Original Gizmo List for LearnAlberta.ca Gizmos ( posted: 2008)
Title
Description
1
Keywords
2D Eclipse
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 broad array of scenarios.
Manipulate the relative positions of the Sun,
Earth, and Moon to discover how eclipses
happen. Observe the Moon and Sun from Earth
during a lunar and solar eclipse, and understand
the relationship between partial and total eclipses.
The sizes of the three bodies and the Earth-Moon
distance can be adjusted.
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 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.
eclipse, lunar, solar, moon, earth, sun, shadow,
orbit, orbital, annular, partial, umbra, penumbra,
corona, astronomy, space, three, dimension,
dimensional, 3D
Additive Color v2
Control red, green, and blue spotlights (primary
colors or RGB). Observe the additive colors as the
spotlights overlap. The intensity of the red, green,
and blue lights can be adjusted, and the RGB
value of the overlap region can be measured.
color, addition, additive, RGB, spotlight, rgb,
physics, physical
Advanced Circuits
Build compound circuits with series and parallel
elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and
current across each component using Ohm's law
and the equivalent resistance equation. Check
your answers using a voltmeter, ammeter, and
ohmmeter. Learn the function of fuses as a safety
device.
physics, electricity, electrical, electric, circuit, ohm,
ohmmeter, ampere, amp, ammeter, resistor,
resistance, current, electron, volt, voltmeter, voltage,
potential, energy, light, bulb, wire, fuse, switch,
battery, meter, board, parallel, series, faraday, volta,
Edison, power, watt, wattage, breaker, short
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.
air, track, momentum, energy, conservation,
restitution, collision, elastic, elasticity, glider, friction,
motion, velocity, mass, physics, physical, science
Atwood Machine
Measure the height and velocity of two objects
connected by a massless rope over a pulley.
Observe the forces acting on each mass
throughout the simulation. Calculate the
acceleration of the objects, and relate these
calculations to Newton’s Laws of Motion. The
mass of each object can be manipulated, as well
as the mass and radius of the pulley.
atwood, machine, pulley, mass, force, motion,
Newton, acceleration, velocity, height, energy,
friction, physics, physical, vector, kilogram, gravity,
gravitation, kinetic, kinetics, potential, resistance,
inertia, torque, rotation
Balancing Chemical
Equations
Attempt to balance specific types of chemical
reactions: combination, decomposition, single
replacement, and double replacement. While
balancing the reactions, the number of atoms on
each side is presented as visual, histogram, and
numerical data.
chemistry, equations, balance, reaction,
combination, decomposition, replacement, single,
double, chemical, physical
2D Collisions
collisions, elastic, pucks, frictionless, momentum,
conservation, kinetic, energy, vectors, physics,
momenta, friction, two, dimensions, vector, physical,
component, collide, center, mass, speed, velocity
eclipse, lunar, solar, moon, earth, sun, shadow,
orbit, orbital, annular, partial, umbra, penumbra,
corona, astronomy, space, dimension, dimensional,
2D, phase, system
2
Beam to Moon
(Ratios and
Proportions)
Explore Snell's Law by shining white light, or light
of a specific frequency, through a prism. The
angle of incidence and refraction can be
measured.
Apply ratios and proportions to find the weight of a
person on the moon (or on another planet). Weigh
an object on Earth and on the moon and weigh
the person on Earth. Then set up and solve the
proportion of the Earth weights to the moon
weights.
Black Hole
A game where you try to get small masses to hit a
target. This is challenging since several "black
holes" exert a gravitational force on the moving
objects.
Basic Prism
(Classic)
Snell, snell, prism, angle, incidence, refraction,
optics, physics, physical, ExploreScience
ratios, proportions, weights, Earth, moon, crossmultiply, real-world, applications, masses, gravity,
planets, solar-systems, fractions, arithmetic,
models, ExploreMath
game, gravity, gravitational, attraction, physics,
physical, ExploreScience
chemistry, physics, atom, atomic, electron, energy,
level, orbital, bohr, einstein, heisenberg, rutherford,
thomson, configuration, absorb, absorption, emit,
emission, photon, quantum, quanta, laser,
spectrum, spectra, light, radiation, prism,
photoelectric, planck, lewis, periodic, bond,
chemical
Boyle's Law and
Charles' Law
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of
hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain
energies are absorbed, causing changes in the
orbits of electrons. Build the spectrum of hydrogen
based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
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.
Investigate the properties of an ideal gas by
performing experiments in which the temperature
is held constant (Boyle's Law), and others in
which the pressure remains fixed (Charles' Law).
The pressure is controlled through the placement
of masses on the lid of the container, and
temperature is controlled with an adjustable heat
source.
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.
boyle, charles, gas, law, pressure, volume,
temperature, ideal, chemistry, physical
DNA, dna, RNA, rna, enzyme, duplication,
replication, rail, ladder, helix, chemistry, physical,
biology, life, Watson, Crick, Franklin, genetics, code,
heredity, codon, nucleoside, nucleotide, nitrogen,
nucleic, nucleus, reproduction, adenine, thymine,
cytosine, guanine, deoxyribose, phosphate
Calorimetry Lab
Investigate how calorimetry can be used to find
relative specific heat values when different
substances are mixed with water. Modify initial
mass and temperature values to see effects on
the system. One or any combination of the
substances can be mixed with water. A dynamic
graph (temperature vs. time) shows temperatures
of the individual substances after mixing.
calorimetry, chemistry, physical, specific, heat,
temperature, calorimeter, energy, mixing, change,
transfer, substance, mass, thermochemistry,
thermodynamics, unknown, algebra, thermo, calorie
Bohr Model of
Hydrogen
Bohr Model:
Introduction
chemistry, physics, atom, atomic, electron, energy,
level, orbital, bohr, einstein, heisenberg, rutherford,
configuration, absorb, absorption, emit, emission,
photon, quantum, quanta, laser, spectrum, spectra,
light, radiation, prism, physical, gas
3
Cell Division
Cell Energy Cycle
Cell Structure
Center of Mass
Chemical Equation
Balancing
Chicken Genetics
Circuits
Coastal Winds and
Clouds
Begin with a single cell and watch as mitosis and
cell division occurs. The cells will go through the
steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase,
anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. The length
of the cell cycle can be controlled, and data
related to the number of cells present and their
current phase can be recorded.
Explore the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration that occur within plant cells. The
cyclical nature of the two processes can be
constructed visually, and the photosynthesis and
respiration equations can be balanced in a
descriptive and numerical format.
Select sample cells from a plant or animal and
place the cells on a microscope to look inside the
cells. Information about their common structures
is provided (and the structures are highlighted),
but you will need to move your microscope slide
to find all the different structures.
Drag blocks onto a two-dimensional surface and
observe the effects on the center of mass. Use a
grid to calculate the coordinates of the center of
mass. Investigate predefined shapes or your own
arrangements of blocks.
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.
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. Punnet squares can be
used to predict results.
Build electrical circuits using batteries, light bulbs,
resistors, fuses, wires, and a switch. An ammeter,
a voltmeter and an ohmmeter are available for
measuring current, voltage and resistance
throughout the circuit. The voltage of the battery
and the precision of the meters can be adjusted.
Multiple circuits can be built for comparison.
Learn about atmospheric conditions near a coast
using basic observables: wind and temperature.
