- Home
- Find Gizmos
- Browse by Standard (USA)
- Nebraska Standards
- Science: Middle School Earth and Space Sciences
Alaska - Science: Middle School Earth and Space Sciences
Standards | Adopted: 2019
1: : Space Systems
MS-ESS1-1a: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to explain how the positions of the Earth-Sun-Moon in a system and the cyclic patterns of each cause lunar phases and eclipses of the sun and moon.
![Screenshot of 2D Eclipse](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
2D Eclipse
Manipulate the position of the Moon to model solar and lunar eclipses. View Earth's shadow, the Moon's shadow, or both. Observe the Moon and Sun from Earth during a partial and total eclipse. The sizes of the three bodies and the Earth-Moon distance can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of 3D Eclipse](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
3D Eclipse
Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to investigate the causes and frequency of eclipses. Observe Earth's shadow crossing the Moon during a lunar eclipse, and the path of the Moon's shadow across Earth's surface during a solar eclipse. The angle of the Moon's orbit can be adjusted, as well as the distance of the Moon from the Earth. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Eclipse](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Eclipse
Observe solar and lunar eclipses as the Moon orbits Earth. The full and partial shadows of the Moon and Earth can be displayed, and the Moon can also be dragged around Earth. See what the Moon and Sun look like from Earth during partial and total eclipses. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases
Gain an understanding of moonrise and moonset times by observing the relative positions of Earth and the Moon along with a view of the Moon from Earth. A line shows the horizon for a person standing on Earth so that moonrise and moonset times can be determined. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Phases of the Moon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Phases of the Moon
Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of Moon phases and in what order they occur. Click Play to watch the Moon go around, or click Pause and drag the Moon yourself. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS1-1b: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to explain how the seasons occur.
![Screenshot of Seasons Around the World](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Seasons Around the World
Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth's axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Seasons in 3D](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Seasons in 3D
Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons by observing Earth as it orbits the Sun in three dimensions. Observe the path of the Sun across the sky on any date and from any location. Create graphs of solar intensity and day length, and use collected data to describe and explain seasonal changes. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset for different dates and locations. Relate shadows to the position of the Sun in the sky, and relate shadows to compass directions. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Seasons: Why do we have them?](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Seasons: Why do we have them?
Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Summer and Winter](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Summer and Winter
Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude. The tilt of the Earth's axis can be varied to see how this would affect seasons. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS1-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
![Screenshot of Gravity Pitch](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Gravity Pitch
Imagine a gigantic pitcher standing on Earth, ready to hurl a huge baseball. What will happen as the ball is thrown harder and harder? Find out with the Gravity Pitch Gizmo. Observe the path of the ball when it is thrown at different velocities. Throw the ball on different planets to see how each planet's gravity affects the ball. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Solar System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Solar System
Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how long each planet takes to go around the Sun. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Solar System Explorer](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Solar System Explorer
Survey the solar system, observing the length of a year and the orbital path of each object. The positions of the eight official planets are displayed, as well as one dwarf planet, Pluto. Learn about Kepler's Laws and how planets are classified. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS1-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
![Screenshot of Solar System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Solar System
Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how long each planet takes to go around the Sun. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Solar System Explorer](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Solar System Explorer
Survey the solar system, observing the length of a year and the orbital path of each object. The positions of the eight official planets are displayed, as well as one dwarf planet, Pluto. Learn about Kepler's Laws and how planets are classified. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Weight and Mass](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Weight and Mass
Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. 5 Minute Preview
2: : History of Earth
MS-ESS2-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct and present an evidence-based explanation of how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
![Screenshot of Erosion Rates](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Erosion Rates
Explore erosion in a simulated 3D environment. Observe how the landscape evolves over time as it is shaped by the forces of flowing water. Vary the initial landscape, rock type, precipitation amount, average temperature, and vegetation and measure how each variable affects the rate of erosion and resulting landscape features. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Plate Tectonics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of River Erosion](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
River Erosion
Explore how river erosion affects landscapes in the short term and over long periods of time. Describe the features of mountain streams and meandering rivers, and use a floating barrel to estimate current speed. Witness the changes that occur as mountain streams erode downward and meandering rivers erode from side to side. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Rock Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Rock Cycle
Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Learn how rocks are formed, weathered, eroded, and reformed as they move from Earth's surface to locations deep within the crust. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Weathering](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Weathering
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS2-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
![Screenshot of Building Pangaea](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Building Pangaea
In 1915, Alfred Wegener proposed that all of Earth's continents were once joined in an ancient supercontinent he called Pangaea. Wegener's idea of moving continents led to the modern theory of plate tectonics. Create your own version of Pangaea by fitting Earth's landmasses together like puzzle pieces. Use evidence from fossils, rocks, and glaciers to refine your map. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Plate Tectonics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
3: : Earth’s Systems
MS-ESS2-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
![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 Plate Tectonics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Rock Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Rock Cycle
Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Learn how rocks are formed, weathered, eroded, and reformed as they move from Earth's surface to locations deep within the crust. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Weathering](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Weathering
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS2-4: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
![Screenshot of Water Cycle](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Water Cycle
Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle. Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the water moves from one location to another, and learn how water resources are distributed in these locations. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS3-1: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an evidence-based explanation for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
![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
4: : Weather and Climate
MS-ESS2-5: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
![Screenshot of Coastal Winds and Clouds](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Coastal Winds and Clouds
Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night. Explain the origin of land breezes and sea breezes. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric
Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night. Explain the origin of land breezes and sea breezes. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Convection Cells](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Convection Cells
Explore the causes of convection by heating liquid and observing the resulting motion. The location and intensity of the heat source (or sources) can be varied, as well as the viscosity of the liquid. Use a probe to measure temperature and density in different areas and observe the motion of molecules in the liquid. Then, explore real-world examples of convection cells in Earth's mantle, oceans, and atmosphere. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Coriolis Effect](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis effect causes winds to be deflected as they move across Earth's surface, resulting in circular patterns of winds. This effect is caused by two factors, Earth's rotation and frame of reference. In the Coriolis Effect Gizmo, students will build their understanding of this phenomenon using the analogy of two kids playing catch: first on a train, then on a merry-go-round, and finally on Earth's surface. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Hurricane Motion](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Hurricane Motion
Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Hurricane Motion - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Hurricane Motion - Metric
Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Weather Maps](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Weather Maps
Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Weather Maps - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Weather Maps - Metric
Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS2-6: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.
