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.
A: : Applications of Matter and Chemical Change
1.1: : Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
A.2: : Students will: Investigate and classify chemical reactions
A.2.3: : investigate evidence of chemical change; i.e., change of phase, appearance, colour, odour, energy (e.g., heat, light)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
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A.2.5: : define, operationally, endothermic and exothermic reactions (e.g., mixing chemicals in a “cold pack,” burning natural gas)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
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A.2.7: : describe, using observation, the chemical properties of reactants and products in chemical reactions (e.g., neutralization, combustion, simple composition, decomposition)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
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A.2.8: : identify simple composition, decomposition, combustion and neutralization reactions when given word and/or chemical equations, products and reactants
Balancing Chemical Equations
Balance and classify five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion. While balancing the reactions, the number of atoms on each side is presented as visual, histogram, and numerical data.
5 Minute Preview
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
Practice balancing chemical equations by changing the coefficients of reactants and products. As the equation is manipulated, the amount of each element is shown as individual atoms, histograms, or numerically. Molar masses of reactants and products can also be calculated and balanced to demonstrate conservation of mass.
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A.3: : Students will: Explain the law of conservation of mass when balancing chemical reactions
A.3.1: : relate the concept of the atom to the conservation of mass; i.e., the number of atoms stays the same as they are rearranged in a chemical reaction; therefore, the total mass before and after the reaction remains the same (e.g., analyze the chemical equation 2Mg(s) + O2(g)? 2MgO(s) to illustrate the law of conservation of mass by counting the number of atoms of each element)
Balancing Chemical Equations
Balance and classify five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion. While balancing the reactions, the number of atoms on each side is presented as visual, histogram, and numerical data.
5 Minute Preview
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
Practice balancing chemical equations by changing the coefficients of reactants and products. As the equation is manipulated, the amount of each element is shown as individual atoms, histograms, or numerically. Molar masses of reactants and products can also be calculated and balanced to demonstrate conservation of mass.
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A.3.2: : represent simple chemical reactions (e.g., neutralization, combustion, simple composition, decomposition) using word and/or balanced chemical equations
Balancing Chemical Equations
Balance and classify five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion. While balancing the reactions, the number of atoms on each side is presented as visual, histogram, and numerical data.
5 Minute Preview
Practice balancing chemical equations by changing the coefficients of reactants and products. As the equation is manipulated, the amount of each element is shown as individual atoms, histograms, or numerically. Molar masses of reactants and products can also be calculated and balanced to demonstrate conservation of mass.
5 Minute Preview
Explore the concepts of limiting reactants, excess reactants, and theoretical yield in a chemical reaction. Select one of two different reactions, choose the number of molecules of each reactant, and then observe the products created and the reactants left over.
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A.PR.1: : Students will: Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
A.PR.1.1: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables, and adapt or extend those procedures where required (e.g., investigate chemical reactions for evidence of chemical change)
Feel the Heat
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
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A.PR.1.2: : compile and organize data, using appropriate formats and data treatments to facilitate interpretation (e.g., write word equations for chemical reactions investigated, and record what was done or observed, using appropriate methods)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
A.PR.1.5: : construct and test a prototype of a device or system, and troubleshoot problems as they arise
Feel the Heat
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
A.AI.1: : Students will: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations
A.AI.1.1: : compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs and scatterplots (e.g., report findings of investigations of chemical change)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
A.AI.1.3: : state a conclusion, based on experimental data, and explain how evidence gathered supports or refutes an initial idea (e.g., report on the results of an investigation into the effectiveness of antacid tablets)
Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter.
5 Minute Preview
B: : Understanding Common Energy Conversion Systems
2.1: : Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
B.1: : Students will: Investigate and interpret transformation and conservation of various forms of energy in physical and technological systems
B.1.2: : design, construct and evaluate a simple model or device that transforms energy from one form to another (e.g., windmill, water wheel, model vehicle powered by rubber bands/mousetraps/carbon dioxide/electric motor)
Energy Conversion in a System
A falling cylinder is attached to a rotating propeller that stirs and heats the water in a beaker. The mass and height of the cylinder, as well as the quantity and initial temperature of water can be adjusted. The temperature of the water is measured as energy is converted from one form to another.
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B.1.4: : apply the law of conservation of energy to trace energy transformation, dissipation and availability in physical and technological systems (e.g., swinging pendulum)
Energy of a Pendulum
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion. The mass, length, and gravitational acceleration of the pendulum can be adjusted, as well as the initial angle. The potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy of the oscillating pendulum can be displayed on a table, bar chart or graph.
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B.3: : Students will: Investigate and describe the energy conversions associated with change in chemical and biological systems
B.3.1: : investigate and describe common chemical reactions that produce or absorb energy (e.g., light and heat given off by the combustion of fossil fuels, cold and hot packs)
Feel the Heat
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
B.3.2: : list and explain the requirements of photosynthesis as carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll in chloroplasts and sunlight; and list and explain the products as oxygen and glucose
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.
