Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer
Login
Student Login
Educator Login
Sign Up For Free
Gizmos home page Gizmos home page
Gizmos home page
  • Find Gizmos
    
                                                
    See Full Search Results
    • FREE Gizmos
    • NEW Releases
    • STEM Cases
    • Browse by Standard
    • Browse by Grade & Topic
    • Browse by Core Curriculum
  • About Gizmos
    • What's a Gizmo?
    • About STEM Cases
    • What are Gizmos Investigations?
    • Take a Tour
    • Supporting All Students
    • How to Get Gizmos
    • Testimonials
    • K-5 Science
  • Research
    • The Impact of Gizmos on Student Achievement
    • The Research Behind Gizmos
  • Support
    • Professional Development Overview
    • Meet the Team
    • Course Catalog
    • Help Center
    • Site Status
  • Resources
    • Popular Gizmos Collections
    • Educator Resource Hub
    • Success Stories
    • Insights
  • Get More Info
    • Sign Up for Free
    • Request Purchasing Info
    • Request a Demo
    • Request a Pilot
    • Contact Support
  • Login
    • Student Login
    • Educator Login
  • Sign Up For Free
  • Home
  • Find Gizmos
  • Browse by Core Curriculum
  • MI-Star Textbooks
  • MI-Star Grade 6 (2020)

MI-Star Grade 6 (2020)

6.1.2: What causes water to go into a stream?

Screenshot of Water Cycle

Water Cycle

Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle. Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the water moves from one location to another, and learn how water resources are distributed in these locations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.1.3: Does all the water that falls as precipitation make it to the stream? If not, where does it go?

Screenshot of Water Cycle

Water Cycle

Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle. Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the water moves from one location to another, and learn how water resources are distributed in these locations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.1.4: Why does water move differently in different states?

Screenshot of Phase Changes

Phase Changes

Explore the relationship between molecular motion, temperature, and phase changes. Compare the molecular structure of solids, liquids, and gases. Graph temperature changes as ice is melted and water is boiled. Find the effect of altitude on phase changes. The starting temperature, ice volume, altitude, and rate of heating or cooling can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Phases of Water

Phases of Water

Heat or cool a container of water and observe the phase changes that take place. Use a magnifying glass to observe water molecules as a solid, liquid, or gas. Compare the volumes of the three phases of water. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.1.5: How does water change state, from solid to liquid to gas? How does this affect the water system?

Screenshot of Phase Changes

Phase Changes

Explore the relationship between molecular motion, temperature, and phase changes. Compare the molecular structure of solids, liquids, and gases. Graph temperature changes as ice is melted and water is boiled. Find the effect of altitude on phase changes. The starting temperature, ice volume, altitude, and rate of heating or cooling can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Phases of Water

Phases of Water

Heat or cool a container of water and observe the phase changes that take place. Use a magnifying glass to observe water molecules as a solid, liquid, or gas. Compare the volumes of the three phases of water. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.1.6: Where does water in our community come from and where does it go?How can humans change the way that water moves?

Screenshot of Water Cycle

Water Cycle

Control the path of a drop of water as it travels through the water cycle. Many alternatives are presented at each stage. Determine how the water moves from one location to another, and learn how water resources are distributed in these locations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2: The RAD Disease: Investigating and Modeling Body Systems

6.2.1: How does a mystery pathogen make people sick and how can we come up with a treatment plan?

Screenshot of Disease Spread

Disease Spread

Observe the spread of disease through a group of people. The methods of transmission can be chosen and include person-to-person, airborne, and foodborne as well as any combination thereof. The probability of each form of transmission and number of people in the group can also be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Virus Lytic Cycle

Virus Lytic Cycle

Release a lytic virus in a group of cells and observe how cells are infected over time and eventually destroyed. Data related to the number of healthy cells, infected cells, and viruses can be recorded over time to determine the time required for the virus to mature within a cell. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2.3: How do we know if something is living?