Measure daily temperatures over both land and
water near a coastline, along with the wind speed
and direction. The conditions can be recorded at a
variety of altitudes.
cell, division, interphase, prophase, metaphase,
anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis, mitosis, biology,
life, cellular, asexual, reproduction, nucleus,
chromosomes, chromatin, spindle, membrane,
centriole, organelle, reproduce, copy, centromere
photosynthesis, cells, energy, cellular, plants,
sunlight, sugar, respiration, carbon, dioxide,
chemicals, physical
cells, plants, animals, structure, parts, vocabulary,
microscope, slide, hand, skin, life, biology
center, mass, barycenter, centroid, median, physics,
rotation, moment, inertia, torque, torsion, rotate,
gravity, sun, earth, moon, Pluto, solar, Calder,
mobile, sculpture, physics, block, physical, science
chemistry, chemical, element, mass, atom, atomic,
conservation, equation, balance, balancing, formula,
reaction, reactant, product, mole, molar, molarity,
molecule, compound, polyatomic, coefficient,
subscript, acid, salt, ionic, covalent, diatomic, bond,
synthesis, combination, replacement,
decomposition, combustion, periodic
chicken, house, breed, pure, feathers, genetics,
codominance, codominant, probability, statistics,
genes, alleles, traits, punnet, life, biology
electricity, circuits, resistors, parallel, series,
amperes, ohms, light, bulbs, batteries, battery,
ammeter, voltmeter, current, voltage, physics,
physical
clouds, wind, balloons, coastal, drift, thunderstorms,
temperature, gradient, astmosphere, earth, physical
4
Colligative
Properties
Determine how the physical properties of a
solvent are dependent on the number of solute
particles present. Different solutes can be chosen
and the concentration of the solute can be
manipulated to determine the boiling point,
freezing point, osmotic pressure and vapor
pressure of pure water as well as various
solutions.
Collision Theory
Observe a chemical reaction with and without a
catalyst. Determine the effect of concentration,
temperature, surface area, and catalysts on
reaction rate. Reactant and product
concentrations through time are recorded, and the
speed of the simulation is controlled by the user.
colligative, property, properties, dissociation,
chemistry, physical, molality, molarity, osmotic,
vapor, pressure, boiling, freezing, melting, solute,
solvent, temperature
Collision, theory, kinetic, chemical, reaction,
molecule, catalyst, enzyme, atom, element,
chemistry, surface, area, temperature, Celsius,
Kelvin, reactant, product, equilibrium, constant, rate,
activation, energy, active, site, heat, lock, key,
substrate, mole, molarity, molecular, concentration,
half, life, Arrhenius, orientation
Coulomb Force
Place fixed charges on a two-dimensional grid
before firing a moving charge (velocity can be
adjusted). The velocity of the charge will be acted
on and altered by the Coulomb forces.
coulomb, charge, force, repulsion, attraction,
physics, physical, ExploreScience
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
vectorally and numerically as the distance
between the objects is altered.
Covalent Bonds
Choose a substance and move electrons between
atoms to build covalent bonds and molecules.
Observe the orbits of shared electrons in single,
double, and triple covalent bonds. Compare the
completed molecules to the corresponding Lewis
diagrams.
Dehydration
Synthesis
Density Experiment:
Slice and Dice
Build a glucose molecule, atom-by-atom, to learn
about chemical bonds and the structure of
glucose. Explore the processes of dehydration
synthesis and hydrolysis in carbohydrate
molecules.
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 as a clear understanding of density,
buoyancy, and floatation is investigated.
Coulomb, physics, physical, charge, force,
equilibrium, change, unknown, algebra, particle,
interaction, magnitude, vector, direction,
component, attraction, repulsion, attract, repel,
electrostatics, neutral, static, electricity, field,
positive, negative
ammonia, atom, atomic, bohr, bond, carbon,
chemistry, chlorine, cloud, compound, configuration,
covalent, d, dalton, diagram, diatomic, dioxide, dot,
double, electron, element, emission, energy, f,
fluorescence, fluorine, hydrogen, joint, jump, level,
lewis, methane, model, molecule, neutron, nitrogen,
nucleus, orbit, orbital, oxygen, p, pair, particle,
proton, quanta, quantum, radii, radius, represent,
representation, s, share, silica, spontaneous,
stability, stable, substance, theory, triple, unstable,
valence, water
dehydration, synthesis, hydrolysis, chemistry,
biochemistry, water, carbohydrate, protein, energy,
glucose, maltose, amylose, monosaccharide,
disaccharide, polysaccharide, molecule, molecular,
structure, valence, biochemistry, organic, chemical,
structure, chemical, formula, carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, balance, balancing, equation, reactant,
product
slice, dice, cut, density, float, sink, water, materials,
buoyancy, chemistry, physical
5
Determining a
Spring Constant
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated
cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of
liquid to observe floatation, the relationship
between mass, volume, density, and floatation
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.
Using four beakers of different liquids with a
known density, try to determine the density of a
variety of unknown objects. Compare the
buoyancy of each object in each beaker to
determine an approximate value of density without
knowing the mass or volume of the objects.
Place a pan on the end of a hanging spring, and
continue to add additional objects with mass to
the pan. As the string stretches the length of the
spring can be measured. Using the data points, a
best-fit line can be used to find the spring
constant.
Determining
Density via Water
Displacement
Drop objects in a beaker that is filled with water
and measure the water that flows over the edge.
Using Archimedes principle, the amount of water
displaced by the floating objects and the water
displaced when you force the object under water,
will allow you to determine the density of the
objects.
Density Laboratory
Density via
Comparison
Diffusion
Disease Spread
Distance-Time and
Velocity-Time
Graphs
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce
around from one side of a room to the other
through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass
of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the
temperature of the room and the initial number of
particles. In a real-world context, this can be used
to learn about how odors travel, fluids move
through gaps, the thermodynamics of gases, and
statistical probability.
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.
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.
mass, volume, density, float, sink, properties,
matter, pail, bucket, liquid, chemistry, physical,
physics, bouyancy, Archimedes, Eureka, gold
buoyancy, floatation, sinking, shelf, beakers,
chemistry, physical
spring, constant, stretch, mass, pan, pull, physics,
physical, linear, direct-variation
density, displacement, water, floatation, beaker,
sink, archimedes, principle, physical, chemistry,
eureka
diffusion, equilibrium, particles, flow, rooms,
statistics, statistical, probability, thermodynamics,
physics, physical
disease, germ, people, spread, sick, pathogen,
healthy, outbreak, biology, life, exponential,
bacteria, virus, viral, sickness, illness, sneeze,
cough, legionnaires, food, poisoning, flu
rates, speeds, slopes, ratios, linear-functions,
distance-time, rate-of-change, graphs, graphing,
algebra, velocity, position
6
Distance-Time
Graphs
DNA Fingerprint
Analysis
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 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 realworld meaning to the intersection of two graphs.
Perform DNA scans on frogs to learn how
differences and similarities in the scans can be
used to identify physical characteristics of the
frogs. This technique of scanning is what provides
the "DNA fingerprint," which is becoming more
commonplace in today's society. The DNA of twin
frogs can also be studied to see how the scans
compare.
Driven Harmonic
Motion (1 mass)
Control the velocity of two sound sources in which
the wave crests are visually represented. As the
sound sources move, interference patterns and
evidence of the Doppler effect can be observed
and measured.
