Explore a protein and its components using a simplified representation to see structure; or a view of all atoms to see full details.

Learn about exponential decay in real-world situations. Problems involve the application of depreciation of an asset and radioactive decay. Learn to apply exponential decay equations and interpret graphs. This is the last of three activities for teaching and learning about exponential functions in algebra: Graphing Exponential Equations; Exponential Growth; and Exponential Decay.

Learn about exponential growth in real-world situations. Problems involve the application of compound interest and exponential population growth. This is the second of three activities for teaching and learning about exponential functions in algebra: Graphing Exponential Equations, Exponential Growth and Exponential Decay.

Explore the role of size and shape in the strength of London dispersion attractions. While all molecules are attracted to each other, some attractions are stronger than others. Non-polar molecules are attracted through a London dispersion attraction; the strength of the attraction depends on the shapes and sizes of the interacting molecules. The force of attractions between molecules has consequences for their interactions in physical, chemical and biological applications.

Explore the potential and kinetic energy as two atoms form a covalent bond.

Explore the balance of forces and electron distribution as two atoms are moved closer and further apart.

To combat the common misconception that all mutations have large effects on proteins, students experiment with the Protein Synthesis Simulation to learn about the relationship among DNA, codons, amino acids, and proteins. At first, students investigate a strand of DNA that includes all 20 amino acids. Then, they make guided changes to discover that sometimes a single change can stop most of the protein from being formed, while another change produces no noticeable affect at all. Next, they complete challenges to mutate a DNA strand, and conclude with a mini-research project on mutations.

This activity uses the phenomena of hydrogen-filled weather balloons and hot air balloons to explore some of the gas laws.

Explore how a particle model of gases works to predict the behavior of a syringe under various conditions.

In this dynamic data science game, students try to track down a speck of extremely dangerous radioactive material (the "source"), which has been lost somewhere in the middle of their lab. A special device measures the strength of the radiation and, if it's positioned correctly over the speck, can be used to collect it for safe disposal. But it's a tiny speck, so they have to give quite precise coordinates. They take measurements to figure out the speck's location, but must beware: as they take measurements, they're also accumulating radiation exposure. If they get too much, they'll lose the game and will have to start over. Can they find the source before it's too late? Using mathematical models, students generate useful strategies for winning the game with data.

How might Earth's temperature change in the future? Use this model to explore how changing human emissions of greenhouse gases might affect the temperature. The model incorporates positive and negative feedback loops. Ice cover and cloud cover change in response to the level of water vapor and temperature in the model.

Learn about exponential functions by graphing various equations representing exponential growth and decay. Graph these functions by connecting ordered pairs on x-y axes.

Students learn to graph the equation of a quadratic function using the coordinates of the vertex of a parabola and its x-intercepts. After completing this activity, students will be able to graph a parabola using a vertex and x-intercepts, identify the vertex of a parabola from a quadratic function in standard form and identify the x-intercepts of a quadratic function in standard form.

This model shows how the size of an object affects how much heat energy it holds and hence how much is needed to heat it up or cool it down. You can explore this by watching the heat transfer between two objects with different sizes and different temperatures.

This model shows how specific heat of an object determines how much heat energy it holds and hence how much is needed to heat it up or cool it down. You can explore this by watching the heat transfer between two objects with different specific heats and different temperatures.

Explore how heat transfers within a home through convection and how this process is affected by the state of the home's windows and wind outside. Both the state of the windows (open or closed) and presence of wind will affect this process. Convection is a specific form of heat transfer where heated air or fluid becomes lighter and rises above unheated air or fluid.

Learn how the code on a strand of DNA can be used to make a protein.

In this investigation, students will learn how non-polar interactions in combination with polar interactions they learned about in the previous unit effect shape of biological molecules and their function. This investigation builds towards PE HS-PS3-5 and PE HS-LS1-6.

This investigation focuses on how electric forces and energy are connected to molecules. Students will explore various simulations to build their understanding of the relationships among electric forces, energy, and the relative distance of two atoms. They will also explain the energy transfers that occur when molecules form and break using the concept of conservation of energy (developed in previous investigations). This investigation builds towards NGSS PEs MS-PS1-1 and HS-PS1-4.