Exploring and Investigating Using Web-based Simulations

In our Weather and Climate unit, students investigated the impact of carbon dioxide on temperature by "introducing" carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and analyzing graphs. In this simulation, students observed how greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation (heat), which in turn, increases temperature.

Recently, in our Space Science unit, 7th grade students explored the lunar cycle. Here, they're taking an initial look at the way the moon is lit, so that they can begin to understand the phases of the moon.

This year, the use of laptops in the science classroom has enabled students to use models (one of our Science and Engineering Practices) to aid their understanding of concepts, and explore and investigate using simulations.