about
product

About Variations In Life Science Investigations secondary science

The Variations in Life Science Investigations CD-ROM program uses the Measurement in Motion application to produce 24 investigations covering the same 12 life science topics as the Variations in Life Science videos, ranging from cells and microscopes to genetics.

The Variations in Life Science Investigations CD-ROM contains two investigations for each Variations video unit. The investigations enable students to explore these life science topics using computer technology. Text boxes on screen allow students to give in-depth responses to questions. Students can conduct investigations individually, in pairs, or in small groups, followed by class discussions to allow students to compare and share their new understanding of the concepts.

Here’s how it works...

Variations in Life Science Investigations begins with tutorials to help students navigate the program easily.

The tutorial helps students navigate the program. In this investigation, students examine the body position of an athlete as she walks, runs, and jogs, comparing her body angles and stride length for each physical activity.

Practical application of science content

A brief video introduces each topic, providing a synopsis of the life science content and introducing the two investigations in the topic. Throughout the investigations, students are challenged to think through stimulating problems—problems that require more than just a “yes” or “no” answer.

The Bacteria Unit begins with a video on what bacteria are and their role in the life cycle. The first investigation, “What do bacteria do?” shows 8 different bacteria classified by shape. It describes their size, motility, habitat, and function.

In the second investigation, students analyze data from a university study to determine if nitrogen-fixing bacteria are as effective as traditional chemical-based nitrogen fertilizer in fertilizing soybean plants. Each Variations in Life Science Investigation begins with a theory, and then leads students through a practical application of that theory.

Using graphs they construct, students analyze the data and, considering cost, make their recommendations to soybean farmers.

Throughout the 12 units, students apply mathematical skills such as graphing to interpret and analize data. The text boxes allow students to respond to questions that guide their learning.

The teacher’s guide

The accompanying Teacher’s Guide provides objectives, ideas on how teachers may use the investigations, hands-on activities for each topic, answer keys, and a resources list to extend the curriculum. These innovative laboratory activities contain detailed directions for special materials and solutions.

The creators of Variations in Life Science Investigations

Variations in Life Science Investigations was designed by the Educational Film Center, Annandale, VA, and Learning in Motion.

© 2004 Learning in Motion, Inc.