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Investigations
Bridge the gap in science learning
Gizmos Investigations are designed specifically for grades 6–8 to help students build critical thinking skills and master sensemaking practices through scaffolded, discovery-based lessons. With real-time feedback, flexible delivery options, and assessments modeled after modern state exams, students are empowered to explore, test, and take ownership of their learning, which prepares them for high-stakes assessments and beyond. Teachers love its turnkey design and engaging activities that make science meaningful, measurable, and fun, whether used as standalone lessons or multi-day explorations.
Genetics
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In these investigations, students learn about Mendelian inheritance by solving the mystery of a red-headed daughter in a family of brunettes. Students will use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to...
Lesson InfoPhase Changes
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Preview
In this group of lessons, students will learn about phase changes. Students will explore temperature patterns as water is heated, explore the molecular causes of phase changes, and explore...
Lesson InfoPhotosynthesis and Respiration
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Preview
In this group of investigations, students explore photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the relationship between the two processes.
Lesson InfoKinetic and Potential Energy
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Preview
In these lessons, students tackle the challenge of designing a skate park ramp for the town’s mayor, investigating how variables like mass, speed, and height affect kinetic and potential...
Lesson InfoNewton's 1st and 2nd Laws
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Preview
In these lessons, students investigate Newton's laws of motion by investigating how forces affect the movement of objects. Using the Force and Fan Cart Gizmo, they create and test models to...
Lesson InfoCoastal Winds
- New!
Preview
In these Investigations, students explore how differential heating in a fluid causes density changes and the formation of convection currents. Students will collect data on temperature and...
Lesson InfoVision
- New!
Preview
In these Investigations, students will explore how we see and compare our vision to that of animals. Students will explore the nature of light and color, identify the parts of the eye and...
Lesson Info
Genetics
- Free!
- New!
In these investigations, students learn about Mendelian inheritance by solving the mystery of a red-headed daughter in a family of brunettes. Students will use the Mouse Genetics Gizmo to explore patterns of inheritance, come up with their own models of inheritance, and then compare their models to what they learn about genetics, alleles, and dominant and recessive traits.
Lesson Info
Phase Changes
- New!
In this group of lessons, students will learn about phase changes. Students will explore temperature patterns as water is heated, explore the molecular causes of phase changes, and explore how pressure affects boiling point.
Lesson Info
Photosynthesis and Respiration
- New!
In this group of investigations, students explore photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the relationship between the two processes.
Lesson Info
Kinetic and Potential Energy
- New!
In these lessons, students tackle the challenge of designing a skate park ramp for the town’s mayor, investigating how variables like mass, speed, and height affect kinetic and potential energy. Using the Sled Wars Gizmo, students model energy relationships, analyze data to refine their designs, and apply concepts of energy transfer to ensure the ramp meets safety standards. Through this process, they gain a deep understanding of kinetic and potential energy while engaging in hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Lesson Info
Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws
- New!
In these lessons, students investigate Newton's laws of motion by investigating how forces affect the movement of objects. Using the Force and Fan Cart Gizmo, they create and test models to understand the relationships between force, mass, and acceleration. Throughout the series, students apply Newton's first and second laws to deepen their understanding of motion, refining their predictions and justifying their findings with evidence from their experiments.
Lesson Info
Coastal Winds
- New!
In these Investigations, students explore how differential heating in a fluid causes density changes and the formation of convection currents. Students will collect data on temperature and wind speed, compare values over the land and over the ocean, and explain the origin of land and sea breezes based on temperature and density changes.
Lesson Info
Vision
- New!
In these Investigations, students will explore how we see and compare our vision to that of animals. Students will explore the nature of light and color, identify the parts of the eye and their functions, and experiment with the rods and cones in the retina to see how these cells allow us to distinguish colors and see better at night.
Lesson InfoFind Your Solution
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