Overview

Labster’s science educator team has curated a mini-collection of 5 simulations to help welcome students back to campus and set them up for success. This collection helps educators cover basic concepts early on in their course. Each simulation is designed to captivate students' attention, making important biology concepts accessible and engaging. This is just the beginning: there are many more biology course packages and collections to choose from, as well as introductory titles such as Lab Safety and Experimental Design. Use the Back to School Biology Collection to enhance learning outcomes and watch your students thrive!

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Intermolecular Forces (Principles): Rediscover the Forces to Save the World!

In the Intermolecular Forces (Principles) simulation, students explore the vital intermolecular forces that hold the world together. They will identify and differentiate between temporary dipoles, permanent dipoles, and hydrogen bonds. Through an engaging narrative, they’ll learn to predict how these forces affect molecular properties like state of matter and boiling point. This simulation combines chemistry and biology to provide a comprehensive understanding of molecular interactions.

Learning Objectives include:

• Identify three types of intermolecular forces: temporary dipoles, permanent dipoles, and hydrogen bonding
• Describe and predict how these intermolecular forces affect a molecules bulk properties, such as state of matter and boiling point
• Predict the types of intermolecular forces present between different molecules

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Cell Structure: Cell Theory and Internal Organelles

In Cell Structure: Cell Theory and Internal Organelles, students will dive into the intricate world of cells, learning to distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their unique structures. By using virtual microscopes and holo models, they’ll identify and match various organelles to their functions. This simulation helps students grasp the fundamentals of cell theory and the differences between plant and animal cells, preparing them for more advanced biological studies.

Learning Objectives include:

• Explain cell theory
• Describe the main differences between the prokaryotes, eukaryotes, plants and animals
• Describe the different intracellular and extracellular components forming eukaryotic cells

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Cellular Respiration (Principles): Measure energy consumption during exercise

The Cellular Respiration (Principles) simulation takes students on a journey through the stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. They will analyze blood glucose and lactic acid concentrations in athletes, compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and experiment with oxygen consumption in mice. This hands-on approach helps students understand how cells generate energy and the physiological impacts of exercise..

Learning Objectives include:

• Analyze blood glucose and lactic acid concentrations of athletes before and after exercise
• Outline the relationship between the cell, mitochondria and cellular respiration
• Compare aerobic and anaerobic cellular respiration
• Understand the role of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain in generating ATP
• Experiment on oxygen consumption in mice at various exercise intensities

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Meiosis: Understand How Traits Are Inherited

In the Meiosis simulation, students will join an IVF lab to learn about meiosis and genetic inheritance. They’ll use microscopy to observe meiosis phases, compare meiosis with mitosis, and understand the role of these processes in human reproduction. The simulation provides a practical understanding of how traits are passed on and how genetic diversity is achieved, all within the context of assisting a couple with IVF treatment.

Learning Objectives include:

• Outline how traits are inherited
• Use the microscope to observe the phases of meiosis and understand their main characteristics
• Compare phases and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis
• Evaluate how meiosis and mitosis build and maintain a complex organism
• Understand the basics of assisted reproduction technology

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Evolution: Are You Related to a Sea Monster?

In Evolution: Are You Related to a Sea Monster?, students will embark on an exciting mission to identify an unknown sea creature using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic trees. This simulation covers the basics of evolution, natural selection, and population genetics. By examining mutations and constructing evolutionary trees, students will learn how species adapt and evolve over time, addressing common misconceptions about evolutionary theory.

Learning Objectives include:

• Understand how populations evolve by adapting to their environment
• Understand the basic mechanisms of evolution
• Understand evolution as the foundation of biology and show evidence for it
• Use DNA sequencing and phylogenetic trees to identify an unknown creature
• Deal with common misconceptions about the theory of evolution

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You can browse this collection, and review and assign individual simulations, by opening the Labster Catalog through your Course Manager or LMS login.