Extending this concept, students are able to calculate the mass of the Sun. By modifying the distance between objects and the mass of objects, students are able to observe how these variables affect the orbital periods of planets in our Solar System. Use a computer simulation to observe how gravity is responsible for the motions within our Solar System. In this activity, you will use a computer simulation to model Earth’s orbit around the Sun to help understand why we observe these patterns. In this case, your point of view will be looking down on the Earth–Moon system from out in space.Įach year on Earth, we observe patterns of changing temperatures, daylight hours, and seasons. Use a computer simulation that will allow you to observe the Moon’s orbit around Earth from a different Similarities and differences between the geological processes that happen at the three plate boundaries. Students analyze and interpret data from the simulation to identify the Through this computer simulation, students investigate how Earth’s surface changes over time due to geological processes caused by plate motion. They look for patterns in the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes as a first step in discovering that Earth’s surface is broken into plates. In this activity, students use the science and engineering practice of analyzing and interpreting data as they map the locations of significant earthquakes and major volcanoes around the world. Geology Unit: Mapping Locations of Earthquakes and Volcanoes This will help determine if electric fields can be useful for the Moon transporter. In this activity, the gravitational field on the Moon will be simulated so you can design a transporter. Students also investigate the potential energy stored in the system of interacting charges.

The model enables students to ask and then investigate questions about what affects the direction and magnitude of forces in an electric field. This simulation allows students to visualize the interaction between static charges. Use a computer simulation to predict and analyze how trait frequency changes in your population when there is a change in the environment, such as improvements in health care or decreased levels of malaria.įields Unit: Visualizing an Electric Field You can find the resource links on this page. Gather information about two ways that people are intentionally affecting evolution to produce plants and animals that have traits that are desirable to people. From the data, begin to build a picture of how the ecosystem has changed. This interactive computer simulation helps review the ways that parts of a cell contribute to its function and compares plant and animal cell structures and functions.Įcology Unit: Effects of an Introduced SpeciesĬompare data collected by scientists in the years before and after the arrival of the zebra mussels.

Cells Unit: Modeling Cell Structure and Function

Online solar system simulator