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- Science: Middle School Life Sciences
Alaska - Science: Middle School Life Sciences
Standards | Adopted: 2019
1: : Structure, Function, and Information Processing
MS-LS1-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
![Screenshot of Cell Types](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS1-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.
![Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Cell Structure](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Cell Structure
Select a sample cell from an animal, plant, or bacterium and view the cell under a microscope. Select each organelle on the image to learn more about its structure and function. Closeup views and animations of certain organelles is provided. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Cell Types](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Osmosis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
MS-LS1-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
![Screenshot of Cell Types](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Circulatory System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Digestive System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Frog Dissection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Muscles and Bones](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Senses](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS1-8: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
![Screenshot of Eyes and Vision 2 - Focusing Light](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Eyes and Vision 2 - Focusing Light
Once light enters the eye, it must be focused on the retina. Manipulate the pupil diameter to regulate the amount of light that enters then eye, then change the lens shape to focus light. Determine the changes in lens shape needed to maintain focus as the object distance changes. This is a followup to the Eyes and Vision 1 - Seeing Colors lesson. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Eyes and Vision 3 - Sensing Light](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Eyes and Vision 3 - Sensing Light
Observe how photoreceptors on the retina are stimulated by different colors of light. Determine that cone cells are stimulated by specific colors of light and enable us to see color, while rod cells are stimulated by various colors and do not contribute to color vision. Experiment by varying the percentage of rod and cone cells in normal and dim light to see how rod cells help with night vision. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)
Test your reaction time by catching a falling ruler or clicking a target. Create a data set of experiment results, and calculate the range, mode, median, and mean of your data. Data can be displayed on a list, table, bar graph or dot plot. The Reaction Time 1 Student Exploration focuses on range, mode, and median. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Senses](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Sight vs. Sound Reactions](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Sight vs. Sound Reactions
Measure your reaction time by clicking your mouse as quickly as possible when visual or auditory stimuli are presented. The individual response times are recorded, as well as the mean and standard deviation for each test. A histogram of data shows overall trends in sight and sound response times. The type of test as well as the symbols and sounds used are chosen by the user. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Animal Group Behavior - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Animal Group Behavior - Middle School
A farmer in Africa is having problems with elephants eating her corn and cotton crops. As a wildlife biologist, students learn about animal group behavior and relationships of elephants and humans with bees. Students collect data from the farm and elephants to hypothesize and test solutions that will protect the crops without hurting the elephants. Video Preview
2: : Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS1-6: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
![Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Photosynthesis Lab](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Plants and Snails](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Plants and Snails
Study the production and use of gases by plants and animals. Measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a test tube containing snails and elodea (a type of plant) in both light and dark conditions. Learn about the interdependence of plants and animals. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Pond Ecosystem
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. 5 Minute Preview
MS-LS1-7: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
![Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Dehydration Synthesis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Digestive System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS2-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Pond Ecosystem
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rabbit Population by Season](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Ecosystems - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Ecosystems - Middle 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
![Screenshot of Fruit Production - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Fruit Production - Middle School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
MS-LS2-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
![Screenshot of Carbon Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Pond Ecosystem
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Ecosystems - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Ecosystems - Middle 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
MS-LS2-4: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Pond Ecosystem
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rabbit Population by Season](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Ecosystems - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Ecosystems - Middle 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
![Screenshot of Fruit Production - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Fruit Production - Middle School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
3: : Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
MS-LS2-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Pond Ecosystem
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Animal Group Behavior - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Animal Group Behavior - Middle School
A farmer in Africa is having problems with elephants eating her corn and cotton crops. As a wildlife biologist, students learn about animal group behavior and relationships of elephants and humans with bees. Students collect data from the farm and elephants to hypothesize and test solutions that will protect the crops without hurting the elephants. Video Preview
![Screenshot of Ecosystems - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Ecosystems - Middle 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
![Screenshot of Fruit Production - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Fruit Production - Middle School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
MS-LS2-5: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
![Screenshot of GMOs and the Environment](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
GMOs and the Environment
In this follow-up to the Genetic Engineering Gizmo, explore how farmers can maximize yield while limiting ecosystem damage using genetically modified corn. Choose the corn type to plant and the amount of herbicide and insecticide to use, then measure corn yields and monitor wildlife populations and diversity. Observe the long-term effects of pollutants on a nearby stream ecosystem. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Fruit Production - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Fruit Production - Middle School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
4: : Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms
MS-LS1-4: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Use an evidence-based argument to support an explanation for how characteristic behaviors and/or structures of organisms affect the probability of their successful reproduction.
