Alberta Curriculum and Program of Studies | Adopted: 2014
This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this province's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.
30-A: : Living Systems Respond to Their Environment
1.1: : Energy, Equilibrium, Matter and Systems
30-A.1: : analyze how the human circulatory system facilitates interaction between blood cells and the external environment and investigate cardiovascular health.
1.1.1.2: : Skills
30-A.1.2: : Performing and Recording
30-A1.2s: : Students will: conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
30-A1.2s.2: : observe prepared slides or electronic images of human blood
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.
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30-A1.2s.4: : use computer software or video programs to view the mechanics of heart function and associated blood flow including the functioning of the valves that control venous blood flow
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.
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30-A1.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-A1.3s.1: : map blood flow through a mammalian heart
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.
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30-A.3: : apply the principles of heredity and molecular genetics to explain how human diseases can arise from inherited traits, the risks and benefits of genetic technology, and the need for ethical considerations in the application of scientific knowledge.
1.1.3.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS)
30-A3.2sts: : Students will: explain that decisions regarding the application of scientific and technological development involve a variety of perspectives, including social, cultural, environmental, ethical and economic considerations
30-A3.2sts.1: : assess the risks and benefits of genetic technology and the need for ethical considerations; e.g., stem-cell research, access to genetic screening, genetically modified organisms.
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.
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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.
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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.
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30-A3.1s: : Students will: formulate questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems and issues
30-A3.1s.1: : make predictions about the probability of inheriting specific traits
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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30-A3.1s.3: : devise an experimental procedure to investigate a characteristic of an organism acquired through genetic engineering, such as genetically modified canola, corn or soybean
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
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
30-A3.2s: : Students will: conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
30-A3.2s.5: : simulate the production of proteins, using models
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.
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As a pediatrician, students learn about genes and protein synthesis to try to help a baby girl named Lucy who has an immunodeficiency disease.
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30-A3.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-A3.3s.1: : interpret patterns and trends in data associated with autosomal and sex-linked inheritance
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.
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30-B.1: : analyze the sources of acids and bases and their effects on the environment
2.1.1.2: : Skills
30-B.1.2: : Performing and Recording
30-B1.2s: : Students will: conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
30-B1.2s.1: : use a pH meter and/or pH paper and indicators to measure the pH of solutions; e.g., collect pH data to study an aquatic ecosystem
pH Analysis
Test the acidity of common substances using pH paper. Materials including soap, lemon juice, milk, and oven cleaner can be tested by comparing the color of pH strips to a standard scale.
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Test the acidity of many common everyday substances using pH paper (four color indicators). Materials including soap, lemon juice, milk, and oven cleaner can be tested by comparing the color of the pH strips to the calibrated scale.
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30-B1.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-B1.3s.1: : use titration data to determine the concentration of a strong acid or a strong base
Titration
Measure the quantity of a known solution needed to neutralize an acid or base of unknown concentration. Use this information to calculate the unknown concentration. A variety of indicators can be used to show the pH of the solution.
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30-B.3: : analyze, from a variety of perspectives, the risks and benefits of using chemical processes in meeting human needs and assess technologies for reducing the impact of chemical compounds on the environment.
2.1.3.2: : Skills
30-B.3.3: : Analyzing and Interpreting
30-B3.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-B3.3s.1: : interpret data from water quality tests, such as pH, BOD, dissolved oxygen and organic compounds
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.
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There has been an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in a small town. This disease is caused by legionella bacteria that proliferate in contaminated water supplies. Students take on the role of an environmental chemist to investigate the source of legionella and use stoichiometry to decontaminate the water supply and remediate the disease outbreak.
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30-C.1: : explain field theory and analyze its applications in technologies used to produce, transmit and transform electrical energy
3.1.1.2: : Skills
30-C.1.2: : Performing and Recording
30-C1.2s: : Students will: conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
30-C1.2s.1: : investigate the interactions between static electric charges, between magnetic poles and between two masses
Charge Launcher
Launch a charged particle into a chamber. Charged particles can be added into the chamber to influence the path of the moving particle. The launch speed can be changed as well. Try to match a given path by manipulating the fixed particles in the chamber.
