In this unit, students will investigate the concepts of genetic mutation and genetic engineering. They will construct a phylogenetic tree based upon genomic point mutations, research genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms, participate in a class debate, and create a persuasive artifact on the ethics of genetic engineering. To Download this unit, you MUST download [...]
This lesson is designed to be done independently, consecutively, or concurrently with the Rolling Resistance, Transmission, Electric Power Source, and Electric Motor Lessons for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Unit. Power efficiency is the goal of all good environmentally conscious designs. As you will see throughout the EV unit, there are many factors that influence this [...]
*Please note that while this unit is complete, we are in the process of updating both the curriculum and the standards. This activity will introduce students to the use of compressed air as a means of propulsion. The goal is to allow students to discover the relationship between the amount of compressed air and the [...]
This investigation is to introduce/solidify students’ working knowledge of sorting and classification. Through this process students will investigate light transmittance through everyday objects. The students will perform a simple flashlight test to classify objects into three predetermined groups; that of transparent, translucent, and opaque. Students will create class graphs to represent the discoveries. An in [...]
Although the sun is the primary source of energy for all life, it can also be considered a toxin. The essence of this lesson is to have students understand that a toxin is a poisonous substance and that the sun is an example of a toxin. Students will be introduced to other toxins including ones [...]
Students will explore wind and its ability to do work. Over the course of several short lessons students will observe wind in nature using a self-constructed anemometer and Beaufort scale. Through use of these tools students will measure the wind speed. Students will also design or use a prefabricated kite to test the winds ability [...]
Students inquire how to stop an oil leak in a model of the BP oil leak in the Gulf by simulating the situation in a 10 gallon aquarium. Students generate potential solutions, which are then tested and redesigned. Students learn about natural factors involved in this real life situation and scenario including ocean depth, properties of [...]
This activity will explore heat transfer and temperature conversion. Students will conduct Internet based inquiries on conduction, convection, and radiation to understand a thermal sensor lab. Use of the data collected from this lab will be implemented in the investigation, design, and testing of solar cooker. Through a provided scenario students employ their knowledge to [...]
In studies done with pilots testing cockpit displays, lower reaction times (more desirable) were found with chromatic color schemes when compared to monochrome codes. Careful management of color must be utilized to “meet legibility, attention management, and color coding demands” in the new complex cockpit and air traffic control displays. This investigation will help students [...]
Bacterial and fungal spores are all around us every day. Most of the bacteria that we encounter are not harmful to us but a few are and these can lead to undesirable, even fatal, outcomes. In this activity, students will design and construct a container with a germ free environment and will then test to [...]
