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Grades 9–12. In this 2-part kit, students observe 2 phenomena: cytoplasmic streaming and the locomotive movement of Physarum polycephalum plasmodium. Based on these observations, students make claims about how Physarum responds to its environment. They are asked to consider the mechanisms that drive the movement of Physarum and predict how it will respond to several different substances. Kit accommodates 10 student groups.

Grades 9–12. In this 2-part kit, students observe 2 phenomena: cytoplasmic streaming and the locomotive movement of Physarum polycephalum plasmodium. Based on these observations, students make claims about how Physarum responds to its environment. They are asked to consider the mechanisms that drive the movement of Physarum and predict how it will respond to several different substances. Students work as a class to design a testing strategy to determine the effects of the 5 substances on the locomotion of the plasmodium. They use the evidence to evaluate their predictions. Kit accommodates 10 student groups and includes FREE 1-year access to digital resources that support NGSS instruction. Note: Kit includes a voucher to request perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact us or return the voucher to request delivery of perishable materials.

This kit builds toward the following Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS):
Performance Expectations

• HS-LS1-3. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

• LS1.A: Structure and function

• Planning and carrying out investigations
• Engaging in argument from evidence

• Cause and effect

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.