Observe sound waves emitted from a moving
vehicle. Measure the frequency of sound waves in
front of and behind the vehicle as it moves,
illustrating the Doppler effect. The frequency of
sound waves, speed of the source, and the speed
of sound can all be manipulated. Motion of the
vehicle can be linear, oscillating, or circular.
Derive an equation to calculate the frequency of
an oncoming sound source and a receding sound
source. Also, calculate the Doppler shift that
results from a moving observer and a stationary
sound source. The source velocity, sound
velocity, observer velocity and sound frequency
can all be manipulated.
A traditional lab where a sinusoidal driving force
can be applied to a system consisting of a mass
between two springs. Many variables can be
adjusted, including oscillation frequency, the drag
coefficient, and each spring constant, in an effort
to find resonant frequencies.
Driven Harmonic
Motion (2 masses)
A traditional lab where a sinusoidal driving force
can be applied to a system consisting of two
masses between three springs. Many variables
can be adjusted, including oscillation frequency,
the drag coefficient, and each spring constant, in
an effort to find resonant frequencies.
Doppler Effect (2
sources)
Doppler Shift
Doppler Shift
Advanced
rates, speeds, slopes, ratios, linear-functions,
distance-time, rate-of-change, graphs, graphing,
algebra
dna, analysis, fingerprint, frogs, scan, biology, life
doppler, shift, effect, sound, wave, sonic, boom,
train, whistle, interference, pattern, physics,
physical, ExploreScience
doppler, shift, effect, sound, wave, sonic, boom,
train, whistle, physics, physical, red, blue, Hubble,
frequency, pitch, note, supersonic, SST,
wavelength, motion, velocity
Doppler, effect, shift, sound, frequency, pitch, hertz,
wave, wavelength, tone, hearing, velocity, motion,
measurement, radar, sonic, boom, jet, mach,
physical, physics, science, quantitative, equation,
derive, algebra
frequency, spring, constant, driven, harmonic,
resonant, sinusoidal, physics, physical,
ExploreScience
frequency, spring, constant, driven, harmonic,
resonant, sinusoidal, physics, physical,
ExploreScience
7
Effect of
Environment on
New Life Form
A drug prescription must be carefully planned to
maximize benefit while avoiding an overdose. In
this Gizmo, you can give a patient one or more
pills, and monitor the levels of medication in the
body through time. Based on the reaction of the
patient, determine the ideal levels of medication.
Create a dosage schedule so these levels are
maintained through time. Four types of pills, each
with a different release pattern and target organ,
are available for use. Elimination of the drug
provides a good example of exponential decay.
When a foreign substance such as a drug is
ingested, it often remains in the bloodstream for a
long time. This Gizmo models the elimination of
substances from the bloodstream using water and
dye. Add dye to a container of water, and then
add beakers of pure water while removing
beakers of dyed water. The amount of dye
remaining is recorded after each cycle. The
volumes of all containers can be adjusted, as well
as the amount of dye used. This provides a good
example of exponential decay.
Using multiple earthquake recording stations,
determine the epicenter of an earthquake by
analyzing the arrival of the primary and secondary
waves at each recording station. Real-time charts
are generated, providing data that allows for the
triangulation of the epicenter.
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how
to determine the distance between the station and
an earthquake based on the time difference
between the arrival of the primary and secondary
waves. A real-time recording chart is generated,
and the times between the waves can be
measured.
Using the scientific method, control the
environmental conditions for an unknown species
in order to learn how the species responds to
changes in conditions. Sunlight, water, and
temperature can be controlled as the average
thickness of the aliens torso is measured.
Effect of
Temperature on
Gender
Determine the gender of birds and geckos as they
hatch in an incubation chamber. Control the
temperature of the chamber, and record data to
determine if the temperature has an effect on the
gender of either species.
Electron
Configuration
Create the electron configuration of any element
by filling electron orbitals. Determine the
relationship between electron configuration and
atomic radius. Discover trends in atomic radii
across periods and down families/groups of the
Periodic Table.
Drug Dosage
Dye Elimination
Earthquake Determination of
Epicenter
Earthquake Recording Station
drug, dose, dosage, elimination, milligram, health,
life, human, overdose, aspirin, pain, injury,
medicine, medication, overmedicate, medicate,
hospital, intravenous, hear, blood, organ, system,
homeostasis, urinate, urination, urine, excretion,
excretory, liver, react, body, kidney, tissue, intake,
absorption, release
beaker, dye, bowl, water, solution, diffusion, diffuse,
drug, dose, dosage, elimination, milligram, health,
life, human, overdose, aspirin, pain, injury,
medicine, medication, overmedicate, medicate,
hospital, intravenous, hear, blood, organ, system,
homeostasis, urinate, urination, urine, excretion,
excretory, liver, react, body, kidney, tissue
earthquake, seismic, activity, wave, primary,
secondary, recording, station, chart, epicenter,
earth, physical, geology
earthquake, seismic, activity, wave, primary,
secondary, recording, station, chart, epicenter,
geology, earth, physical
aliens, flying, saucer, environment, variables,
conditions, response, biology, life
gender, sex, temperature, effect, hatch, egg, gecko,
bird, incubation, incubate, biology, life
aufbau, pauli, exclusion, hund, electron, proton,
neutron, nucleus, configuration, atomic, atom, radii,
radius, number, bohr, heisenberg, model, principle,
energy, level, valence, subatomic, particle, proton,
atom, periodic, table, family, group, period, element,
trend, sublevel, orbital, shell, subshell, quantum,
quanta, chemistry, physics
8
Element Builder
Energy Conversion
in a System
Energy of a
Pendulum
Estimating
Population Size
Evolution: Mutation
and Selection
Evolution: Natural
and Artificial
Selection
Exponential Growth
and Decay - Activity
A
Fan Cart Physics
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. The
state of the element at room temperature is
provided, along with the metallicity of the element.
Allow a falling object to stir a beaker of water
using a pulley system. The mass and height of the
object, and the quantity of water can be adjusted.
The temperature of the water is measured as
energy is being converted from one form to
another.
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an
understanding of energy conservation in simple
harmonic motion. The gravity, length and mass of
the pendulum can be adjusted, as well as the
initial starting angle of the pendulum. Data (tables,
bar chart, and graphs) of the potential and kinetic
energies are shown as the pendulum oscillates.
periodic, table, elements, protons, neutrons,
electrons, shell, solid, liquid, gas, chemistry,
physical
energy, conversion, heat, pulley, dropping,
temperature, water, swirl, system, physics, physical,
chemistry
pendulum, period, oscillation, oscillate, harmonic,
potential, kinetic, energy, conserve, conservation,
physics, physical
Adjust the number of fish in a lake to be tagged
and the number of fish to be recaptured. Use the
number of tagged fish in the catch to estimate the
number of fish in the lake.
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.
samples, data, results, populations, experiments,
extrapolations, estimations, ratios, proportions,
predictions, probability, fish, tags, statistics
Evolution, mutation, natural, selection, variation,
overproduction, Darwin, theory, life, science,
biology, Mendel, genetics, chromosome, gene,
allele, color, camouflage, insect, blend, rgb, survival,
fittest, fitness, fit, competition, predation, predator,
prey, hunt, bird, insectivore, hide, genotype,
phenotype, artificial, design, intelligent, creationism
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.
evolution, mutation, natural, breeding, variety,
selection, variation, overproduction, Darwin, theory,
life, science, biology, Mendel, genetics,
chromosome, gene, allele, color, camouflage,
insect, blend, rgb, cmyk, survival, fittest, fitness, fit,
competition, predation, predator, prey, hunt, bird,
insectivore, hide, genotype, phenotype, artificial,
design, intelligent, creationism, adapt, adaptation
Explore the graph of the exponential growth or
decay function. Vary the initial amount and the
rate of growth or decay and investigate the
changes to the graph.
