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: : Momentum and Impulse
1.1: : Change and Systems
30-A.1: : explain how momentum is conserved when objects interact in an isolated system.
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.1: : perform an experiment to demonstrate the conservation of linear momentum, using available technologies; e.g., air track, air table, motion sensors, strobe lights and photography
2D Collisions
Investigate elastic collisions in two dimensions using two frictionless pucks. The mass, velocity, and initial position of each puck can be modified to create a variety of scenarios.
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Adjust the mass and velocity of two gliders on a frictionless air track. Measure the velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy of each glider as they approach each other and collide. Collisions can be elastic or inelastic.
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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: : analyze graphs that illustrate the relationship between force and time during a collision
Crumple Zones
Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the crash. Add seat belts and/or airbags to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Three different body types (sedan, SUV, and subcompact) are available and a wide range of crash speeds can be used.
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30-A1.3s.2: : analyze, quantitatively, one- and two-dimensional interactions, using given data or by manipulating objects or computer simulations
2D Collisions
Investigate elastic collisions in two dimensions using two frictionless pucks. The mass, velocity, and initial position of each puck can be modified to create a variety of scenarios.
5 Minute Preview
Adjust the mass and velocity of two gliders on a frictionless air track. Measure the velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy of each glider as they approach each other and collide. Collisions can be elastic or inelastic.
5 Minute Preview
30-B.1: : explain the behaviour of electric charges, using the laws that govern electrical interactions
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.2: : perform an experiment to demonstrate the relationships among magnitude of charge, electric force and distance between point charges
Coulomb Force (Static)
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.
5 Minute Preview
30-B1.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-B1.3s.1: : infer, from empirical evidence, the mathematical relationship among charge, force and distance between point charges
Coulomb Force (Static)
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-B1.3s.2: : use free-body diagrams to describe the electrostatic forces acting on a charge
Coulomb Force (Static)
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.
5 Minute Preview
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-B1.3s.3: : use graphical techniques to analyze data; e.g., curve straightening (manipulating variables to obtain a straight-line graph)
Coulomb Force (Static)
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.
5 Minute Preview
30-B.3: : explain how the properties of electric and magnetic fields are applied in numerous devices.
2.1.3.2: : Skills
30-B.3.2: : Performing and Recording
30-B3.2s: : 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-B3.2s.1: : perform an experiment to demonstrate the effect of a uniform magnetic field on a current-carrying conductor, using the appropriate apparatus effectively and safely
Electromagnetic Induction
Explore how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current. A magnet can be moved up or down at a constant velocity below a loop of wire, or the loop of wire may be dragged in any direction or rotated. The magnetic and electric fields can be displayed, as well as the magnetic flux and the current in the wire.
5 Minute Preview
30-B3.2s.3: : predict, using appropriate hand rules, the relative directions of motion, force and field in electromagnetic interactions
Electromagnetic Induction
Explore how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current. A magnet can be moved up or down at a constant velocity below a loop of wire, or the loop of wire may be dragged in any direction or rotated. The magnetic and electric fields can be displayed, as well as the magnetic flux and the current in the wire.
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Measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field at different locations in a laboratory. Compare the strength of the induced magnetic field to Earth's magnetic field. The direction and magnitude of the inducting current can be adjusted.
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30-C.1: : explain the nature and behaviour of EMR, using the wave model
3.1.1.2: : Skills
30-C.1.1: : Initiating and Planning
30-C1.1s: : Students will: formulate questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems and issues
30-C1.1s.2: : predict the conditions required for total internal reflection to occur
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-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: : perform experiments to demonstrate refraction at plane and uniformly curved surfaces
Ray Tracing (Lenses)
Observe light rays that pass through a convex or concave lens. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the lens and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
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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-C1.2s.3: : conduct an investigation to determine the focal length of a thin lens and of a curved mirror
Ray Tracing (Lenses)
Observe light rays that pass through a convex or concave lens. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the lens and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
5 Minute Preview
Observe light rays that reflect from a convex or concave mirror. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the mirror and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
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30-C1.2s.4: : observe the visible spectra formed by diffraction gratings and triangular prisms
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-C1.2s.6: : perform an experiment to verify the effects on an interference pattern due to changes in wavelength, slit separation and/or screen distance
Ripple Tank
Study wave motion, diffraction, interference, and refraction in a simulated ripple tank. A wide variety of scenarios can be chosen, including barriers with one or two gaps, multiple wave sources, reflecting barriers, or submerged rocks. The wavelength and strength of waves can be adjusted, as well as the amount of damping in the tank.
