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The world's largest library of math and science simulations.
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Build inquiry, understanding, and a love of math and science.
Featuring over 550 virtual, interactive STEM simulations all crafted to meet the latest educational standards, Gizmos empowers educators in grades 3-12 to transform classrooms with engaging online simulations that foster a deeper conceptual understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. By using ExploreLearning Gizmos immersive online labs and student-centered, inquiry-based activities, students discover their STEM potential.
Learn More about Gizmos Sign Up for FreeCannonball Clowns (Number Line Estimation)
When the circus comes to town, you’re treated to a variety of shows that include trained animals, acrobats, and clowns. One amazing circus act is the “human cannonball.” The first flight took place in 1877 when young Rossa Matilda Richter (aka...
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Cannonball Clowns (Number Line Estimation)
When the circus comes to town, you’re treated to a variety of shows that include trained animals, acrobats, and clowns. One amazing circus act is the “human cannonball.” The first flight took place in 1877 when young Rossa Matilda Richter (aka “Zazel”), born on April 7, 1860, was launched by a cannon invented by a well-known nineteenth-century showman and inventor, William Leonard Hunt (aka “The Great Farini”).
In the Cannonball Clowns Gizmo, students launch clowns from a circus cannon to develop strategies for estimating distances. In the Gizmo, students practice setting launch distances in an attempt to safely land the clown inside the given target. They first practice their launching skills on a number line, and then move on to The Big Top, Football Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and more!
For more fun, watch this video of the launching of a human cannonball:
Human Cannonball Guinness World Records Unleashed David The Bullet Smith - YouTube
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Bring science to life with real-life STEM cases.
Immerse your students in active learning with Gizmos STEM Cases, where they learn about real-world STEM challenges and actively solve them like real scientists. Our STEM Cases encourage hands-on exploration, promoting a dynamic learning environment that sparks curiosity and enthusiasm.
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Independent research studies show how Gizmos interactive simulations power effective math and science instruction and impact student achievement.
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When teachers effectively integrate Gizmos into instruction they can take learning to new levels. Learn how our support helps educators be their best.
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Get insights, ideas, inspiration and more. We’re here to help you use Gizmos in the classroom—whether you’re just getting started or ready to go deeper.
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Helps All Students Succeed
Gizmos empower all students to succeed by providing interactive simulations that adapt to diverse learning needs.
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Gizmos integrate seamlessly into classrooms with expert resources and professional development.
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Teachers and students rave about Gizmos for transforming science and math education. Read their stories!
Everybody's Talking About Gizmos
As a teacher, this platform is a time saver for me, as there are ready-made tasks and STEM hours, but I also like that I can modify assignments at any time.
- Teacher, Wicomico County School DistrictHello, Ms. D. I apologize about emailing you during the weekend, but I couldn’t wait to tell you. Gizmos is so much fun, and I absolutely love it. I actually learn something and I like the fact that it is interactive. Thank you so much for making us do Gizmos.
- Gizmos Student, American International School, Abu DhabiI really love Gizmos as they help students grasp difficult concepts that can’t always be seen. They make abstract ideas come to life.
- Gizmos Teacher, Foothills School Division, Alberta, CanadaAnother great feature of Gizmos is that I can manipulate them to accomplish my desired learning outcomes for my students. Sometimes I take a Gizmo that is meant to be an entire lab, and I cut it down into a smaller, briefer activity. But, other times, I combine some of the smaller labs into one and have the students access the various Gizmos from the class home page for a bigger assignment. In that way, Gizmos are always able to accomplish my desired outcomes.
- Teacher, Stuarts Draft High SchoolAny time I’ve used Gizmos, my students have a deeper and more meaningful experience with their learning. It leads to more inquiry and great classroom discussion!
- Grade 3 teacherAs a teacher, this platform is a time saver for me, as there are ready-made tasks and STEM hours, but I also like that I can modify assignments at any time.
- Teacher, Wicomico County School DistrictHello, Ms. D. I apologize about emailing you during the weekend, but I couldn’t wait to tell you. Gizmos is so much fun, and I absolutely love it. I actually learn something and I like the fact that it is interactive. Thank you so much for making us do Gizmos.
- Gizmos Student, American International School, Abu DhabiI really love Gizmos as they help students grasp difficult concepts that can’t always be seen. They make abstract ideas come to life.
- Gizmos Teacher, Foothills School Division, Alberta, CanadaAnother great feature of Gizmos is that I can manipulate them to accomplish my desired learning outcomes for my students. Sometimes I take a Gizmo that is meant to be an entire lab, and I cut it down into a smaller, briefer activity. But, other times, I combine some of the smaller labs into one and have the students access the various Gizmos from the class home page for a bigger assignment. In that way, Gizmos are always able to accomplish my desired outcomes.
- Teacher, Stuarts Draft High SchoolAny time I’ve used Gizmos, my students have a deeper and more meaningful experience with their learning. It leads to more inquiry and great classroom discussion!
- Grade 3 teacherAs a teacher, this platform is a time saver for me, as there are ready-made tasks and STEM hours, but I also like that I can modify assignments at any time.
- Teacher, Wicomico County School DistrictGizmos associated with higher performance on NGSS-aligned state science assessments
Data from more than 22,000 students at over 115 schools found that higher Gizmos usage led to a higher likelihood of meeting or exceeding proficiency on two different state science achievement tests.

Gizmos have earned every major edtech award!





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