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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.
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As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
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B.3.3: : explain, in general, the process of respiration in which glucose and oxygen are converted to energy, carbon dioxide and water
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.
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B.3.5: : identify the sources of energy in food as carbohydrates, fats and proteins; and explain, in general terms, why there needs to be a balance between food intake and energy output
Identifying Nutrients
Use a variety of real-world lab tests to analyze common food samples in order to determine if the food is a carbohydrate, a protein, or a lipid. Tests that can be performed include: Benedict, Lugol, Biuret, and Sudan Red.
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B.3.7: : outline, in general terms, the formation of the following fossil fuels: oil, coal and natural gas
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.
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B.IP.1: : Students will: Ask questions about relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions
B.IP.1.3: : propose alternative solutions to a given practical problem, identify the potential strengths and weaknesses of each, and select one as the basis for a plan (e.g., devise a plan for more efficient household energy consumption)
Household Energy Usage
Explore the energy used by many household appliances, such as television sets, hair dryers, lights, computers, etc. Make estimates for how long each item is used on a daily basis to get an estimate for the total power consumed during a day, a week, a month, and a year, and how that relates to consumer costs and environmental impact.
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B.PR.1: : Students will: Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
B.PR.1.1: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables and adapting or extending procedures where required (e.g., determine the amount of thermal energy released by cellular respiration; determine the energy outputs of various foods, using simple calorimetric methods)
Feel the Heat
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
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
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Video Preview
B.PR.1.2: : compile and organize data, using appropriate formats and data treatments to facilitate interpretation (e.g., list, in charts and tables, sources of energy in food)
Energy of a Pendulum
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion. The mass, length, and gravitational acceleration of the pendulum can be adjusted, as well as the initial angle. The potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy of the oscillating pendulum can be displayed on a table, bar chart or graph.
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
Use a variety of real-world lab tests to analyze common food samples in order to determine if the food is a carbohydrate, a protein, or a lipid. Tests that can be performed include: Benedict, Lugol, Biuret, and Sudan Red.
5 Minute Preview
B.AI.1: : Students will: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations
B.AI.1.1: : compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs and scatterplots (e.g., report findings from an experiment to measure the power of the human body)
Energy of a Pendulum
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion. The mass, length, and gravitational acceleration of the pendulum can be adjusted, as well as the initial angle. The potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy of the oscillating pendulum can be displayed on a table, bar chart or graph.
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
5 Minute Preview
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
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Video Preview
B.AI.1.3: : state a conclusion, based on experimental data, and explain how evidence gathered supports or refutes an initial idea (e.g., explain why the input energy in machines is always greater than the output energy)
Cell Respiration - High School
As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned.
Video Preview
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Video Preview
3.1: : Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
C.2: : Students will: Analyze the relationship between human health and environmental pathogens
C.2.2: : investigate and describe the conditions necessary for the growth of a specific pathogen (e.g., viruses, fungi, bacteria)
Virus Lytic Cycle
Release a lytic virus in a group of cells and observe how cells are infected over time and eventually destroyed. Data related to the number of healthy cells, infected cells, and viruses can be recorded over time to determine the time required for the virus to mature within a cell.
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C.2.3: : describe how different communicable diseases are transmitted and how they affect human health (e.g., cold, influenza)
Disease Spread
Observe the spread of disease through a group of people. The methods of transmission can be chosen and include person-to-person, airborne, and foodborne as well as any combination thereof. The probability of each form of transmission and number of people in the group can also be adjusted.
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C.2.4: : describe how noncommunicable diseases are transmitted and how they affect human health (e.g., food poisoning due to salmonella or E. coli; cholera; dysentery)
Disease Spread
Observe the spread of disease through a group of people. The methods of transmission can be chosen and include person-to-person, airborne, and foodborne as well as any combination thereof. The probability of each form of transmission and number of people in the group can also be adjusted.
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C.4: : Students will: Describe the role of genes in inherited characteristics and human health
C.4.1: : describe the role of genes in inherited characteristics (e.g., hitchhiker’s thumb; earlobe attachment; hair, skin and eye colour)
DNA Analysis
Scan the DNA of frogs to produce DNA sequences. Use the DNA sequences to identify possible identical twins and to determine which sections of DNA code for skin color, eye color, and the presence or absence of spots.
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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.
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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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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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C.4.2: : interpret a Punnett square to illustrate dominant and recessive monohybrid autosomal crosses
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.
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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.
5 Minute Preview
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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C.4.3: : identify the role of chromosomes in determining the sex of human offspring
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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C.4.5: : identify the relationships among DNA, genes and chromosomes; and identify, in general, the structure and replication of a DNA molecule
Building DNA
Construct a DNA molecule, examine its double-helix structure, and then go through the DNA replication process. Learn how each component fits into a DNA molecule, and see how a unique, self-replicating code can be created.