5 Minute Preview
30-C1.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-C1.3s.1: : derive the mathematical representation of the law of refraction from experimental data
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
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
30-C1.3s.2: : use ray diagrams to describe an image formed by thin lenses and curved mirrors
Ray Tracing (Lenses)
Observe light rays that pass through a convex or concave lens. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the lens and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
5 Minute Preview
Observe light rays that reflect from a convex or concave mirror. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the mirror and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
5 Minute Preview
30-C.2: : explain the photoelectric effect, using the quantum model.
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.1: : predict the effect, on photoelectric emissions, of changing the intensity and/or frequency of the incident radiation or material of the photocathode
Photoelectric Effect
Shoot a beam of light at a metal plate in a virtual lab and observe the effect on surface electrons. The type of metal as well as the wavelength and amount of light can be adjusted. An electric field can be created to resist the electrons and measure their initial energies.
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: : perform an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect
Photoelectric Effect
Shoot a beam of light at a metal plate in a virtual lab and observe the effect on surface electrons. The type of metal as well as the wavelength and amount of light can be adjusted. An electric field can be created to resist the electrons and measure their initial energies.
5 Minute Preview
30-D.2: : describe the quantization of energy in atoms and nuclei
4.1.2.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS)
30-D2.1sts: : Students will: explain that scientific knowledge and theories develop through hypotheses, the collection of evidence, investigation and the ability to provide explanations
30-D2.1sts.1: : investigate and report on the use of line spectra in the study of the universe and the identification of substances
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
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Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets.
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30-D2.1s: : Students will: formulate questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems and issues
30-D2.1s.1: : predict the conditions necessary to produce line-emission and line-absorption spectra
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
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Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the energies of absorbed and emitted photons based on energy level diagrams. The light energy produced by the laser can be modulated, and a lamp can be used to view the entire absorption spectrum at once.
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30-D2.1s.2: : predict the possible energy transitions in the hydrogen atom, using a labelled diagram showing energy levels
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
5 Minute Preview
30-D2.2s: : 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-D2.2s.1: : observe line-emission and line-absorption spectra
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
5 Minute Preview
Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the energies of absorbed and emitted photons based on energy level diagrams. The light energy produced by the laser can be modulated, and a lamp can be used to view the entire absorption spectrum at once.
5 Minute Preview
30-D2.2s.2: : observe the representative line spectra of selected elements
Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
5 Minute Preview
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets.
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30-D2.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-D2.3s.1: : identify elements represented in sample line spectra by comparing them to representative line spectra of elements
Star Spectra
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets.
5 Minute Preview
30-D.3: : describe nuclear fission and fusion as powerful energy sources in nature
4.1.3.1: : Science, Technology and Society (STS)
30-D3.2sts: : Students will: explain that the products of technology are devices, systems and processes that meet given needs and that the appropriateness, risks and benefits of technologies need to be assessed for each potential application from a variety of perspectives, including sustainability
30-D3.2sts.1: : assess the risks and benefits of air travel (exposure to cosmic radiation), dental X-rays, radioisotopes used as tracers, food irradiation, use of fission or fusion as a commercial power source and nuclear and particle research
Nuclear Reactions
Explore examples of nuclear fusion and fission reactions. Follow the steps of the proton-proton chain, CNO cycle, and fission of uranium-235. Write balanced nuclear equations for each step, and compare the energy produced in each process.
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30-D3.3s: : Students will: analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
30-D3.3s.1: : graph data from radioactive decay and estimate half-life values
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives.
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30-D3.3s.3: : graph data from radioactive decay and infer an exponential relationship between measured radioactivity and elapsed time
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives.
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.