Gain an understanding of Newton's Laws by
experimenting with a cart (on which up to three
fans are placed) on a linear track. The cart has a
mass, as does each fan. The fans exert a
constant force when switched on, and the
direction of the fans can be altered as the
position, velocity, and acceleration of the cart are
measured.
exponentials, nonlinear, non-linear, system,
exponents, exponential-functions, bases,
coefficients, x-intercepts, y-intercepts, graphs,
graphing, growth, decay, interest, principles, initialamounts, rates, times, logarithms, logarithmic,
intersections, algebra
newton, Newton, laws, cart, fan, push, force,
velocity, acceleration, physics, physical, position,
velocity, acceleration
9
Fermat's Principle
A "person" travels across the screen from one
side to the other. The maximum velocity can be
adjusted in each half of the screen, and the
direction of motion can be controlled as the
person walk or runs. Explore Fermat's principle in
this real-world application as a person tries to
minimize the time required for a trip.
Fermat, straight, line, minimize, time, quickest,
fastest, trip, fermat, physics, physical,
ExploreScience
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.
food, chain, animals, species, natural, predator,
ecosystem, biology, life, ecology, pyramid, energy,
consumer, predation, prey, trophic, producer,
autotroph, heterotroph, feedback, cycle,
environment
Force on a Wing
Using an airplane wing placed in a wind tunnel,
observe the magnitude of both the lift and drag
forces acting on the wing as the angle of attack is
adjusted.
drag, lift, airplane, wing, forces, thrust, physics,
physical, ExploreScience
Freefall 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 through
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 well as the air density and wind.
free, fall, drop, plummet, accelerate, acceleration,
gravity, gravitation, height, time, drag, buoyancy,
resistance, terminal, velocity, parachute, force,
universal, law, Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, physics,
physical, shuttlecock, badminton, tennis, rock,
cotton
Freezing Point of
Salt Water
Control the temperature of a beaker of water. As
the temperature drops below the freezing point, a
transformation of state will occur which can be
viewed on a molecular level. Salt can be added to
the water to see its effect on the freezing point of
water.
freezing, freeze, states, change, solid, liquid, salt,
ice, water, molecular, chemistry, earth, physical
Golf Range!
Try to get a hole in one by adjusting the velocity
and launch angle of a golf ball. Explore the
physics of projectile motion in a frictional or ideal
setting. Horizontal and vertical velocity vectors
can be displayed, as well as the path of the ball.
The height of the golfer and the force of gravity
are also adjustable.
Keywords: Golf, range, velocity, acceleration,
gravity, force, gravitational, gravitation, air,
resistance, projectile, trajectory, motion, launch,
cannon, cannonball, missile, artillery, shoot, shot,
angle, vector, physics, physical, Newton, newtonian,
Galileo, parabola, freefall
Gravitational Force
Drag two objects around and observe the
gravitational force between them as the positions
change. The mass of each object can be
adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed
both vectorially and numerically as the distance
between the objects is altered.
gravity, gravitational, force, inverse, square,
masses, pull, physics, physical
10
Greenhouse Effect
Within this simulated region of land, daytime's
rising temperature and the falling temperature at
night can be measured, along with heat flow in
and out of the system. The amount of greenhouse
gases present in the atmosphere can be adjusted
over time, and the long term effects can be
investigated.
greenhouse, effect, global, warming, carbon,
dioxide, smog, pollution, air, quality, heat, flow,
biology, life, earth, physical
Hardy-Weinberg
Equilibrium
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be
arranged based on many observables including
color, luminosity, temperature, name and size.
This can be done using one or two-dimensional
plots, and a plot of luminosity vs. temperature can
be created in an effort to learn about the
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
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 halflives.
Set the initial percentages of three types of
parrots in a population and track changes in
genotype and allele frequency through several
generations. Analyze population data to develop
an understanding of the Hardy-Weinberg
equilibrium. Determine how initial allele
percentages will affect the equilibrium state of the
population.
Hearing: Frequency
and Volume
Test your hearing range by listening to low-,
medium-, and high-frequency sounds. Compare
the relative loudness of sounds at each frequency
to create an equal-loudness curve. In a quiet
room, measure your threshold of audibility for
each frequency, and compare your results to
others. The volume of each sound can be
adjusted.
hear, hearing, decibel, frequency, hertz, sound,
wave, level, sine, curve, graph, physics, physical,
wavelength, threshold, music, pitch, tone, harmonic,
ear, eardrum, deafness, deaf, tinnitus, tuning,
range, listen, nerve, nervous, system, auditory,
audio, oscilloscope, headphone, acoustics, db,
phon, sone, amplitude, human
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 temperature of the beakers
becomes equal as heat flows through the
conducting bar. The material of the conducting bar
can be changed, and the temperature of each
beaker is dynamically shown in various formats.
transfer, heat, conduction, bar, thermometer,
beakers, physics, physical, chemistry
H-R Diagram
Half-life
hertzsprung, russell, stars, diagram, stellar,
evolution, physics, physical
Half, life, half-life, radioactive, radioactivity,
radiometric, element, isotope, daughter, unstable,
stable, decay, neutron, proton, nucleus, nuclear,
energy, gamma, atom, atomic, emission, uranium,
carbon, dating, carbondating, fossil, age, time,
absolute, date, science, physical, physics
biology, genetics, allele, parrot, incomplete,
dominance, equilibrium, stability, hardy, weinberg,
population, gene, ecology, percent, mendelian,
codominance, evolution, natural, selection,
adaptation, adapt, dominant, recessive, life,
science, heterozygous, homozygous, genotype,
phenotype
11
Herschel
Experiment
Household Energy
Usage
Shine sunlight through a prism and measure the
temperature in different regions of the spectrum
using a thermometer wrapped in black tape. The
thermometer can be dragged throughout the
entire spectral area and even beyond the visible
light. This real-world technique (developed by
Friedrich Herschel in the 1700's) was used to
investigate infrared light and, more recently, the
spectrum of stars in our galaxy.
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.
herschel, temperature, thermometer, sunlight,
radiation, infrared, ultraviolet, cardboard, box, prism,
spectrum, physics, physical
power, electricity, environmental, impact,
consumption, costs, household, earth, physical
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.
human, evolution, evolve, fossil, skull, hominin,
hominid, ape, chimpanzee, monkey, pan,
troglodytes, neanderthal, homo, habilis, erectus,
sapiens, floresiensis, heidelbergensis, cro, magnon,
australopithecus, australopithecenes, paranthropus,
zinjanthropus, africanus, bosei, afarensis, olduvai,
Darwin, Leakey, Dart, Johanson, Lucy, Broom,
Kimeu, Turkana, Peking, man, Java, Zhoukadian,
Tattersall, Bouyssonie, Morwood, Flores,
paleontologist, skeleton, paleontology, life, science,
biology, natural, selection, cladogram, tree, species,
genus, genera, speciation, age, radiometric,
geology, sediments, preservation, fossilization
Human
Homeostasis
Adjust the levels of clothing, perspiration, and
exercise to maintain a stable internal temperature
as the external temperature changes. Water and
blood sugar levels need to be replenished
regularly, and fatigue occurs with heavy exercise.
