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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 FreePeriodic Trends
The Periodic Table is a powerful tool because it shows how the chemical properties of different elements are related to their atomic structures. A surprising phenomenon contained in the table is that as you move across a row of the table and...
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Periodic Trends
The Periodic Table is a powerful tool because it shows how the chemical properties of different elements are related to their atomic structures. A surprising phenomenon contained in the table is that as you move across a row of the table and increase the atomic number, the radius of atoms decreases. Why does adding more protons and electrons to an atom cause it to grow smaller?
Students can solve this mystery with the help of the Periodic Trends Gizmo. The Gizmo shows patterns in atomic radii, ionization energies, and electron affinities across periods and groups of the table. It also allows students to measure and interact with each property at the atomic level.
While investigating atomic radii, students will see that across a period of a table, new electrons are added to the same shell as protons are added to the nucleus. This increases the attractive forces between the nucleus and the valence shell and causes the atom to shrink. This also increases the electron affinity and ionization energy of the atom. Once the shell is full, the next added electron starts a new, larger shell, and the pattern repeats across the next row of the table.
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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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Research
Leverage research-proven teaching tools.
Independent research studies show how Gizmos interactive simulations power effective math and science instruction and impact student achievement.
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Prepare teachers for even greater success.
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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Evidence-Based & Proven for Success
Backed by research, Gizmos improve student outcomes with engaging, effective virtual labs and simulations.
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We prioritize student safety with robust data privacy and security measures. Learn more about our commitment.
Helps All Students Succeed
Gizmos empower all students to succeed by providing interactive simulations that adapt to diverse learning needs.
Easy to Implement
Gizmos integrate seamlessly into classrooms with expert resources and professional development.
Loved by Teachers & Students
Teachers and students rave about Gizmos for transforming science and math education. Read their stories!
Everybody's Talking About Gizmos
Gizmos STEM Cases is the most engaging program that I’ve ever seen! High-quality graphics and real-world stories make them more thought-provoking than traditional teaching materials. Students become more personally invested in the lessons and feel a sense of accomplishment [when doing them].
- Gizmos Director of Science, Walker School, GAHello, 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, CanadaI’m really a strong proponent of Gizmos in science because I have seen firsthand what it does in terms of engaging kids in labs. Gizmos really allow students to go deeper in terms of problem solving and critical thinking.
- Gizmos Assistant Superintendent, Miami-Dade Public Schools, FLGizmos STEM Cases improve students’ content knowledge and critical thinking ability. The kids are putting more thought into things and they’re asking better questions.
- Gizmos Director of Science, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GAGizmos STEM Cases is the most engaging program that I’ve ever seen! High-quality graphics and real-world stories make them more thought-provoking than traditional teaching materials. Students become more personally invested in the lessons and feel a sense of accomplishment [when doing them].
- Gizmos Director of Science, Walker School, GAHello, 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, CanadaI’m really a strong proponent of Gizmos in science because I have seen firsthand what it does in terms of engaging kids in labs. Gizmos really allow students to go deeper in terms of problem solving and critical thinking.
- Gizmos Assistant Superintendent, Miami-Dade Public Schools, FLGizmos STEM Cases improve students’ content knowledge and critical thinking ability. The kids are putting more thought into things and they’re asking better questions.
- Gizmos Director of Science, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GAGizmos STEM Cases is the most engaging program that I’ve ever seen! High-quality graphics and real-world stories make them more thought-provoking than traditional teaching materials. Students become more personally invested in the lessons and feel a sense of accomplishment [when doing them].
- Gizmos Director of Science, Walker School, GAGizmos 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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