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- Science: Grades: 6-8
Maine - Science: Grades 6-8
Learning Results | Adopted: 2007
D1: : Students explain the movements and describe the location, composition, and characteristics of our solar system and universe, including planets, the sun, and galaxies.
D1.a: : Describe the different kinds of objects in the solar system including planets, sun, moons, asteroids, and comets.
![Screenshot of Comparing Earth and Venus](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Comparing Earth and Venus
Observe the motions of Venus and Earth as the planets move around the Sun. Measure the length of a day and a year on Earth and Venus, and compare the length of a solar day to the length of a sidereal day. 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
D1.b: : Explain the motions that cause days, years, phases of the moon, and eclipses.
![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 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 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
D2: : Students describe the various cycles, physical and biological forces and processes, position in space, energy transformations, and human actions that affect the short-term and long-term changes to the Earth.
D2.a: : Explain how the tilt of Earth's rotational axis relative to the plane of its yearly orbit around the sun affects the day length and sunlight intensity to cause seasons.
![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
D2.b: : Describe Earth Systems - biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere - and cycles and interactions within them (including water moving among and between them, rocks forming and transforming, and weather formation).
![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 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
D2.e: : Describe the effect of gravity on objects on Earth.
![Screenshot of Free Fall Tower](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Free Fall Tower
Recreate Galileo's famous experiment by dropping objects off the Tower of Pisa. You can drop ping pong balls, golf balls, soccer balls or watermelons. Objects can be dropped in air or no air, with or without a parachute. The speed of each object is shown on a speedometer and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Free-Fall Laboratory](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Free-Fall Laboratory
Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground. A variety of objects can be compared, and their motion can be observed in a vacuum, in normal air, and in denser air. The position, velocity, and acceleration are measured over time, and the forces on the object can be displayed. Using the manual settings, the mass, radius, height, and initial velocity of the object can be adjusted, as can the air density and wind. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Gravitational Force](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Gravitational Force
Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as their positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both as vectors and numerically. 5 Minute Preview
D3: : Students describe physical and chemical properties of matter, interactions and changes in matter, and transfer of energy through matter.
D3.a: : Describe that all matter is made up of atoms and distinguish between/among elements, atoms, and molecules.
![Screenshot of Element Builder](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Element Builder
Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. Each element is classified as a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal, and its state at room temperature is also given. 5 Minute Preview
D3.c: : Describe the difference between physical and chemical change.
![Screenshot of Chemical Changes](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
D3.d: : Explain the relationship of the motion of atoms and molecules to the states of matter for gases, liquids, and solids.
![Screenshot of Temperature and Particle Motion](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Temperature and Particle Motion
Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures. A histogram showing the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution is shown, and the most probable velocity, mean velocity, and root mean square velocity can be calculated. Molecules of different gases can be compared. 5 Minute Preview
D3.f: : Explain and apply the understanding that substances have characteristic properties, including density, boiling point, and solubility and these properties are not dependent on the amount of matter present.
![Screenshot of Density Experiment: Slice and Dice](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Density Experiment: Slice and Dice
Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Cut the chunk into smaller pieces of any size, and observe what happens as they are dropped in the beaker. The mass and volume of each chunk can be measured to gain a clear understanding of density and buoyancy. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Density Laboratory](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Density Laboratory
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be investigated. The density of the liquid in the beaker can be adjusted, and a variety of objects can be studied during the investigation. 5 Minute Preview
D3.g: : Use the idea of atoms to explain the conservation of matter.
![Screenshot of Chemical Changes](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Chemical Equations](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Chemical Equations
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
D3.h: : Describe several different types of energy forms including heat energy, chemical energy, and mechanical energy.
![Screenshot of Energy Conversion in a System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Energy Conversions](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Energy Conversions
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Energy of a Pendulum](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction. The ramp angle can be varied and a variety of materials for the block and ramp can be used. Potential and kinetic energy are reported as the block slides down the ramp. Two experiments can be run simultaneously to compare results as factors are varied. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Roller Coaster Physics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Roller Coaster Physics
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. 5 Minute Preview
D3.i: : Use examples of energy transformations from one form to another to explain that energy cannot be created or destroyed.
![Screenshot of Air Track](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Energy Conversion in a System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Energy Conversions](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Energy Conversions
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Energy of a Pendulum](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
![Screenshot of Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction. The ramp angle can be varied and a variety of materials for the block and ramp can be used. Potential and kinetic energy are reported as the block slides down the ramp. Two experiments can be run simultaneously to compare results as factors are varied. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Roller Coaster Physics](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Roller Coaster Physics
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. 5 Minute Preview
D3.j: : Describe how heat is transferred from one object to another by conduction, convection, and/or radiation.