Screenshot of Cell Types

Cell Types

Explore a wide variety of cells, from bacteria to human neurons, using a compound light microscope. Select a sample to study, then focus on the sample using the coarse and fine focus controls of the microscope. Compare the structures found in different cells, then perform tests to see if the sample is alive. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2.4: How do the organ systems work together to help humans survive?

Screenshot of Circulatory System

Circulatory System

Trace the path of blood through a beating heart and the network of blood vessels that supplies blood to the body. Take blood samples from different blood vessels to observe blood cells and measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sugar, and urea. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Digestive System

Digestive System

Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Senses

Senses

Everything we know about the world comes through our senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In the Senses Gizmo, explore how stimuli are detected by specialized cells, transmitted through nerves, and processed in the brain. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2.5: What are the subsystems of an organ system and how do these subsystems work together to function? 

Screenshot of Cell Types

Cell Types

Explore a wide variety of cells, from bacteria to human neurons, using a compound light microscope. Select a sample to study, then focus on the sample using the coarse and fine focus controls of the microscope. Compare the structures found in different cells, then perform tests to see if the sample is alive. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Circulatory System

Circulatory System

Trace the path of blood through a beating heart and the network of blood vessels that supplies blood to the body. Take blood samples from different blood vessels to observe blood cells and measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, sugar, and urea. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Digestive System

Digestive System

Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Senses

Senses

Everything we know about the world comes through our senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In the Senses Gizmo, explore how stimuli are detected by specialized cells, transmitted through nerves, and processed in the brain. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2.6: How does a healthy cell work?

Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

Cell Energy Cycle

Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Cell Structure

Cell Structure

Select a sample cell from an animal, plant, or bacterium and view the cell under a microscope. Select each organelle on the image to learn more about its structure and function. Closeup views and animations of certain organelles is provided. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Cell Types

Cell Types

Explore a wide variety of cells, from bacteria to human neurons, using a compound light microscope. Select a sample to study, then focus on the sample using the coarse and fine focus controls of the microscope. Compare the structures found in different cells, then perform tests to see if the sample is alive. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.2.7: How do cell membranes do their jobs?

Screenshot of Cell Structure

Cell Structure

Select a sample cell from an animal, plant, or bacterium and view the cell under a microscope. Select each organelle on the image to learn more about its structure and function. Closeup views and animations of certain organelles is provided. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Osmosis

Osmosis

Adjust the concentration of a solute on either side of a membrane in a cell and observe the system as it adjusts to the conditions through osmosis. The initial concentration of the solute can be manipulated, along with the volume of the cell. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.3: Chemical Processes in Organism Digestion

6.3.1: How do we choose foods to address diet-related problems? 

Screenshot of Digestive System

Digestive System

Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Identifying Nutrients

Identifying Nutrients

Use a variety of real-world lab tests to analyze common food samples in order to determine if the food is a carbohydrate, a protein, or a lipid. Tests that can be performed include: Benedict, Lugol, Biuret, and Sudan Red. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.3.2: How can we tell foods apart? What is food made up of?

Screenshot of Identifying Nutrients

Identifying Nutrients

Use a variety of real-world lab tests to analyze common food samples in order to determine if the food is a carbohydrate, a protein, or a lipid. Tests that can be performed include: Benedict, Lugol, Biuret, and Sudan Red. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.3.4: How do we change substances and what they?re made of?

Screenshot of Chemical Changes

Chemical Changes

Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.3.7: How do we choose foods to address diet-related problems?

Screenshot of Digestive System

Digestive System

Digestion is a complex process, involving a wide variety of organs and chemicals that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate wastes. But have you ever wondered what would happen if some of those organs were eliminated, or if the sequence was changed? Can the digestive system be improved? Find out by designing your own digestive system with the Digestive System Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Identifying Nutrients

Identifying Nutrients

Use a variety of real-world lab tests to analyze common food samples in order to determine if the food is a carbohydrate, a protein, or a lipid. Tests that can be performed include: Benedict, Lugol, Biuret, and Sudan Red. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.4: Protect Your Cell Phone: Forces and Motion

6.4.2: What happens when we push or pull on something?

