Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab vs Vernier Graphical Analysis

The virtual lab includes four modules that investigate different concepts in evolutionary biology, including adaptation, convergent evolution, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive isolation, and speciation. Each module involves data collection, calculations, analysis and answering questions. The “Educators” tab includes lists of key concepts and learning objectives and detailed suggestions for incorporating the lab in your instruction. The lab is appropriate for students in high school biology and environmental science classes, and undergraduate biology, ecology, environmental science courses. The focus on observation, measurement, and experimental methods makes the lab a good fit for addressing "science as a process" or "nature of science" aspects of the curriculum. The emphasis on the collection, analysis, and graphing of data, connects to the mathematical dimension of biology and general goals of STEM integration. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a nonprofit medical research organization that ranks as one of the nation's largest philanthropies. HHMI plays a powerful role in advancing biomedical research and science education. HHMI brings the latest biomedical research into the classroom with the award-winning BioInteractive website, featuring free resources for science education, including lectures, animations, short films, interactive features, and classroom-ready lesson plans and activities. Topics include all areas of biology and earth and environmental science. Vist the website at www.biointeractive.org.

Graphical Analysis™ is a tool for science students to collect, graph, and analyze data from Vernier sensors. Sensor data-collection support: • Vernier Go Direct® sensors - with Bluetooth® wireless technology • Vernier Go Wireless® Heart Rate and Go Wireless Exercise Heart Rate monitors • Vernier LabQuest® sensors used with a LabQuest Stream interface Additional experiment options: • Data Sharing via Wi-Fi connection to LabQuest 2 or Logger Pro® 3 • Manual Entry Note: Sensor data collection and Data Sharing require the purchase of hardware from Vernier Science Education. Manual entry of data can be performed without a hardware purchase. For more information on Data Sharing, visit http://www.vernier.com/css Key Features - Data Collection • Multi-sensor data-collection support • Time Based, Event Based, Drop Counting, and Photogate data-collection modes • Configurable data-collection rate and duration for time-based data collection • Optional triggering of time-based data collection based on sensor value • Customizable unit display on supported sensors • Sensor calibrations • Option to zero and reverse sensor readings • Graph match feature for use with motion detectors • Manual entry of data from keyboard and clipboard Key Features - Data Analysis • Display one, two, or three graphs simultaneously • View data in a table or show a graph and table side-by-side • Draw Predictions on a graph to uncover misconceptions • Examine, interpolate/extrapolate, and select data • Use Tangent tool to show instantaneous rates of change of the data • Find area under a curve using the Integral tool • Apply Statistics calculations to find mean, min, max, and standard deviation • Perform curve fits, including linear, quadratic, natural exponent, and more • Add calculated columns based on existing data to linearize data or investigate related concepts Key Features - Collaboration and Sharing • Create text annotations and add graph titles • Export graphs and data for printing and inclusion in lab reports • Export data in .CSV format for analysis of data in spreadsheet software such as Excel, Google Sheets, and Numbers • Adjust font sizes for easier viewing when presenting to your class Vernier Science Education has over 35 years of experience in providing effective learning resources for understanding experimental data in science and math classrooms. Graphical Analysis 4 is a part of the extensive system of sensors, interfaces, and data-collection software from Vernier for science and STEM education.