![Screenshot of Conduction and Convection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Conduction and Convection
Two flasks hold colored water, one yellow and the other blue. Set the starting temperature of each flask, choose a type of material to connect the flasks, and see how quickly the flasks heat up or cool down. The flasks can be connected with a hollow pipe, allowing the water in the flasks to mix, or a solid chunk that transfers heat but prevents mixing. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Heat Transfer by Conduction](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Heat Transfer by Conduction
An insulated beaker of hot water is connected to a beaker of cold water with a conducting bar, and over time the temperatures of the beakers equalize as heat is transferred through the bar. Four materials (aluminum, copper, steel, and glass) are available for the bar. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Radiation](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Radiation
Use a powerful flashlight to pop a kernel of popcorn. A lens focuses light on the kernel. The temperature of the filament and the distance between the flashlight and lens can be changed. Several obstacles can be placed between the flashlight and the popcorn. 5 Minute Preview
D3.k: : Describe the properties of solar radiation and its interaction with objects on Earth.
![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
D4: : Students describe the force of gravity, the motion of objects, the properties of waves, and the wavelike property of energy in light waves.
D4.c: : Describe and apply an understanding of how the gravitational force between any two objects would change if their mass or the distance between them changed.
![Screenshot of Gravitational Force](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Gravitational Force
Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as their positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both as vectors and numerically. 5 Minute Preview
D4.d: : Describe and apply an understanding of how electric currents and magnets can exert force on each other.
![Screenshot of Magnetic Induction](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Magnetic Induction
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. 5 Minute Preview
D4.e: : Describe and apply an understanding of the effects of multiple forces on an object, and how unbalanced forces will cause changes in the speed or direction.
![Screenshot of Free Fall Tower](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Free Fall Tower
Recreate Galileo's famous experiment by dropping objects off the Tower of Pisa. You can drop ping pong balls, golf balls, soccer balls or watermelons. Objects can be dropped in air or no air, with or without a parachute. The speed of each object is shown on a speedometer and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Free-Fall Laboratory](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Free-Fall Laboratory
Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground. A variety of objects can be compared, and their motion can be observed in a vacuum, in normal air, and in denser air. The position, velocity, and acceleration are measured over time, and the forces on the object can be displayed. Using the manual settings, the mass, radius, height, and initial velocity of the object can be adjusted, as can the air density and wind. 5 Minute Preview
E1: : Students differentiate among organisms based on biological characteristics and identify patterns of similarity.
E1.a: : Compare physical characteristics that differentiate organisms into groups (including plants that use sunlight to make their own food, animals that consume energy-rich food, and organisms that cannot easily be classified as either).
![Screenshot of Dichotomous Keys](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Dichotomous Keys
Use dichotomous keys to identify and classify five types of organisms: California albatrosses, Canadian Rockies buttercups, Texas venomous snakes, Virginia evergreens, and Florida cartilagenous fishes. After you have classified every organism, try making your own dichotomous key! 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Compare the skulls of a variety of significant human ancestors, or hominids. Use available tools to measure lengths, areas, and angles of important features. Each skull can be viewed from the front, side, or from below. Additional information regarding the age, location, and discoverer of each skull can be displayed. 5 Minute Preview
E1.b: : Explain how biologists use internal and external anatomical features to determine relatedness among organisms and to form the basis for classification systems.
![Screenshot of Dichotomous Keys](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Dichotomous Keys
Use dichotomous keys to identify and classify five types of organisms: California albatrosses, Canadian Rockies buttercups, Texas venomous snakes, Virginia evergreens, and Florida cartilagenous fishes. After you have classified every organism, try making your own dichotomous key! 5 Minute Preview
E1.c: : Explain ways to determine whether organisms are the same species.
![Screenshot of Dichotomous Keys](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Dichotomous Keys
Use dichotomous keys to identify and classify five types of organisms: California albatrosses, Canadian Rockies buttercups, Texas venomous snakes, Virginia evergreens, and Florida cartilagenous fishes. After you have classified every organism, try making your own dichotomous key! 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Compare the skulls of a variety of significant human ancestors, or hominids. Use available tools to measure lengths, areas, and angles of important features. Each skull can be viewed from the front, side, or from below. Additional information regarding the age, location, and discoverer of each skull can be displayed. 5 Minute Preview
E2: : Students examine how the characteristics of the physical, non-living (abiotic) environment, the types and behaviors of living (biotic) organisms, and the flow of matter and energy affect organisms and the ecosystem of which they are part.
