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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

  • New!

Preview

In these lessons, 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...

Lesson Info

Phase Changes

  • New!

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 Info

Photosynthesis and Respiration

  • New!

Preview

In this group of lessons students explore photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and the relationship between the two.

Lesson Info

Kinetic and Potential Energy

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  • New!

FREE with no time limit!

In these lessons, students tackle the challenge of designing a skate park ramp for the town’s mayor, exploring how variables like mass, speed, and height affect kinetic and potential...

Lesson Info

Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws

  • New!

Preview

In these lessons, students explore 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 Info
  • New!
Genetics
  • New!
Phase Changes
  • New!
Photosynthesis and Respiration
  • Free!
  • New!
Kinetic and Potential Energy
  • New!
Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws
Screenshot of Genetics Investigation

Genetics

  • New!

In these lessons, 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
Screenshot of Phase Changes Investigation

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
Screenshot of Photosynthesis and Respiration Investigation

Photosynthesis and Respiration

  • New!

In this group of lessons students explore photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and the relationship between the two.

Lesson Info
Screenshot of Kinetic and Potential Energy Investigation

Kinetic and Potential Energy

  • Free!
  • New!

In these lessons, students tackle the challenge of designing a skate park ramp for the town’s mayor, exploring 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
Screenshot of Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws Investigation

Newton's 1st and 2nd Laws

  • New!

In these lessons, students explore 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

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© 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

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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

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© 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

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