Subject Matter: Math and Science
Grades: Material selection for 3-5 6-8 and 9-12 grades

Online program for Math and Science
I’ve observed Gizmos at various NSTA conferences yet I never had to time to complete a lesson. I signed up for the 30-day free trial as a teacher (6-8 grade) to see what Gizmos fully offered.  Gizmos offers interactive simulations allowing students to manipulate the lesson plus experiment and extend the lesson to develop a better intuitive understanding of math and science material.

Gizmos offers over 450 interactive simuations teaching students the following subject matter:

MATH SUBJECT MATTER
Grade 3-5
o Number & Operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data Analysis & Probability

Grade 6-8
o Number & operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data analysis & probability

Grade 9-12
o Number & operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data analysis & probability

College
o Developmental math
o College Alg / Precalculus

SCIENCE SUBJECT MATTER
Grade 3-5
o Earth and space science
o Life science
o Physical science
o Measurement skills
o Scientific method

Grade 6-8
o Earth and space science
o Life science
o Physical science

Grade 9-12
o Earth and space science
o Biology
o Chemistry
o Physics

What Gizmos Offers
Home schooling groups teachers and administrators can create a class include students or have students include themselves identify topics state standards and can correlate to over 200 textbooks on different strand topics. When a topic is chosen various lesson simulations can be selected.

Select a Gizmo on one subtopic and if unsure how to proceed click on the tutorial video in the left hand column. Lessons provide learning objectives lesson material teacher guide vocabulary and/or assessment questions (both in PDF and Word doc).

The lessons teach students visually and in written format. For instance in a fractions simulation students can see why 2/3 is bigger than 3/5 not only with the problem worked out but visually. Extend the problem to see visually written out and by number line why 2/3 is bigger with a least common denominator (LCD) problem. Students and teachers can also take a snapshot of their work.

Gets the Lesson Across
I jumped around and tested a number of lessons (Astronomy: Reasons For the Seasons) Cell Biology Fractions and Geometry.

Gizmos gives students and teachers immediate feedback provides hands-on lessons through the computer and is inquiry based. Labs are data driven and allows students to see direct results manipulating the lesson. Once a teacher has established a class students can sign in to work on an assignment review or work ahead. Special education students and ESOL students benefit from working at their own pace or with the video tutorial to guide them.

Online training is available and from the various lessons I reviewed provides tutorial videos. 3b7Try the free 30-day trial and see if your school or home schooling program would benefit.

System Requirements: Mac OS X 9.2; Windows 98; Web based browser (Internet Explorer 6 Safari 1.2 Firefox 1.5); Shockwave 8.5 (free @ Adobe Shockwave) Adobe Flash 9.0 (free @ Adobe Flash) 56 K dial-up or Broadband width
Contact: www.ExploreLearning.com
Cost: No pricing online; contact Explore Learning @ Purchasing Info