![Screenshot of Flower Pollination](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Flower Pollination
Observe the steps of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants. Help with many parts of the process by dragging pollen grains to the stigma, dragging sperm to the ovules, and removing petals as the fruit begins to grow. Quiz yourself when you are done by dragging vocabulary words to the correct plant structure. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Honeybee Hive](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Honeybee Hive
Explore life in the hive by meeting workers, drones, and the queen bee herself! Visit flower patches to determine the best sources of food, and then perform a waggle dance to let the other bees know where to go. Can you help the bees find enough food to save the hive? 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Fruit Production - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Fruit Production - Middle School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
![Screenshot of Heredity and Traits - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Heredity and Traits - Middle School
As a bee scientist, students help a honey farm that has low honey production due to wasps. Students learn about bees, heredity and traits to determine which traits will help the bees defend their hives against the wasps. They then pick a new queen bee to pass on these traits to the bee colony. Video Preview
MS-LS1-5: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
![Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 1 - Growth and Genetics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Growing Plants](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Growing Plants
Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Inheritance](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Inheritance
Create aliens with different traits and breed them to produce offspring. Determine which traits are passed down from parents to offspring and which traits are acquired. Offspring can be stored for future experiments or released. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Measuring Trees](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Measuring Trees
Measure the height, diameter, and circumference of trees in a forest. Count growth rings to determine the age of each tree. Grow the trees for several years and investigate how growth is affected by precipitation. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Seed Germination](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Seed Germination
Perform experiments with several seed types to see what conditions yield the highest germination (sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds can be studied, and the temperature, water and light in the germination chamber can be controlled. No two trials will have the same result so repeated trials are recommended. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Temperature and Sex Determination](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Temperature and Sex Determination
Observe the sex ratios of birds and geckos as they hatch in an incubator. Vary the temperature of the incubator and measure the percentages of male and female hatchlings to determine if temperature has an effect on sex. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Temperature and Sex Determination - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Temperature and Sex Determination - Metric
Observe the sex ratios of birds and geckos as they hatch in an incubator. Vary the temperature of the incubator and measure the percentages of male and female hatchlings to determine if temperature has an effect on sex. 5 Minute Preview
MS-LS3-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
![Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Genetic Engineering](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Genetic Engineering
Use genetic engineering techniques to create corn plants resistant to insect pests or tolerant of herbicides. Identify useful genes from bacteria, insert the desired gene into a corn plant, and then compare the modified plant to a control plant in a lab setting. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Human Karyotyping](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS3-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
![Screenshot of Chicken Genetics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 1 - Growth and Genetics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 2 - Mystery Parent](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Inheritance](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Inheritance
Create aliens with different traits and breed them to produce offspring. Determine which traits are passed down from parents to offspring and which traits are acquired. Offspring can be stored for future experiments or released. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Mouse Genetics (One Trait)](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Heredity and Traits - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Heredity and Traits - Middle School
As a bee scientist, students help a honey farm that has low honey production due to wasps. Students learn about bees, heredity and traits to determine which traits will help the bees defend their hives against the wasps. They then pick a new queen bee to pass on these traits to the bee colony. Video Preview
MS-LS4-5: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Gather and synthesize information about technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
![Screenshot of Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Genetic Engineering](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Genetic Engineering
Use genetic engineering techniques to create corn plants resistant to insect pests or tolerant of herbicides. Identify useful genes from bacteria, insert the desired gene into a corn plant, and then compare the modified plant to a control plant in a lab setting. 5 Minute Preview
5: : Natural Selection and Adaptations
MS-LS4-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
![Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS4-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
![Screenshot of Cladograms](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Embryo Development](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS4-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in the embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships not evident in the fully formed anatomy.
![Screenshot of Embryo Development](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS4-4: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct and present an evidence-based explanation of how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
![Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Microevolution](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Natural Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
MS-LS4-6: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.
![Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Microevolution](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
Correlation last revised: 5/14/2024
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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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
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Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
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Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
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Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
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