Introducing Gizmos Investigations:
Next-Level Science Learning
Most states now emphasize science sensemaking practices in new standards and assessments. With the shift to sensemaking, teachers must provide instructional materials to help them achieve the next generation of K-12 science learning goals.
It's time for turnkey, scaffolded High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) with built-in student questioning, interactive investigations that incorporate existing Gizmo simulations, and just-in-time feedback to engage students with sensemaking practices at their individual levels of understanding.
Launching this fall, Gizmos Investigations address the challenges teachers face in helping all students DO the DOING of science.
What are Gizmos Investigations?
Gizmos Investigations wraps fully guided lessons for grades 6-8 around one or several of our Gizmo simulations, scaffolding the sensemaking practices, and guiding and assessing students as they solve real-world problems. Ready-to-use and student-driven, Gizmos Investigations gives STEM teachers engaging and repeatable ways to bridge gaps in science instruction.
Designed for real-world scientific sensemaking
When teachers want to foster meaningful learning experiences for students, they look for ways to make it authentic with activities that support science sensemaking. Fully guided Gizmos Investigations directly scaffold sensemaking practices, helping students engage in scientific practices like analyzing data, developing models, and constructing explanations.
These investigations bridge gaps in science education, offering efficient practice for Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) mastery and actionable insights for differentiation. Students learn like scientists through active experimentation and inquiry, deepening their understanding and building connections across science disciplines. This kind of scientific sensemaking spells success.
Built around authentic problems for maximum engagement
When students see how science applies to their daily lives, they are more likely to see its value and actively use scientific knowledge in decision-making. Authentic questions or problems are crucial for maximizing student engagement because they provide a real-world context that sparks curiosity and encourages critical thinking.
When students explore questions and apply knowledge to explain observable events happening around them, the learning experience becomes more relevant and meaningful compared to abstract concepts alone. It taps into their natural desire to understand the "why" behind things they see in their lives.
How Gizmos Investigations empower and benefit students
Gizmos Investigations connect science to real-world situations, motivating students to actively participate in learning. The lesson design prepares students for success by incorporating interactive activities and assessments they'll encounter in various evaluations. In-product feedback provides concise yet crucial information, ensuring students have the guidance they need to succeed.
Students take charge of their learning as they explore, test, and retest ideas. Additionally, they benefit from:
- Autonomy and student-led inquiry
- Interactive problem-solving
- Hands-on exploration, iteration, and experimentation
- Real-time, detailed feedback to guide student learning
