PP+ Image Formation vs Gregor Mendel

The Image Formation Using Lenses lab uses an optical bench to determine the focal length of a converging lens and to investigate the relationship between the object distance and the image distance. It is part of Polyhedron Physics Plus, a set of 24 iPad apps for use in the classroom. To see how they work, try the FREE PP+ Newton’s 2nd Law lab. For those who’d prefer to develop their own experiments, the PP Optical Bench & Lenses app features a similar apparatus without lab procedures and other supporting materials. In addition to a 3D simulation that produces realistic data, each lab includes introductory videos, background theory, experimental procedure, analysis and reporting tools, pre-lab quiz, post-lab questions, and teacher support materials. The experimental data produced by the simulations are realistic, including random and systematic errors. These features allow students to use standard data analysis and error analysis techniques to report on their own unique data, just as if the experiment had been performed using hands-on equipment. These labs can serve as replacements for hands-on labs, especially when equipment is not available, or as supplements to hands-on labs. They are also a suitable option for students in distance learning and home school situations. Formative and summative evaluations showed no significant difference in learning between students using the virtual labs and those using hands-on labs. Preliminary results suggest increased learning by students using the virtual labs as supplements to hands-on. Polyhedron Physics was developed by Polyhedron Learning Media, Inc. with partial funding provided under contract numbers ED-07-CO-0040 and ED-IES-11-C-0029 from the Institute of Education Sciences in the U.S. Department of Education through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

With this app students learn about the life and contributions to botany and the study of genetics made by Gregor Mendel. It discusses Mendel's studies of dominant and recessive traits in pea plants. Gregor Mendel was a monk. At the monastery where he lived there was a large garden and this gave Mendel an opportunity to collect a huge amount of data about plants. Through meticulous data collection Mendel was able to develop a theory to explain how genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next. Mendel focused his research on seven traits: the color of the seeds (green or yellow), the height of the plant (tall or dwarf), the shape of the pea (smooth or wrinkled), the color of the flower (purple or white), the shape of the pod (inflated or constricted), the color of the pod (yellow or green), and the position of the flowers (axial or terminal). With this app students learn about the significant contributions that Mendel's experiments revealed. His work involved growing and cross-breeding thousands of specimens. He counted and classified the plants according to the seven traits. Mendel's research showed that a dominant trait appears in the offspring if it is contributed from a parent through a dominant allele. Traits are referred to as phenotypes. Mendel conducted simple experiments in hybridization with pea plants. He challenged the common idea at the time that reproduction resulted in a blending of traits. Students will enjoy using this graphically illustrated, interactive learning tool. The timeline feature presents key events in the history of genetics and tapping on timeline points brings up descriptions of each historical event and tells about its significance. A quiz function helps students demonstrate their comprehension of the reading material. Key mathematical and scientific concepts are shown in colorful illustrations. We hope this app will inspire students to study science. The app shows that Gregor Mendel certainly deserves an important place in the history of botany, genetics and science in general.