of thin and thick filaments in muscle cells. Using what you have learned, construct an arm that can lift a weight or throw a ball. Connective tissue, muscle composition, bone length, and tendon insertion point can all be manipulated to create an arm to lift the heaviest weight or throw a ball the fastest. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Senses

Senses

Everything we know about the world comes through our senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In the Senses Gizmo, explore how stimuli are detected by specialized cells, transmitted through nerves, and processed in the brain. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Homeostasis - High School

Homeostasis - High School

In the role of a physician assistant, students help a young man, named Anthony, who has Type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Students must make a diagnosis and then must apply the principles of filtration and homeostasis to help Anthony. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.3.1.1.2: : Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.

Screenshot of Cell Division

Cell Division

Begin with a single cell and watch as mitosis and cell division occurs. The cells will go through the steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. The length of the cell cycle can be controlled, and data related to the number of cells present and their current phase can be recorded. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Meowsis - High School

Meowsis - High School

As a geneticist in an animal hospital, students learn about genetic changes in meiosis to determine the reason why a male cat can have calico fur coloring. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.3.1.1.3: : Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.

Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Screenshot of Photosynthesis Lab

Photosynthesis Lab

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Photosynthesis - High School

Photosynthesis - High School

As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.3.1.1.4: : Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process in which energy from food is used to create new compounds.

Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Cell Respiration - High School

Cell Respiration - High School

As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

3.2: : Constructing explanations and designing solutions

3.2.1: : Students will be able to apply scientific principles and empirical evidence (primary or secondary) to explain the causes of phenomena or identify weaknesses in explanations developed by the students or others.

3.2.1.1: : LS: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

9L.3.2.1.1: : Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of the proteins that carry out the essential functions of life.

Screenshot of Building DNA

Building DNA

Construct a DNA molecule, examine its double-helix structure, and then go through the DNA replication process. Learn how each component fits into a DNA molecule, and see how a unique, self-replicating code can be created. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of RNA and Protein Synthesis

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Protein Synthesis - High School

Protein Synthesis - High School

As a pediatrician, students learn about genes and protein synthesis to try to help a baby girl named Lucy who has an immunodeficiency disease. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.3.2.1.2: : Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how various elements combine with carbon to form molecules that form the basis for life on Earth.

Screenshot of Dehydration Synthesis

Dehydration Synthesis

Build a glucose molecule, atom-by-atom, to learn about chemical bonds and the structure of glucose. Explore the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in carbohydrate molecules. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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3.2.1.2: : LS: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

9L.3.2.1.3: : Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence about the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration (including anaerobic processes) in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Screenshot of Carbon Cycle

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Photosynthesis - High School

Photosynthesis - High School

As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

3.2.1.3: : LS: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

9L.3.2.1.4: : Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: reproduction within a species, heritable genetic variation of individuals in that species, competition for limited resources, and increased survival and reproduction of the individuals best suited for the environment.

Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and 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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Natural Selection

Natural Selection

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks

Rainfall and Bird Beaks

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Evolution - High School

Evolution - High School

Working as a CDC researcher, students investigate an outbreak of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and determine how evolution was involved by tracing the source and cause of the outbreak. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

9L.3.2.1.5: : Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to the adaptation of populations.

Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and 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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Microevolution

Microevolution

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Natural Selection

Natural Selection

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks

Rainfall and Bird Beaks

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Evolution - High School

Evolution - High School

Working as a CDC researcher, students investigate an outbreak of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and determine how evolution was involved by tracing the source and cause of the outbreak. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

4: : Communicating reasons, arguments and ideas to others


4.1: : Engaging in argument from evidence

4.1.1: : Students will be able to engage in argument from evidence for the explanations the students construct, defend and revise their interpretations when presented with new evidence, critically evaluate the scientific arguments of others, and present counterarguments.

4.1.1.2: : LS: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

9L.4.1.1.2: : Make and defend a claim based on evidence that heritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and 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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Meiosis

Meiosis

Explore how sex cells are produced by the process of meiosis. Compare meiosis in male and female germ cells, and use crossovers to increase the number of possible gamete genotypes. Using meiosis and crossovers, create "designer" fruit fly offspring with desired trait combinations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Evolution - High School

Evolution - High School

Working as a CDC researcher, students investigate an outbreak of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and determine how evolution was involved by tracing the source and cause of the outbreak. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases
Screenshot of Meowsis - High School

Meowsis - High School

As a geneticist in an animal hospital, students learn about genetic changes in meiosis to determine the reason why a male cat can have calico fur coloring. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

4.1.1.3: : LS: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

9L.4.1.1.3: : Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Screenshot of Natural Selection

Natural Selection

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks

Rainfall and Bird Beaks

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

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. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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4.2: : Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

4.2.1: : Students will be able to read and interpret multiple sources to obtain information, evaluate the merit and validity of claims and design solutions, and communicate information, ideas, and evidence in a variety of formats.

4.2.1.1: : LS: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

9L.4.2.1.1: : Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Screenshot of Cladograms

Cladograms

Based on the similarities and differences between different organisms, create branching diagrams called cladograms to show how they are related. Use both morphological data (physical traits) and molecular data to create the simplest and most likely cladograms. Five different sets of organisms are available. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Embryo Development

Embryo Development

Explore how a fertilized cell develops into an embryo, a fetus, and eventually an adult organism. Compare embryo development in different vertebrate species and try to guess which embryo belongs to each species. Use dyes to trace the differentiation of cells during early embryo development, from the zygote to the neurula. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

Human Evolution - Skull Analysis

Compare the skulls of a variety of significant human ancestors, or hominids. Use available tools to measure lengths, areas, and angles of important features. Each skull can be viewed from the front, side, or from below. Additional information regarding the age, location, and discoverer of each skull can be displayed. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Natural Selection

Natural Selection

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of RNA and Protein Synthesis

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. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks

Rainfall and Bird Beaks

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. 5 Minute Preview


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Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric

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. 5 Minute Preview


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Correlation last revised: 3/21/2023

About STEM Cases

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.

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Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
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© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

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