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C.5: : Students will: Analyze how longevity in humans has increased over time as a result of a better understanding of pathogens and genetics, and improved sanitary conditions and personal hygiene
C.5.4: : relate the advances in genetic research to ethical and social issues (e.g., the human genome project, genetic engineering, cloning, screening for genetic disorders)
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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C.AI.1: : Students will: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations
C.AI.1.1: : compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs and scatterplots (e.g., graph the incidence of a particular disease over time)
DNA Analysis
Scan the DNA of frogs to produce DNA sequences. Use the DNA sequences to identify possible identical twins and to determine which sections of DNA code for skin color, eye color, and the presence or absence of spots.
5 Minute Preview
Observe the spread of disease through a group of people. The methods of transmission can be chosen and include person-to-person, airborne, and foodborne as well as any combination thereof. The probability of each form of transmission and number of people in the group can also be adjusted.
5 Minute Preview
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
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
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
Release a lytic virus in a group of cells and observe how cells are infected over time and eventually destroyed. Data related to the number of healthy cells, infected cells, and viruses can be recorded over time to determine the time required for the virus to mature within a cell.
5 Minute Preview
4.1: : Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
D.2: : Students will: Describe the change in position and speed of objects mathematically and graphically
D.2.1: : define speed (velocity) as change in position during a time interval, and quantify speed (velocity) using v = d/t (e.g., express speed [velocity] in metres per second [m/s])
Distance-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs.
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Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time.
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D.2.2: : plot a distance versus time graph, and use the slope of the graph to determine the speed (velocity) of an object
Distance-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs.
5 Minute Preview
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time.
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D.2.3: : define distance travelled as a product of speed (velocity) and the time interval, and quantify the distance travelled using d = vt (e.g., express distance in metres [m])
Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time.
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D.3: : Students will: Apply concepts of force, mass and the law of conservation of momentum to investigate one-dimensional collisions of two objects
D.3.1: : relate the momentum of an object as being directly proportional to its mass and speed (velocity) (e.g., quantify the momentum of an object, using the formula: momentum [kgm/s] = mass [kg] × speed [m/s])
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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Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The heights of three hills can be manipulated, along with the mass of the car and the friction of the track. A graph of various variables of motion can be viewed as the car travels, including position, speed, acceleration, potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy.
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D.3.5: : illustrate, quantitatively, the conservation of momentum as the following: the total momentum of two objects before a collision is the same as after the collision when friction is minimal and the two objects lock together
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.
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D.4: : Students will: Apply the principles underlying the motion of objects to explain the need for safety devices and practices
D.4.1: : explain how seat belts and air bags function in terms of changing momentum and force (e.g., explain why one cannot brace for a collision as a means of protection; explain why babies must be placed in special seats and not on a passenger’s lap)
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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D.4.5: : describe the application of the law of conservation of momentum in a variety of situations involving two objects (e.g., rear-end collision, recoil, jumping from a boat, traffic accidents, two people on skates pushing each other)
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.
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D.IP.1: : Students will: Ask questions about relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions
D.IP.1.3: : design an experiment, identifying the manipulated, responding and fixed variables (e.g., investigate how air bags work, using a partially inflated beach ball or plastic bag and a steel ball or rock to model the functioning of the air bag)
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.
5 Minute Preview
D.PR.1: : Students will: Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
D.PR.1.1: : carry out procedures, controlling the major variables and adapting or extending procedures where required (e.g., test different materials for use as seat belts)
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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D.AI.1: : Students will: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations
D.AI.1.2: : compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs and scatterplots (e.g., draw a force–time graph for cushioned and noncushioned toy cars, in an investigation of the effectiveness of different types of cushions for a toy car)
Air Track
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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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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Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The heights of three hills can be manipulated, along with the mass of the car and the friction of the track. A graph of various variables of motion can be viewed as the car travels, including position, speed, acceleration, potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy.
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D.AI.1.4: : interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer or calculate linear or nonlinear relationships among variables (e.g., determine speed [velocity] from a distance–time graph, or distance from a speed [velocity]–time graph)
Distance-Time Graphs - Metric
Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner complete a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the speed of the runner. What will the runner do if the slope of the line is zero? What if the slope is negative? Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs.
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Create a graph of a runner's position versus time and watch the runner run a 40-meter dash based on the graph you made. Notice the connection between the slope of the line and the velocity of the runner. Add a second runner (a second graph) and connect real-world meaning to the intersection of two graphs. Also experiment with a graph of velocity versus time for the runners, and also distance traveled versus time.
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D.AI.1.7: : explain how data support or refute the hypothesis or prediction (e.g., investigate the statements: “More traffic accidents occur on Monday mornings.”; “More pedestrians than drivers are killed by cars.”)
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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Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The heights of three hills can be manipulated, along with the mass of the car and the friction of the track. A graph of various variables of motion can be viewed as the car travels, including position, speed, acceleration, potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy.
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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.