Severe hypothermia, heat stroke, or dehydration
can result if internal stability is not maintained.
homeostasis, perspiration, exercise, endocrine,
body, human, anatomy, balance, regulation,
regulate, hypothermia, stroke, heat, sweat, gland,
shiver, shivering, temperature, internal, external,
life, science, biology, organ, systems, equilibrium,
somatic, autonomic, nervous, voluntary, involuntary,
conscious, unconscious, dehydration, sugar, blood
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 the gender of
the person.
human, chromosome, male, female, disease, sort,
karyotype, patient, subject, chemistry, physical,
biology, life
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.
nutrients, food, samples, test, tubes, carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, benedict, lugol, biuret, sudan, life,
chemistry
12
Inclined Plane Rolling Objects
Observe and compare objects of different shapes
as they roll or slide down an inclined plane.
Compare the percentages of translational and
rotational kinetic energy for each object, and see
how this affects how quickly each object moves.
The slope of each ramp can be adjusted, and a
variety of materials can be used for the objects
and ramp.
roll, inclined, plane, rotational, kinetic, energy,
potential, conservation, angular, moment, inertia,
disk, sphere, ball, ring, physics, translational, ramp,
rotate
Inclined Plane Simple Machine
Investigate how an inclined plane redirects and
reduces the force pulling a brick downward, with
or without friction. A toy car can apply a variable
upward force on the brick, and the mechanical
advantage and efficiency of the plane can be
determined. A graph of force versus distance
illustrates the concept of work.
inclined, plane, simple, machine, mechanical,
advantage, work, friction, decomposition, force,
potential, kinetic, energy, applied, physics,
efficiency, ramp, free, body, diagram, weight, height,
gravity, vector, decompose, physical, science,
Newton, Galileo, brick, block
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.
plane, inclined, friction, slide, sliding, mu, brick,
potential, kinetic, energy, conservation, velocity,
ramp, inclination, physics, physical, science
Interdependence of
Plants and Animals
Discover how animals, plants, and sunlight
interact to maintain a balance of gases in Earth’s
atmosphere. Place aquatic plants and pond snails
into sealed test tubes and incubate in a light or
dark room. Measure concentrations of dissolved
carbon dioxide using the indicator brom thymol
blue, and use this information to infer oxygen
levels as well.
Biology, photosynthesis, respiration, plant, animal,
oxygen, carbon, dioxide, CO2, O2, glucose,
atmosphere, atmospheric, cycle, balance,
dependence, interdependence, producer,
consumer, autotroph, autotrophic, heterotroph,
heterotrophic, elodea, anacharis, snail, brom,
thymol, bromthymol, bromothymol, ecosystem,
environment, global, greenhouse, concentration,
indicator.
Interference
Patterns
The wave crests of two sound sources are visually
represented by concentric circles. The position of
one sound source can be adjusted so that
patterns of constructive and destructive
interference can be observed.
interference, pattern, wave, crest, constructive,
destructive, sound, physics, physical,
ExploreScience
Intro to E & M
This introduction to the principles of electricity and
magnetism provides an overview of static and
moving charges, magnetism, creating electricity
with magnets, magnetic fields produced by
electrical currents, and a brief introduction to
circuits.
electricity, magnetism, charge, static, moving, pole,
circuit, lightning, physics, physical, ExploreScience
Intro to Plasma
An introduction to plasma and the states of
matter. Topics presented include atoms,
elements, molecules, states of matter, density,
and units (conversion and scientific notation).
plasma, matter, states, atoms, molecules, elements,
density, units, conversion, chemistry, physical,
physics, ExploreScience
13
Ionic Bonds
Simulate ionic bonds between a variety of metals
and nonmetals. Select a metal and a nonmetal,
and transfer electrons from one to the other.
Observe the effect of gaining and losing electrons
on charge, and rearrange the atoms to represent
the molecular structure. Additional metal and
nonmetal atoms can be added to the screen, and
the resulting chemical formula can be displayed.
chemistry, chemical, atom, element, ion, ionic,
bond, bonding, electron, charge, attraction,
repulsion, crystal, crystalline, affinity, valence,
formula, salt, molecule, compound, metal, nonmetal
Laser Reflection
Point a laser at a mirror and record the incoming
angle as well as the angle after the reflection from
the mirror. A protractor can be used to measure
the angles of incidence and reflection, and the
angle of the mirror can be adjusted. A beam
splitter can be used to split the beam, and nonideal mirrors can be used.
light, reflection, angle, incidence, reflected,
protractor, laser, physics, physical
Limiting Reactants
Explore the concept of limiting reactants, nonlimiting reactants, and theoretical yield in a
chemical reaction. Select from two different
reactions, choose the number of molecules for the
reactants, and then observe the products created
and reactants left over.
limiting, reactants, chemistry, chemical, reaction,
stoichiometry, molecule, balance, equations, yield,
products, physical, reagents
Microevolution
Observe the propagation of longitudinal
(compression) waves in a closed or open tube
with evenly-spaced dividers. The strength and
frequency of the waves can be manipulated, or
waves can be observed as individual pulses.
Compare the movement of dividers to graphs of
displacement, velocity, acceleration and pressure.
Observe the effect of predators on a diverse
population of parrots. The initial percentages and
fitness levels of each genotype can be set.
Determine how initial fitness levels affect
genotype and allele frequencies through several
generations. Test predictions about what initial
conditions lead to equilibrium, and which lead to
extinction.
Moment of Inertia
(Classic)
Wrap a string around a bike tire, run the string
across a pulley, and place some mass at the end
of the string. You will learn about the moment of
inertia and rotational motion as the string pulls on
the edge of the wheel, causing it to spin. Varying
masses can be placed on the spokes of the bike
tire.
Longitudinal Waves
wave, longitudinal, long, compression, pressure,
propagate, medium, sound, molecule, amplitude,
wavelength, strength, pulse, displacement,
interference, reflect, reflection, slinky, spring,
rarefaction, rarefy, echo, standing, sine, sinusoidal,
air, seismic, p-wave, p, standing, resonate,
resonance, node, antinode, harmonic, mechanical,
tuning, fork, cork, tube, disk, divider, firecracker, fire,
cracker, dynamite, physics, physical, science
biology, genetics, allele, parrot, incomplete,
dominance, equilibrium, stability, hardy, weinberg,
population, gene, ecology, percent, mendelian,
codominance, evolution, natural, selection,
adaptation, adapt, dominant, recessive, life,
science, heterozygous, homozygous, genotype,
phenotype
moment, inertia, rotational, motion, wheel, physics,
physical, ExploreScience
14
Moonrise, Moonset,
and Phases
Gain an understanding of the Moonrise and
Moonset times by observing the relative positions
of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, along with a view of
the Moon from the Earth. A line showing the
horizon for a person standing on the Earth is
displayed so the rise and set times can be easily
recorded. Also, learn about the face of the Moon
viewed from Earth by studying the revolution and
rotation of the Earth and the Moon.
moon, phases, full, new, sun, earth, orbit, period,
rotation, moonrise, moonset, earth, physical
Mouse Genetics
(One Trait)
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. Punnet squares can be
used to predict results.
mouse, mice, genetics, fur, color, statistics,
probability, house, punnet, squares, dominant,
recessive, genes, traits, life, biology
Mouse Genetics
(Two Traits)
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.