Screenshot of Fan Cart Physics

Fan Cart Physics

Gain an understanding of Newton's Laws by experimenting with a cart (on which up to three fans are placed) on a linear track. The cart has a mass, as does each fan. The fans exert a constant force when switched on, and the direction of the fans can be altered as the position, velocity, and acceleration of the cart are measured. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Force and Fan Carts

Force and Fan Carts

Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.4.3: Why do things get crushed?

Screenshot of Air Track

Air Track

Adjust the mass and velocity of two gliders on a frictionless air track. Measure the velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy of each glider as they approach each other and collide. Collisions can be elastic or inelastic. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Crumple Zones

Crumple Zones

Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the crash. Add seat belts and/or airbags to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Three different body types (sedan, SUV, and subcompact) are available and a wide range of crash speeds can be used. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Free Fall Tower

Free Fall Tower

Recreate Galileo's famous experiment by dropping objects off the Tower of Pisa. You can drop ping pong balls, golf balls, soccer balls or watermelons. Objects can be dropped in air or no air, with or without a parachute. The speed of each object is shown on a speedometer and a graph. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.4.4: What happens when two objects collide? What are the components of a fair investigation?

Screenshot of Air Track

Air Track

Adjust the mass and velocity of two gliders on a frictionless air track. Measure the velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy of each glider as they approach each other and collide. Collisions can be elastic or inelastic. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Crumple Zones

Crumple Zones

Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the crash. Add seat belts and/or airbags to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Three different body types (sedan, SUV, and subcompact) are available and a wide range of crash speeds can be used. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Free-Fall Laboratory

Free-Fall Laboratory

Investigate the motion of an object as it falls to the ground. A variety of objects can be compared, and their motion can be observed in a vacuum, in normal air, and in denser air. The position, velocity, and acceleration are measured over time, and the forces on the object can be displayed. Using the manual settings, the mass, radius, height, and initial velocity of the object can be adjusted, as can the air density and wind. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.4.6: What causes some objects? motion to change?

Screenshot of Fan Cart Physics

Fan Cart Physics

Gain an understanding of Newton's Laws by experimenting with a cart (on which up to three fans are placed) on a linear track. The cart has a mass, as does each fan. The fans exert a constant force when switched on, and the direction of the fans can be altered as the position, velocity, and acceleration of the cart are measured. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Force and Fan Carts

Force and Fan Carts

Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Free Fall Tower

Free Fall Tower

Recreate Galileo's famous experiment by dropping objects off the Tower of Pisa. You can drop ping pong balls, golf balls, soccer balls or watermelons. Objects can be dropped in air or no air, with or without a parachute. The speed of each object is shown on a speedometer and a graph. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.5: Keeping it Fresh: What Plants Need to Grow

6.5.2: How does the environment affect plant growth?

Screenshot of Measuring Trees

Measuring Trees

Measure the height, diameter, and circumference of trees in a forest. Count growth rings to determine the age of each tree. Grow the trees for several years and investigate how growth is affected by precipitation. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seed Germination

Seed Germination

Perform experiments with several seed types to see what conditions yield the highest germination (sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds can be studied, and the temperature, water and light in the germination chamber can be controlled. No two trials will have the same result so repeated trials are recommended. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.5.3: How will the amount of fertilizer affect a plant?s growth? How does the amount of resources affect a plant?

Screenshot of Growing Plants

Growing Plants

Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seed Germination

Seed Germination

Perform experiments with several seed types to see what conditions yield the highest germination (sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds can be studied, and the temperature, water and light in the germination chamber can be controlled. No two trials will have the same result so repeated trials are recommended. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.5.5: How is it possible to keep a supply of cabbage plants growing? How do resources affect seed production in a plant?

Screenshot of Seed Germination

Seed Germination

Perform experiments with several seed types to see what conditions yield the highest germination (sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds can be studied, and the temperature, water and light in the germination chamber can be controlled. No two trials will have the same result so repeated trials are recommended. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.5.6: Why do different organisms look and grow differently?

Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 1 - Growth and Genetics

Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics

Grow Wisconsin Fast Plants® in a simulated lab environment. Explore the life cycles of these plants and how their growth is influenced by light, water, and crowding. Practice pollinating the plants using bee sticks, then observe the traits of the offspring plants. Use Punnett squares to model the inheritance of genes for stem color and leaf color for these plants. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 2 - Mystery Parent

Fast Plants® 2 - Mystery Parent

In this follow-up to Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics, continue to explore inheritance of traits in Wisconsin Fast Plants. Infer the genotype of a "mystery P2 parent" of a set of Fast Plants based on the traits of the P1, F1, and F2 plants. Then create designer Fast Plants by selectively breeding plants with desired traits. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.5.7: Can we exactly predict plant growth and food production? Why/why not?

Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 1 - Growth and Genetics

Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics

Grow Wisconsin Fast Plants® in a simulated lab environment. Explore the life cycles of these plants and how their growth is influenced by light, water, and crowding. Practice pollinating the plants using bee sticks, then observe the traits of the offspring plants. Use Punnett squares to model the inheritance of genes for stem color and leaf color for these plants. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Fast Plants<sup>®</sup> 2 - Mystery Parent

Fast Plants® 2 - Mystery Parent

In this follow-up to Fast Plants® 1 - Growth and Genetics, continue to explore inheritance of traits in Wisconsin Fast Plants. Infer the genotype of a "mystery P2 parent" of a set of Fast Plants based on the traits of the P1, F1, and F2 plants. Then create designer Fast Plants by selectively breeding plants with desired traits. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Growing Plants

Growing Plants

Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Measuring Trees

Measuring Trees

Measure the height, diameter, and circumference of trees in a forest. Count growth rings to determine the age of each tree. Grow the trees for several years and investigate how growth is affected by precipitation. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seed Germination

Seed Germination

Perform experiments with several seed types to see what conditions yield the highest germination (sprouting) rate. Three different types of seeds can be studied, and the temperature, water and light in the germination chamber can be controlled. No two trials will have the same result so repeated trials are recommended. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6: The Tangled Web We Weave: Interactions Within Ecosytems

6.6.2: What do organisms need to live, grow, and reproduce? How is the number of organisms in a population related to the things they need to live, grow, and reproduce?

Screenshot of Food Chain

Food Chain

In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Plants and Snails

Plants and Snails

Study the production and use of gases by plants and animals. Measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a test tube containing snails and elodea (a type of plant) in both light and dark conditions. Learn about the interdependence of plants and animals. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rabbit Population by Season

Rabbit Population by Season

Observe the population of rabbits in an environment over many years. The land available to the rabbits and weather conditions can be adjusted to investigate the effects of urban sprawl and unusual weather on wildlife populations. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6.3: What happens to organisms and their populations when they must share limited resources with other organisms?

Screenshot of Food Chain

Food Chain

In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem

Prairie Ecosystem

Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6.4: When a population of organism eats another, how can each population as well as the ecosystem change?

Screenshot of Food Chain

Food Chain

In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem

Prairie Ecosystem

Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6.5: How can a relationship between two species benefit both species? How can this beneficial relationship affect each population?

Screenshot of Plants and Snails

Plants and Snails

Study the production and use of gases by plants and animals. Measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a test tube containing snails and elodea (a type of plant) in both light and dark conditions. Learn about the interdependence of plants and animals. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6.6: What is the effect on populations of organisms when the abiotic components of an ecosystem change?

Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors

Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors

Explore the abiotic factors that affect Caribbean coral reefs. Many factors can be manipulated in this simplified reef model, including ocean temperature and pH, storm severity, and input of excess sediments and nutrients from logging, sewage, and agriculture. Click "Advance year" to see how the reef responds to these changes. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem

Pond Ecosystem

Measure the temperature and oxygen content of a pond over the course of a day. Then go fishing to see what types of fish live in the pond. Many different ponds can be investigated to determine the influence of time, temperature, and farms on oxygen levels. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.6.7: What might be the effects of adding a new species to an ecosystem?