E2.b: : Describe ways in which two types of organisms may interact (including competition, predator/prey, producer/consumer/decomposer, parasitism, and mutualism) and describe the positive and negative consequences of such interactions.
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Food Chain
In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Prairie Ecosystem
Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
E2.c: : Describe the source and flow of energy in the two major food webs, terrestrial and marine.
![Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Forest Ecosystem
Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
E2.d: : Describe how matter and energy change from one form to another in living things and in the physical environment.
![Screenshot of Energy Conversions](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Energy Conversions
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Food Chain](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Food Chain
In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview
E2.e: : Explain that the total amount of matter in the environment stays the same even as its form and location change.
![Screenshot of Chemical Changes](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
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
E3: : Students describe the hierarchy of organization and function in organisms, and the similarities and differences in structure, function, and needs among and within organisms.
E3.a: : Describe the basic functions of organisms carried out within cells including the extracting of energy from food and the elimination of wastes.
![Screenshot of Cell Structure](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Cell Structure
Select a sample cell from an animal, plant, or bacterium and view the cell under a microscope. Select each organelle on the image to learn more about its structure and function. Closeup views and animations of certain organelles is provided. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Osmosis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Osmosis
Adjust the concentration of a solute on either side of a membrane in a cell and observe the system as it adjusts to the conditions through osmosis. The initial concentration of the solute can be manipulated, along with the volume of the cell. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Paramecium Homeostasis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Paramecium Homeostasis
Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium. 5 Minute Preview
E3.b: : Explain the relationship among cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, including how tissues and organs serve the needs of cells and organisms.
![Screenshot of Circulatory System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Circulatory System
Trace the path of blood through a beating heart and the network of blood vessels that supplies blood to the body. Take blood samples from different blood vessels to observe blood cells and measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sugar, and urea. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Digestive System](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Digestive System
Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
E3.c: : Compare the structures, system, and interactions that allow single-celled organisms and multi-celled plants and animals, including humans, to defend themselves, acquire and use energy, self-regulate, reproduce, and coordinate movement.
![Screenshot of Cell Structure](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Cell Structure
Select a sample cell from an animal, plant, or bacterium and view the cell under a microscope. Select each organelle on the image to learn more about its structure and function. Closeup views and animations of certain organelles is provided. 5 Minute Preview
E3.d: : Explain that all living things are composed of cells numbering from just one to millions.
![Screenshot of Paramecium Homeostasis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Paramecium Homeostasis
Observe how a paramecium maintains stable internal conditions in a changing aquatic environment. Water moves into the organism by osmosis, and is pumped out by the contractile vacuole. The concentration of solutes in the water will determine the rate of contractions in the paramecium. 5 Minute Preview
E4: : Students describe the general characteristics and mechanisms of reproduction and heredity in organisms, including humans, and ways in which organisms are affected by their genetic traits.
E4.c: : Describe asexual reproduction as a process by which all genetic information comes from one parent and determines the inherited traits that are a part of every cell.
![Screenshot of Inheritance](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Inheritance
Create aliens with different traits and breed them to produce offspring. Determine which traits are passed down from parents to offspring and which traits are acquired. Offspring can be stored for future experiments or released. 5 Minute Preview
E5: : Students describe the evidence that evolution occurs over many generations, allowing species to acquire many of their unique characteristics or adaptations.
E5.a: : Explain how the layers of sedimentary rock and their contained fossils provide evidence for the long history of Earth and for the long history of changing life.
![Screenshot of Human Evolution - Skull Analysis](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Human Evolution - Skull Analysis
Compare the skulls of a variety of significant human ancestors, or hominids. Use available tools to measure lengths, areas, and angles of important features. Each skull can be viewed from the front, side, or from below. Additional information regarding the age, location, and discoverer of each skull can be displayed. 5 Minute Preview
E5.b: : Describe how small differences between parents and offspring can lead to descendants who are very different from their ancestors.
![Screenshot of Evolution: Mutation and Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Observe evolution in a fictional population of bugs. Set the background to any color, and see natural selection taking place. Inheritance of color occurs according to Mendel's laws and probability. Mutations occur at random, and probability of capture by predators is determined by the insect's camouflage. 5 Minute Preview
E5.c: : Describe how variations in the behavior and traits of an offspring may permit some of them to survive a changing environment.
![Screenshot of Natural Selection](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Natural Selection
You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection. 5 Minute Preview
![Screenshot of Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric](/Assets/img/blank.gif)
Rainfall and Bird Beaks - Metric
Study the thickness of birds' beaks over a five year period as you control the yearly rainfall on an isolated island. As the environmental conditions change, the species must adapt (a real-world consequence) to avoid extinction. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 9/22/2020
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
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Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
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Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
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Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
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Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
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.
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