AG Biology NGSS Simulator Labs

Photosynthesis & Crop Yield Simulator

🌿 LS1.C: Organization for Matter & Energy Flow · LS2.B: Cycles of Matter

Driving Question: How do environmental variables interact to determine the rate of photosynthesis and agricultural yield?

☀️ Light intensity 60%

💧 Water (mm/wk) 50 mm

🌬️ CO₂ (ppm) 400

🌡️ Temperature (°C) 25 °C

Photosynthesis Rate

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O₂ Output (mL/hr)

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Glucose Produced

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Predicted Yield

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🔬 Observation

Adjust the variables above to begin the simulation.

Science Practice: Analyzing data · Using mathematics and computational thinking

Plant Genetics & Trait Inheritance

🧬 LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits · LS3.B: Variation of Traits

Driving Question: How does Mendelian inheritance predict the distribution of traits in crop offspring?

Parent 1 Genotype

Parent 2 Genotype

Punnett Square

Phenotype distribution

Tall phenotype

Short phenotype

🔬 Punnett Square Result

Select parent genotypes above.

Science Practice: Developing and using models · Constructing explanations

Soil Ecosystem & Nutrient Cycling

🌍 LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships · ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems

Driving Question: How do decomposers and organic matter drive nutrient cycling in agricultural soil?

🐛 Decomposer population 50%

🍂 Organic matter 40%

💧 Soil moisture 60%

Nitrogen (ppm)

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Phosphorus (ppm)

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Soil pH

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Plant Health Index

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🔬 Observation

Adjust soil variables to observe nutrient cycling dynamics.

Science Practice: Constructing explanations · Engaging in argument from evidence

Natural Selection in Agricultural Crops

🔀 LS4.B: Natural Selection · LS4.C: Adaptation

Driving Question: How do selection pressures shift allele frequencies over generations in crop populations?

🐛 Pest pressure 40%

☀️ Drought stress 30%

🔄 Generations 5

Resistant plants

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Susceptible plants

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Fitness score

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Resistant allele freq.

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🔬 Observation

Set selection pressures and run the simulation to observe allele frequency change.

Science Practice: Using mathematics and computational thinking · Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information