Biology – the branch of science concerned with the structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution of living and non-living organisms
Objectives
These are simulations designed for year 12 biology students and are based on NCEA level2 curriculum and Cambridge International A levels.
- The simulations test students biology knowledge and gets them to use what they have learned in simulated problems.
- Learned material can be aggregated into bigger “chunks” and then applied holistically to broader problems.
- In some sims, students are faced with the same decision as they would have in a real lab test.
- Other sims cover quantitative material that is part of the subject matter.
- The simulations can be run at home or in the classroom with students working individually or as teams.
- When playing the simulations hints can be requested, as well as the solution if the student cannot solve the problem first time.
- The simulations assist teachers by providing real time/rapid feedback of student’s performance that shows them what areas the class is having problems with, and which individual students are having trouble with the course.
- The simulations should be done one at a time as the content is covered in class.
- The simulation works well as homework, the teacher can easily check the homework is completed and see where students had trouble.
The simulations are based on the qualifications as shown in the table below.
Biology: NCEA Level 2 Achievement Standards
| AS | Description | Sim Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Carry out a practical biological investigation with supervision | Biological investigation |
| 2.2 | Research the interaction between humans and an aspect of biology | Interaction of humans and an aspect of biology |
| 2.3 | Describe genetic variation and change | Genetic variation and change |
| 2.4 | Investigate an interrelationship or pattern in an ecological population or community | Interrelationships and patterns in an ecological population or community |
| 2.5 | Describe concepts and processes relating to ecology | Ecology |
| 2.6 | Describe diversity in the structure and function of animals | Structure and function of animals |
| 2.7 | Describe diversity in the structure and function of plants | Structure and function of plants |
| 2.8 | Describe cell structure and function | Cell structure and function |
Biology: Cambridge International A Levels
| Topic | Sim Title |
|---|---|
| Ecology: Adaptations for survival - methods of avoiding extremes of climates Cycling systems Human activities Recycling of materials Variations in nutrient supply | Ecology |
| Circulation: Homeostasis Animals Plants | Circulation |
| Genetics: Behaviour Conditioning Nature, imprinting and social behavior | Genetics |
*Note: availability of some simulations based on certain achievement standards are limited due to authoring time constraints. However all simulations will be completed by December 2010.
Understanding the relationship among diet, exercise and weight – a 3-minute video clip
This video provides an example of the a biology simulation in action. It is the sim that was designed for the Auckland Grammar School year 12 and the main features of this are described. Students can learn the relationship among diet, exercise and weight and can develop a weight management plan. There would be several of these that would cover one NCEA achievement standard or CIE topic.
Components of the Sim
A sim consists of a teacher briefing, a student briefing, a video introduction, pre and post tests, the simulation, and use of the platform. Clicking on the active links above gives the resources used in the pilot and below is an image of the biology pilot simulation.
The Biology Pilot was not run
The “projected weight” sim was designed as described above, but was not actually run due to a administrative and timing issues. However, detailed feedback was obtained on how such sims could work with year 12 classes.
Click Contact us now if you need more information.
Click Join Us to join the community, give us your feedback and tell us your areas of interest.