Screenshot of Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors

Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors

In this followup to the Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors activity, investigate the impacts of fishing, disease, and invasive species on a model Caribbean coral reef. Many variables can be manipulated, included intensity of fishing, presence of black band and white band disease, and the presence of actual and potential invasive species. Click "Advance year" to see the impacts of these biotic changes. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.7: Cycling of Energy and Matter Through Food Webs

6.7.3: Where do plants get their matter?

Screenshot of Growing Plants

Growing Plants

Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.7.4: How do plants use air and water to grow?

Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

Cell Energy Cycle

Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Photosynthesis Lab

Photosynthesis Lab

Study photosynthesis in a variety of conditions. Oxygen production is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and wavelength of light can all be varied. Determine which conditions are ideal for photosynthesis, and understand how limiting factors affect oxygen production. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.7.5: If plants make sugar (glucose) why don?t all plants taste sweet? How do plants use compost?

Screenshot of Cell Energy Cycle

Cell Energy Cycle

Explore the processes of photosynthesis and respiration that occur within plant and animal cells. The cyclical nature of the two processes can be constructed visually, and the simplified photosynthesis and respiration formulae can be balanced. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.7.6: Where do plants get the energy they need to grow?

Screenshot of Photosynthesis Lab

Photosynthesis Lab

Study photosynthesis in a variety of conditions. Oxygen production is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and wavelength of light can all be varied. Determine which conditions are ideal for photosynthesis, and understand how limiting factors affect oxygen production. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.7.7: Where do the animals get their matter and energy? 

Screenshot of Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors

Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors

Explore the abiotic factors that affect Caribbean coral reefs. Many factors can be manipulated in this simplified reef model, including ocean temperature and pH, storm severity, and input of excess sediments and nutrients from logging, sewage, and agriculture. Click "Advance year" to see how the reef responds to these changes. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Food Chain

Food Chain

In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Prairie Ecosystem

Prairie Ecosystem

Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

How Free Gizmos Work

Gizmos icon

Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.

Lesson materials list icon

Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.

Time icon

All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.

Refresh icon

Free Gizmos change each semester. The new collection will be available January 1 and July 1.

Sign Up for Free

About STEM Cases

Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.

Realtime reporting icon

Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap

Time icon

STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.

Save icon

Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.

Grades icon

Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.

Handbook icon

Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.

STEM Case Help & Resources Sign Up for Free

Want More?

Check out these quick links.

  • Sign up for a FREE Trial!
  • Take a Tour
  • Get Help

Find Your Solution

Start playing, exploring and learning today with a free account. Or contact us for a quote or demo.

Sign Up For Free Get a Quote
Find Your Solution
Gizmos logo Brought to you by ExploreLearning

© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

Other Products

Reflex icon Frax icon Science4Us icon
Find Gizmos
  • FREE Gizmos
  • NEW Releases
  • STEM Cases
  • Browse by Standard
  • Browse by Grade & Topic
  • Browse by Core Curriculum
About Gizmos
  • What's a Gizmo?
  • About STEM Cases
  • What are Gizmos Investigations?
  • Take a Tour
  • Supporting All Students
  • How to Get Gizmos
  • Testimonials
  • K-5 Science
Research
  • The Impact of Gizmos on Student Achievement
  • The Research Behind Gizmos
Support
  • Professional Development Overview
  • Meet the Team
  • Course Catalog
  • Help Center
  • Site Status
Resources
  • Popular Gizmos Collections
  • Educator Resource Hub
  • Success Stories
  • Insights
Get More Info
  • Sign Up for Free
  • Request Purchasing Info
  • Request a Demo
  • Request a Pilot
  • Contact Support

Get Connected

  • Support Form
  • Toll-Free 866-882-4141
  • Local +1-434-293-7043
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Other Products

Reflex icon Frax icon Science4Us icon

© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • System Requirements
  • Sitemap