Punnet squares can be used to predict results.
mouse, mice, genetics, eye, fur, color, statistics,
probability, house, punnet, squares, dominant,
recessive, genes, allele, Mendel, trait, character,
chromosome, Punnett, biology, life, independentevents, independent, genotype, phenotype,
homozygous, heterozygous, purebred, pea
Mystery Powder
Analysis
Perform multiple experiments using several
common powders such as corn starch, baking
powder, baking soda, salt, and gelatin. The results
of the research on the known powders can the be
used to analyze several unknowns using the
scientific method. The unknowns can be a single
powder or a combination of the known powders.
mystery, powder, corn, starch, test, tube, unknown,
baking, soda, salt, gelatin, chemistry, physical
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.
moth, adaptation, evolution, pollution,
environmental, impact, species, hunt, peck,
peppered, life, biology, earth, physical, Darwin,
selection, variety, adapt, predator, competition,
survival, fittest, fitness, camouflage, life, science
Nuclear Decay
Observe the five main types of nuclear decay:
alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron
emission, and electron capture. Write nuclear
equations by determining the mass number and
atomic number of daughter products and emitted
particles.
nuclear, decay, radiation, radioactivity, radioactive,
physics, physical, chemistry, nucleus, nuclei, proton,
electron, neutron, positron, alpha, beta, gamma,
energy, weak, strong, quark, subatomic, atom,
element, atomic, antimatter, uranium, radium,
carbon, polonium, Curie, isotope, unstable,
transmutation, cancer
Ocean Mapping
Use a sonar on a boat to remotely measure the
depth of an ocean at various locations. Gain an
understanding on how topographical maps and
3D models are created after data collection, even
when complete information is not provided (data
can be limited).
ocean, mapping, measurement, depth, boat, water,
technique, surveying, sonar, earth, physical
15
Planets orbit around the sun and moons orbit
around planets due to gravitational forces acting
on the objects. Manipulate the mass, position, and
initial velocity for a range of "planets" in an effort
to build a stable solar system.
orbital, motion, gravitational, force, gravity,
astronomy, Kepler, kepler, earth, physical,
ExploreScience
Orbital Motion Kepler's Laws
Learn Kepler's three laws of planetary motion by
examining the orbit of a planet around a star. The
initial position, velocity, and mass of the planet
can be varied as well as the mass of the star.
Kepler's, Kepler, planetary, orbit, planet, sun, star,
gravity, gravitation, force, centrifugal, solar, system,
heliocentric, geocentric, eccentricity, space, ellipse,
focus, period, semimajor, axis, conics, semi-major,
period, distance, Newton, Galileo, Copernicus,
astronomy, revolution, Earth, science, physics,
physical
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.
osmosis, concentration, cell, wall, blood, nucleus,
size, explode, solution, equilibrium, biology, life,
chemistry
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.
paramecium, euglena, ameba, amoeba,
homeostasis, hypertonic, hypotonic, concentration,
regulation, water, membrane, osmosis, diffusion,
vacuole, contractile, unicellular, protist , protista,
protozoa, microorganism, solute, runoff, nutrient,
salt, pond, life, biology, cell, transport, active
Penumbra Effect
Observe how partial shadows are cast by multiple
light sources. The number of light sources ranges
from one to five, and lights can be turned on or
off. The distance and diameter of the shadowcasting object can be varied, and the light
intensity can be seen on a detector.
light, optics, optical, ray, eclipse, lunar, solar, moon,
earth, sun, shadow, orbit, partial, umbra, penumbra,
corona, astronomy, physics, space, three,
dimension, dimensional, 3D, electromagnetism,
wave, electromagnetic, ray
Period of a
Pendulum
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an
understanding of the period during simple
harmonic motion. The gravity, length and mass of
the pendulum can be adjusted, and data can be
collected by measuring the time between swings
of the pendulum.
pendulum, period, oscillation, oscillate, harmonic,
time, physics, physical
Period of a
Pendulum - Large
Angle
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an
understanding of the period and the dependence
on the angular range of the swing. The gravity, the
length and mass of the pendulum, along with the
initial angle (which can be very large) can be
adjusted, and data can be collected by measuring
the time between pendulum swings.
pendulum, period, oscillation, oscillate, harmonic,
time, angle, large, physics, physical
Orbit Simulator
16
Period of Mass on a
Spring
Perform experiments with a mass on the end of a
spring to gain an understanding of the period
during simple harmonic motion. The gravity,
spring constant, and mass hanging from the
spring can be adjusted, and data can be collected
by measuring the time between oscillations of the
mass.
spring, period, oscillation, oscillate, harmonic, time,
constant, physics, physical
pH Analysis
Test the acidity of many common everyday
substances using pH paper. Materials including
soap, lemon juice, milk, and oven cleaner can be
tested by comparing the color of the pH strips to
the calibrated scale.
acids, bases, rain, soap, lemon, tests, strips, acidity,
chemistry, physical
pH Analysis: Quad
Color Indicator
Test the acidity of many common everyday
substances using pH paper (four color indicators).
Materials including soap, lemon juice, milk, and
oven cleaner can be tested by comparing the
color of the pH strips to the calibrated scale.
acids, bases, rain, soap, lemon, tests, strips, acidity,
chemistry, physical
Phase Changes
Explore the relationship between molecular
motion, temperature, and phase changes.
Compare the molecular structure of solids, liquids,
and gases. Graph temperature changes as ice is
melted and water is boiled. Find the effect of
altitude on phase changes. The starting
temperature, ice volume, altitude, and rate of
heating or cooling can be adjusted.
Phase, change, freeze, freezing, melt, melting, boil,
boiling, vapor, vaporization, condensation, graph,
molecule, temperature, solid, liquid, gas, ice, water,
steam, condensation, kinetic, velocity, heat, energy,
thermodynamics, condense, chemistry, physics,
physical
Phased Array
(Classic)
Using four closely spaced objects that produce
waves, the spacing, frequency, and phase shift of
each wave source can be adjusted. Wave crests
from each source is visible, and with all four
sources you can see regions of constructive
interference that move over time. This is known as
a phased array and has real-world applications
such as radar and ultrasound.
phased, array, ultrasound, interference,
constructive, shift, physics, physical,
ExploreScience
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 frequency and
intensity of the light can be adjusted. An electric
field can be created to resist the electrons and
measure their initial energies.
physics, electron, photoelectric, photo-electric, light,
wave, quanta, quantum, work function, frequency,
wavelength, intensity, voltage, potential, kinetic,
energy, emission, emit, Einstein, Planck, metal
Photosynthesis Lab
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.
photosynthesis, light, wavelength, plants, oxygen,
carbon, dioxide, green, biology, life, chlorophyll,
chloroplast, dark, reaction, glucose, water,
temperature, wavelength, color, sun, Blackman
17
Populations and
Samples
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.
Move the Earth at various locations to observe the
effects of the motion of the tectonic plates,
including volcanic eruptions. Information about
each of the major types of plate collisions is
shown, along with the typical location on the
Earth.
Compare sample distributions drawn from
population distributions. Predict characteristics of
a population distribution based on a sample
distribution and examine how well a small sample
represents a given population.
