Biology Simulations Blog

The Biology Simulations blog introduces the simulations used on the site, discusses new simulations that are in the works, and shares information about simulation and inquiry based learning.

Cell Structure

The cell structure game reviews organelle structures and functions. The game is divided into seven options.

Jolene Pappas

Nov 20, 20201 min read

How to make basic graphs on Google Sheets

Graphs are important parts of labs. In most of the labs I run in my classes, whether hands-on or simulated, students will at some point make

Jolene Pappas

Aug 14, 20202 min read

One bad apple...and ethylene

One rotten apple can, in fact, cause the whole storage unit to go rotten.

Jolene Pappas

Jun 5, 20202 min read

Diversity and species richness virtual labs

Biology Simulations offers two simulations that can be used for virtual labs that practice calculating diversity or richness.

Jolene Pappas

May 13, 20202 min read

Making Google docs for paperless submissions: How to add a text entry box

Here's a brief overview of how to use tables to create a text entry box in Google docs.

Jolene Pappas

May 6, 20202 min read

How to use chi-square to test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

This post demonstrates the use of chi-squared to test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Jolene Pappas

Mar 11, 20204 min read

How to calculate Simpson's Diversity Index (AP Biology)

Simpson's Diversity Index (SDI) is one approach to quantifying biodiversity.

Jolene Pappas

Feb 28, 20203 min read

Social Media

To help people stay informed about new simulations, resources, and various updates, Biology Simulations now has two social media accounts.

Jolene Pappas

Feb 26, 20201 min read

Evolution Simulation

In the Evolution: 10,000 students can track a population of fictional organisms over a 10,000 year time period.

Jolene Pappas

Feb 20, 20202 min read

Mutation

UV light is expected to induce mutations, most of which will kill the bacteria.

Jolene Pappas

Dec 27, 20192 min read

Connecting simulations to real-world examples

Real systems often have variables that, even if understood, cannot be fully controlled for.

Jolene Pappas

Nov 16, 20192 min read

Using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators

Macroinvertebrates can simulate a river quality study using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators.

Jolene Pappas

Oct 27, 20192 min read

Summary of simulations (2019)

This post describes all of the simulations available going into the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

Jolene Pappas

Jul 11, 20194 min read

Cell Energy Simulation

The cell energy simulation can be used for photosynthesis, respiration, and primary productivity virtual labs.

Jolene Pappas

May 31, 20192 min read

Independent assortment, linked genes, and recombination

Alleles of genes close to each other on the same chromosome don't have an equal chance of being sorted into different gametes.

Jolene Pappas

Apr 9, 20195 min read

Fictional scenarios for simulations

Why do the simulations on Biology Simulations focus on fictional organisms instead of utilizing real-world examples? Learning about the...

Jolene Pappas

Mar 7, 20192 min read

Heredity III: Incomplete Dominance and Epistasis

The Heredity III virtual lab tests one trait...with five possible phenotypes. This has a little more going on than the Heredity I and...

Jolene Pappas

Mar 4, 20191 min read

How to use chi-square to test an inheritance pattern

Would you rather watch a video than read? Here is a video version of this post: Many biology classes use the chi-squared statistical...

Jolene Pappas

Feb 22, 20195 min read

X-linked Heredity

The second heredity simulation is up and running. The first simulation allows students to test two autosomal traits. This simulation...

Jolene Pappas

Feb 21, 20191 min read

How to test for evolution using the null hypothesis

Would you rather watch a video than read? Here is a video version of this post: This post demonstrates how to test for evolution using...

Jolene Pappas

Feb 13, 20195 min read