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Drag two charged particles around and observe the Coulomb force between them as their positions change. The charge of each object can be adjusted, and the force is displayed both numerically and with vectors as the distance between the objects is altered.
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Pith balls with positive, negative, or no electrical charge are suspended from strings. The charge and mass of the pith balls can be adjusted, along with the length of the string, which will cause the pith balls to change position. Distances can be measured as variables are adjusted, and the forces (Coulomb and gravitational) acting on the balls can be displayed.
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30-C1.2s.2: : construct an electric circuit to measure current, voltage and resistance, using a voltmeter or an ammeter
Advanced Circuits
Build compound circuits with series and parallel elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and current across each component using Ohm's law and the equivalent resistance equation. Check your answers using a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Learn the function of fuses as a safety device.
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30-C1.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-C1.3s.3: : calculate the resistance of series and parallel circuits for a maximum of three resistors
Advanced Circuits
Build compound circuits with series and parallel elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and current across each component using Ohm's law and the equivalent resistance equation. Check your answers using a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Learn the function of fuses as a safety device.
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Build electrical circuits using batteries, light bulbs, resistors, fuses, wires, and a switch. An ammeter, a voltmeter and an ohmmeter are available for measuring current, voltage and resistance throughout the circuit. The voltage of the battery and the precision of the meters can be adjusted. Multiple circuits can be built for comparison.
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30-C1.3s.4: : calculate values for power, current, voltage and resistance
Advanced Circuits
Build compound circuits with series and parallel elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and current across each component using Ohm's law and the equivalent resistance equation. Check your answers using a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Learn the function of fuses as a safety device.
5 Minute Preview
Build electrical circuits using batteries, light bulbs, resistors, fuses, wires, and a switch. An ammeter, a voltmeter and an ohmmeter are available for measuring current, voltage and resistance throughout the circuit. The voltage of the battery and the precision of the meters can be adjusted. Multiple circuits can be built for comparison.
5 Minute Preview
30-C.2: : describe the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum and their applications in medical technologies, communication systems and remote-sensing technologies used to study the universe.
3.1.2.2: : Skills
30-C.2.1: : Initiating and Planning
30-C2.1s: : Students will: formulate questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems and issues
30-C2.1s.4: : state the qualitative relationship among optical density (refractive index), angle of incidence and total internal reflection
Basic Prism
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted.
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30-C2.1s.5: : evaluate and select appropriate instruments, such as a prism, a diffraction grating, a light meter or a spectroscope, for problem solving and inquiry
Basic Prism
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted.
5 Minute Preview
30-C2.2s: : Students will: conduct investigations into relationships among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
30-C2.2s.1: : investigate the reflection, refraction or polarization of visible light
Basic Prism
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted.
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Point a laser at a mirror and compare the angle of the incoming beam to the angle of reflection. A protractor can be used to measure the angles of incidence and reflection, and the angle of the mirror can be adjusted. A beam splitter can be used to split the beam. Both plane and irregular mirrors can be used.
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Determine the angle of refraction for a light beam moving from one medium to another. The angle of incidence and each index of refraction can be varied. Using the tools provided, the angle of refraction can be measured, and the wavelength and frequency of the waves in each substance can be compared as well.
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30-C2.2s.2: : create data tables from investigations into polarization, reflection or refraction of visible light or draw diagrams to illustrate these phenomena
Basic Prism
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted.
5 Minute Preview
Point a laser at a mirror and compare the angle of the incoming beam to the angle of reflection. A protractor can be used to measure the angles of incidence and reflection, and the angle of the mirror can be adjusted. A beam splitter can be used to split the beam. Both plane and irregular mirrors can be used.
5 Minute Preview
Determine the angle of refraction for a light beam moving from one medium to another. The angle of incidence and each index of refraction can be varied. Using the tools provided, the angle of refraction can be measured, and the wavelength and frequency of the waves in each substance can be compared as well.
5 Minute Preview
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