Porosity
Pour water on a variety of sediment samples to
find how much water can be absorbed by the
sample (porosity) and how easily water flows
through the sample (permeability).
porous, porosity, dirt, sand, flow, rate, rock, silt,
water, earth, physical
Potential Energy on
Shelves
Compare the potential energy of several objects
when you place them on shelves of different
heights. Learn that two objects at different heights
can have the same potential energy, while two
objects at the same height can have different
potential energy.
potential, energy, shelf, shelves, mass, paper, clip,
physics, physical
Pith Ball Lab
Plate Tectonics
Rabbit Population
by Season
Use a pulley system to lift a heavy weight to a
certain height. Measure the force required to lift
the weight using up to three fixed and three
movable pulleys. The weight to be lifted and the
efficiency of the pulley system can be adjusted,
and the height of the weight and the total input
distance are reported.
Observe the population of rabbits in an
environment over many years. The land available
to the rabbits can be adjusted, as well as the
weather conditions, in order to compare the
effects of urban sprawl and unusual weather on
wildlife populations.
Rainfall and Bird
Beaks
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.
Pulley Lab
coulomb, pith, charges, repel, repulsion, attraction,
forces, gravitational, gravity, static, electricity,
electrical, physics, physical
earthquake, seismic, volcano, divergent,
boundaries, convergent, collisional, transform, crust,
earth, physical
frequency, histogram, population, distribution,
statistics, stats, math, mean, sampling, stats,
confidence, sample
simple, machine, pulley, work, force, joule, newton,
weight, lift, block, tackle, energy, conservation,
wheel, rope, system, efficiency, friction, physical,
science, physics
rabbits, seasons, fence, population, winter, summer,
fall, grass, yard, weather, human, sprawl, urban,
farmland, biology, life, carrying, capacity,
ecosystem, habitat, overpopulation, equilibrium,
cycle
rainfall, bird, beak, change, response, extinct,
thickness, evolution, adaptation, biology, life,
Darwin, adapt, finch, Galapagos, island, speciation,
species, habitat, drought
18
Ray Tracing
(Lenses)
Experiment with a dynamic lens. Manipulate the
position of an object and measure the distance
and size of the image cast by a lens of variable
strength. Observe the focusing of various light
rays emanating from the object.
lens, lenses, magnify, magnification, focal,
curvature, optics, ray, tracing, rays, focus,
convergence, apparent, virtual, image, inverted,
principal, axis, glasses, Galileo, telescope,
microscope, concave, convex, light, candle, refract,
refraction
Reverse the Field
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.
Measure the time required to "point and click"
when the mouse behaves in a normal fashion,
and when the direction of motion is reversed from
left to right, up to down, or both. Run several
experiments in each mode to see if your brain and
muscles are able to adapt to the new direction of
motion. Determine which type of inversion is
easiest to adjust to, and whether you can train
yourself to function normally when the inversion is
present.
RNA and Protein
Synthesis
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins
through RNA transcription and translation. Learn
about the many steps involved in protein
synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation
of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome,
and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
rna, dna, protein, synthesis, nucleus, enzyme,
strand, mrna, transcription, translation, chemistry,
physical, biology, life, Watson, Crick, amino,
mutation
Rock Classification
Try to classify a dozen different rock samples
using just the appearance. Common
characteristics of each major rock classification is
provided to help in the classification. One can also
attempt to classify the rocks by the location where
they are commonly found in nature.
rock, classify, classification, appearance,
description, descriptive, igneous, sedimentary,
metamorphic, earth, physical, geology
Refraction
Rock Cycle
Roller Coaster
Physics
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. Facts
about each location will be presented, along with
images of particular types of rocks.
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 height 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
potential, kinetic, and total energies, and the x and
y components of position, velocity, and
acceleration.
wave, front, wavelength, frequency, peak, trough,
normal, incidence, refraction, reflection, medium,
substance, velocity, speed, particle, light, sound,
pressure, rarefaction, compression, amplitude,
length, angle, ray, physical, science, physics
Reverse, field, coordination, hand, eye, vision,
visual, inversion, brain, adapt, adaptation, invert,
image, reflex, learning, learn, see, sight, goggles,
Stratton, Kohler, nerve, nervous, neuroscience,
psychology, human, behavior, scientific, method,
science, fair, life, mouse, typewriter, change,
direction, class, test, data, collection, reflexes,
biology, life
rock, cycle, magma, volcano, lava, dirt, sand,
igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, earth, physical,
geology
roller, coaster, friction, energy, potential, kinetic,
crack, egg, break, hills, physics, physical, position,
velocity, acceleration
19
Rotation/Revolution
of Venus and Earth
Observe the motion of people standing on Venus
and the Earth as the planets move around the
sun. With the rotation and revolution of the planets
(and the Earth's moon), the length of days and
years on different planets can be measured, as
well as the retrograde motion of Venus.
revolution, rotation, planet, orbit, solar, system,
astronomy, astronomical, earth, moon, retrograde,
earth, physical
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.
Seasons in 3D
Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons
by observing the Earth as it orbits the Sun in three
dimensions. Create graphs of solar intensity and
day length, and use collected data to describe and
explain seasonal changes.
earth, moon, sun, seasons, time, latitude, axis, orbit,
revolution, rotation, sunrise, sunset, altitude,
shadow, horizon, dimension, dimensional, 3D,
hemisphere, northern, southern, equinox, solstice,
north, pole, arctic, south, tropic, capricorn, equator,
seasonality, climate, weather, temperature, solar,
energy, summer, fall, autumn, winter, spring, day,
month, year
earth, moon, sun, summer, fall, autumn, winter,
spring, day, month, year, seasons, time, latitude,
axis, orbit, revolution, rotation, sunrise, sunset,
altitude, azimuth, shadow, horizon, dimension,
dimensional, 3D, hemisphere, northern, southern,
equinox, solstice, north, pole, arctic, south, tropic,
capricorn, equator, seasonality, climate, weather,
temperature, solar, energy, march, june, september,
december
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.
earth, moon, sun, seasons, time, latitude, axis, orbit,
revolution, rotation, sunrise, sunset, altitude,
azimuth, shadow, horizon, dimensions, dimensional,
3D, hemisphere, northern, southern, month, year,
day, compass, direction
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.
sunlight, seasons, winter, summer, temperature,
reflection, earth, physical
Seed Germination
Perform experiments with several seed types to
see what conditions yield the highest germination
(sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds
can be studied, and the temperature, water and
light in the germination chamber can be
controlled. No two trials will have the same result,
so repeated trials and data analysis can be used.
seeds, plant, grow, sprouts, germination, germinate,
biology, life
20
Shoot the Monkey!
Fire a banana cannon at a monkey in a tree. The
monkey drops from the tree at the moment the
banana is fired from the cannon. Determine where
to aim the cannon so the monkey catches the
banana. The position of the cannon, launch angle
and initial velocity of the banana can be varied.
Students can observe the velocity vectors and the
paths of the monkey and banana.
shoot, monkey, banana, hunter, blood, spatter,
cannon, fall, free, freefall, free-fall, projectile,
motion, velocity, component, vector, magnitude,
horizontal, vertical, acceleration, gravity, launch,
angle, initial, decompose, decomposition, project,
throw, drop, Galileo, Newton, trigonometry, trig,
sine, cosine, tangent, sin, cos, tan, theta, physics,
physical, science
Sight vs. Sound
Reflexes
Measure your reaction time by clicking your
mouse as quickly as possible when visual or
auditory stimuli are presented. The individual
response times are recorded, as well as the
average and standard deviation for each test. A
histogram of data shows overall trends in sight
and sound response times. The type of test as
well as the symbols and sounds used are chosen
by the user.
sight, sound, reflexes, response, time, life, reaction,
response, stimulus, stimuli, nerve, neuron, nervous,
human, behavior, conditioning, learn, learning,
somatic, voluntary, involuntary, motor, sense,
sensory, hear, ear, see, eye, eyesight, organ, test,
science, biology, statistics, standard, deviation,
spread, variance, mean, average, scientific, method,
histogram, normal, curve, experiment, fair, project
Solar System
Explorer
Observe two different forms of simple harmonic
motion: a pendulum and a spring supporting a
mass. Use a stopwatch to measure the period of
each as you adjust the gravity, spring constant,
mass hanging from the spring, length of the
pendulum, and mass of the pendulum.