![Screenshot of Convection Cells](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Convection Cells
Explore the causes of convection by heating liquid and observing the resulting motion. The location and intensity of the heat source (or sources) can be varied, as well as the viscosity of the liquid. Use a probe to measure temperature and density in different areas and observe the motion of molecules in the liquid. Then, explore real-world examples of convection cells in Earth's mantle, oceans, and atmosphere. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Coriolis Effect](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis effect causes winds to be deflected as they move across Earth's surface, resulting in circular patterns of winds. This effect is caused by two factors, Earth's rotation and frame of reference. In the Coriolis Effect Gizmo, students will build their understanding of this phenomenon using the analogy of two kids playing catch: first on a train, then on a merry-go-round, and finally on Earth's surface. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS3-5: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
![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 Greenhouse Effect](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Greenhouse Effect
Within this simulated region of land, daytime's rising temperature and the falling temperature at night can be measured, along with heat flow in and out of the system. The level of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere at any given time can be adjusted, allowing the long-term effects to be investigated. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Greenhouse Effect - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Greenhouse Effect - Metric
Within this simulated region of land, daytime's rising temperature and the falling temperature at night can be measured, along with heat flow in and out of the system. The amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere can be adjusted through time, and the long-term effects can be investigated. 5 Minute Preview
5: : Human Impacts
MS-ESS3-2: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
![Screenshot of Hurricane Motion](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Hurricane Motion
Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Hurricane Motion - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Hurricane Motion - Metric
Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols. 5 Minute Preview
MS-ESS3-3: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
![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 Beat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Beat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy - Middle School
Lake City's latest heat wave has more people in the hospital than ever before. Juan, a local student admitted to the hospital, lives in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Students are hired as the city's Chief Heat Officer to investigate and solve the problem. As the Chief Heat Officer, students look at land uses, surface air temperatures, and building materials across Lake City. Students will develop a system model to test several design solutions and give the mayor a proposal to beat the heat. Video Preview
![Screenshot of Smelling in the Rain: Designing Solutions to Improve Air Quality - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Smelling in the Rain: Designing Solutions to Improve Air Quality - Middle School
A respiratory physiologist is concerned about the number of asthma attacks in children within her community. On certain days, the number is higher than the respiratory physiologist might expect. She thinks something in the environment is causing more rescue inhaler use on those days. As an air quality engineer, students will work collaboratively with a respiratory physiologist to learn how some air pollutants are released directly from sources while others are formed through chemical reactions. Students will develop a system model to test design solutions to recommend a plan to help decrease air pollution in a community with a record number of asthma cases in children. Video Preview
![Screenshot of Sound Off, Please!: Designing Solutions to Reduce Noise Pollution - Middle School](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Sound Off, Please!: Designing Solutions to Reduce Noise Pollution - Middle School
As an acoustic engineer, students will work with an urban planner to learn how noise pollution impacts a community. Students will develop a system model to test design solutions. Wave properties of sound and how sound interacts with different surfaces will be explored and used as evidence to reduce noise pollution. Video Preview
MS-ESS3-4: : Students who demonstrate understanding can: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
![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 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
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.
![Realtime reporting icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
![Time icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
![Save icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
![Grades icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
![Handbook icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
How Free Gizmos Work
![Gizmos icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
![Lesson materials list icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
![Time icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
![Refresh icon](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.
Find Your Solution
Start playing, exploring and learning today with a free account. Or contact us for a quote or demo.
Sign Up For Free Get a Quote![Find Your Solution](/Assets/img/blank.gif)