Step through 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, when planets will
align, and why space probes are often launched
at certain times.
Solubility and
Temperature
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of
water to create a solution, observe that the
chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then
measure the concentration of the solution at the
saturation point. Either sodium chloride or
potassium nitrate can be added to the water, and
the temperature of the water can be adjusted.
solubility, dissolve, stir, saturation, beaker,
temperature, chemistry, physical
Sound Beats and
Sine Waves
Listen to and see interference patterns produced
by sound waves with similar frequencies. Test
your ability to distinguish and match sounds as
musicians do when they tune their instruments.
Calculate the number of "sound beats" you will
hear based on the frequency of each sound.
[Note: Headphones are recommended for this
Gizmo.]
hear, hearing, decibel, frequency, hertz, sound,
wave, level, sine, curve, graph, physics, physical,
wavelength, music, pitch, tone, harmonic, ear,
eardrum, deafness, deaf, tinnitus, tuning, range,
listen, nerve, nervous, system, auditory, audio,
oscilloscope, headphone, acoustics, db, phon, sone,
cosine, beat, interference, tartini, amplitude, human,
harmonics, string, standing, harmony
Simple Harmonic
Motion
pendulum, spring, period, oscillation, oscillate,
harmonic, bounce, swing, physics, physical,
frequency, watch, clock, k, Hooke, Huygens,
Galileo, Harrison
solar, system, planets, earth, orbits, periods, years,
ellipse, circular, kepler, radius, physical, earth,
astronomy, dwarf
21
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 red-shifted
stars, nebulas, and stars with large planets.
Star, spectrum, spectra, astronomy, earth, science,
light, color, wave, wavelength, nebula, galaxy,
planet, red, shift, Hubble, telescope, binary, bang,
giant, dwarf, nova, supernova, sequence,
Hertzsprung, Russell, electromagnetic, helium,
hydrogen, prism, ionic, sodium, flame
Stoichiometry
Solve problems in chemistry using dimensional
analysis. Select appropriate tiles so that units in
the question are converted into units of the
answer. Tiles can be flipped, and answers can be
calculated once the appropriate unit conversions
have been applied.
stoichiometry, chemistry, chemical, equation,
balance, mole, molar, molecule, atom, particle,
reaction, molarity, molality, avogadro, compound,
substance, particle, composition, reactant, product,
conservation, dimensional, dimension, mass,
volume, gram, liter, units, conversion
Subtractive Color
v2
Move spots of yellow, cyan, and magenta paint on
a white surface. As the colors overlap, other
colors can be seen due to color subtraction. The
color of most things you see, such as cars,
leaves, paintings, houses and clothes, are due to
color subtraction. The intensity of the cyan,
magenta, and yellow can be adjusted, and the
RGB values at any location can be measured.
color, subtraction, subtractive, paint, splotches,
blobs, RGB, rgb, physics, physical
Tides
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.
Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and
neap tides on Earth by observing the tidal heights
and the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
Tidal bulges can be observed from space, and
water depths can be recorded from a dock by the
ocean.
Torque and Moment
of Inertia
One of the simplest machines is a see-saw lever.
Place up to eight objects on the lever at different
locations and try to balance it. Calculate net
torque and moment of inertia based on the
positions of the objects and the mass of the bar.
The mass of each object can be changed, and the
fulcrum position can be shifted as well.
mass, newton, second, law, rotational, rotate,
mechanics, kinematics, angular, momentum,
moment, inertia, torque, balance, superposition,
center, gravity, centroid, sum, frequency, physics,
physical, mechanics, vector, force, seesaw,
gravitational, weight, fulcrum, lever
Triple Beam
Balance
Learn how to determine the mass of an object
using a triple beam balance. The mass of a
variety of objects can be determined using this
simulated version of a common real-world
laboratory tool for measurement.
balance, weight, scale, triple, beam, mass,
measurement, device chemistry, physical, physics
Temperature and
Particle Motion
Temperature, molecule, particle, Maxwell,
Boltzmann, distribution, statistical, mechanics,
Kelvin, absolute, zero, Avogadro, velocity, kinetic,
energy, heat, physics, chemistry, collision, speed,
mass, motion, Celsius, gas, ideal
tides, moon, sun, spring, neap, tidal, gravitational,
gravity, centripetal, centrifugal, force, height, pier,
dock, sinusoidal, trigonometry, sine, pulling, oceans,
earth, physical
22
Two-Dimensional
Harmonic Motion
A puck on a flat table is placed between four
springs in the x/y plane. The mass, initial velocity,
and position of the puck can be adjusted, as well
as the spring constants. Explore the conditions
needed to have linear, circular, or diagonal motion
occur.
harmonic, motion, spring, force, vibration, vibrate,
puck, physics, physical, ExploreScience
Ultrasound: How
Does it Work?
Learn about the real-world principles behind an
ultrasound scan, such as the phased array and
reflection of waves. Perform a scan on a patient to
get a clear visualization of the images produced
during the ultrasound.
ultrasound, medical, baby, image, phased, array,
doctor, physics, physical, ExploreScience
Vectors
Measure the position, velocity, and acceleration
(both components and magnitude) of an object
undergoing circular motion. The radius and
velocity of the object can be controlled, along with
the mass of the object. The forces acting on the
object can also be recorded.
Manipulate the magnitude and direction of two
vectors to generate a sum and learn vector
addition. The x and y components can be
displayed, along with the dot product of the two
vectors.
Virus Life Cycle
(Lytic)
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.
virus, virii, viruses, disease, hiv, infected, cells, life,
biology, exponential
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.
pollution, cycle, mountains, city, waterfall,
evaporation, rivers, cities, circulation, water,
environment, chemistry, physical, life, earth, biology,
resources, phase, change, energy, wastewater, ice,
snow, river, aquifer, reservoir, ocean, atmosphere,
precipitation, condensation, runoff, wastewater
Water Pollution
Get to know the four main types of pollution
present in the environment, and then look at a
variety of real–world examples as you try to guess
what type of pollution is represented by each
situation. All of the real–world situations can be
viewed every day in different parts of the world.
water, pollution, society, earth, environmental,
concerns, toxic, sediment, nutrient, bacterial,
physical, life
X-ray Imaging
Use x-ray imaging to peer inside a mystery
patient. X-ray images may be taken from two
different directions and, when working in pairs,
one person can arrange and hide the objects
inside the patient and have the other student try to
determine the arrangement of objects.
xray, x-ray, x ray, imaging, image, medical,
medicine, bones, physics, physical, ExploreScience
Uniform Circular
Motion
uniform, circular, motion, centripetal, centrifugal,
spinning, physics, physical, sine, cosine, sinusoidal,
trigonometry
vectors, dot, product, addition, components,
physics, physical
23