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With over 500 online simulations, virtual labs, and interactive cases for math and science—there’s a Gizmo for just about everybody. Let’s find yours.
Chemical and Physical Changes
- Stem Case
The Secret Service recently arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and...
Lesson InfoFan Cart Physics
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRoller Coaster Physics
5 Minute Preview
Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The heights of three hills can be...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoColligative Properties
5 Minute Preview
Determine how the physical properties of a solvent are dependent on the number of solute particles present. Measure the vapor pressure, boiling point, freezing point, and osmotic pressure...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHoliday Snowflake Designer
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Fold paper and cut in a certain way to make symmetrical snowflakes with six sides (similar to what can be found in nature) or with eight sides (an easier folding method). This simulation...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGolf Range
5 Minute Preview
Try to get a hole in one by adjusting the velocity and launch angle of a golf ball. Explore the physics of projectile motion in a frictional or ideal setting. Horizontal and vertical...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWeathering
5 Minute Preview
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCladograms
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Based on the similarities and differences between different organisms, create branching diagrams called cladograms to show how they are related. Use both morphological data (physical...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTackling Concussions: Testing Helmet Design Using Laws of Motion
- Stem Case
Concussion rates in youth impact sports are high despite the use of helmets. In this STEM case, students act as materials scientists to learn about the physics behind concussions and helmet...
Lesson InfoTriple Beam Balance
5 Minute Preview
Learn how to determine the mass of an object using a triple beam balance. The mass of a variety of objects can be determined using this simulated version of a common real-world laboratory...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnergy of a Pendulum
5 Minute Preview
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion. The mass, length, and gravitational acceleration of the pendulum can be...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDiffusion
5 Minute Preview
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce around from one side of a room to the other through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriod of Mass on a Spring
5 Minute Preview
Measure the period of a mass on the end of a spring. Determine the effects of gravitational acceleration, mass, and the spring constant on the period of the spring. Create an equation for...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCenter of Mass
5 Minute Preview
Drag blocks onto a two-dimensional surface and observe the effects on the center of mass. Use a grid to calculate the coordinates of the center of mass. Investigate predefined shapes or...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAir Track
5 Minute Preview
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....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Sliding Objects
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction. The ramp angle can be varied and a variety of materials for the block and ramp can be...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity Laboratory
5 Minute Preview
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHeat Transfer by Conduction
5 Minute Preview
An insulated beaker of hot water is connected to a beaker of cold water with a conducting bar, and over time the temperatures of the beakers equalize as heat is transferred through the bar....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHerschel Experiment
5 Minute Preview
Shine sunlight through a prism and use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different regions of the spectrum. The thermometer can be dragged through the visible spectrum and beyond....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriod of a Pendulum
5 Minute Preview
Practice measuring the period of a pendulum. Perform experiments to determine how mass, length, gravitational acceleration, and angle affect the period of a pendulum.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCircuits
5 Minute Preview
Build electrical circuits using batteries, light bulbs, resistors, fuses, wires, and a switch. An ammeter, a voltmeter and an ohmmeter are available for measuring current, voltage and...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPotential Energy on Shelves
5 Minute Preview
Compare the potential energy of several objects when you place them on shelves of different heights. Learn that two objects at different heights can have the same potential energy, while...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGravitational Force
5 Minute Preview
Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as their positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both as...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAdditive Colors
5 Minute Preview
Control the intensity of red, green, and blue spotlights. Additive colors can be observed where the spotlights overlap. The RGB value of any point can be measured. Just about any color can...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLaser Reflection
5 Minute Preview
Point a laser at a mirror and compare the angle of the incoming beam to the angle of reflection. A protractor can be used to measure the angles of incidence and reflection, and the angle of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoVectors
5 Minute Preview
Manipulate the magnitudes and directions of two vectors to generate a sum and learn vector addition. The x and y components can be displayed, along with the dot product of the two vectors.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnergy Conversion in a System
5 Minute Preview
A falling cylinder is attached to a rotating propeller that stirs and heats the water in a beaker. The mass and height of the cylinder, as well as the quantity and initial temperature of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoUniform Circular Motion
5 Minute Preview
Measure the position, velocity, and acceleration (both components and magnitude) of an object undergoing circular motion. The radius and velocity of the object can be controlled, along with...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHerschel Experiment - Metric
5 Minute Preview
Shine sunlight through a prism and use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different regions of the spectrum. The thermometer can be dragged through the visible spectrum and beyond....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDoppler Shift
5 Minute Preview
Observe sound waves emitted from a moving vehicle. Measure the frequency of sound waves in front of and behind the vehicle as it moves, illustrating the Doppler effect. The frequency of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDetermining a Spring Constant
5 Minute Preview
Place a pan on the end of a hanging spring. Measure how much the spring stretches when various masses are added to the pan. Create a graph of displacement vs. mass to determine the spring...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSimple Harmonic Motion
5 Minute Preview
Observe two different forms of simple harmonic motion: a pendulum and a spring supporting a mass. Use a stopwatch to measure the period of each device as you adjust the mass hanging from...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPith Ball Lab
5 Minute Preview
Pith balls with positive, negative, or no electrical charge are suspended from strings. The charge and mass of the pith balls can be adjusted, along with the length of the string, which...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPulley Lab
5 Minute Preview
Use a pulley system to lift a heavy weight to a certain height. Measure the force required to lift the weight using up to three fixed and three movable pulleys. The weight to be lifted and...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPendulum Clock
5 Minute Preview
Find the effect of length, mass, and angle on the period of a pendulum. The pendulum is attached to a clock that can be adjusted to tell time accurately. The clock can be located on Earth...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSeasons: Why do we have them?
5 Minute Preview
Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWaves
5 Minute Preview
Observe and measure transverse, longitudinal, and combined waves on a model of a spring moved by a hand. Adjust the amplitude and frequency of the hand, and the tension and density of the...
Lesson Info Launch Gizmo2D Collisions
5 Minute Preview
Investigate elastic collisions in two dimensions using two frictionless pucks. The mass, velocity, and initial position of each puck can be modified to create a variety of scenarios.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFree-Fall Laboratory
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSubtractive Colors
5 Minute Preview
Move spots of yellow, cyan, and magenta pigment on a white surface. As the colors overlap, other colors can be seen due to color subtraction. The color of most things you see--such as cars,...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRelative Humidity
5 Minute Preview
Measure the temperature on wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine relative humidity. Measure the dew point by cooling a bucket of water until condensation forms on the surface. See how...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoH-R Diagram
5 Minute Preview
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCoulomb Force (Static)
5 Minute Preview
Drag two charged particles around and observe the Coulomb force between them as their positions change. The charge of each object can be adjusted, and the force is displayed both...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBohr Model: Introduction
5 Minute Preview
Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTorque and Moment of Inertia
5 Minute Preview
One of the simplest machines is a see-saw lever. Place up to eight objects on the lever at different locations and try to balance it. Calculate net torque and moment of inertia based on the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAtwood Machine
5 Minute Preview
Measure the height and velocity of two objects connected by a massless rope over a pulley. Observe the forces acting on each mass throughout the simulation. Calculate the acceleration of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPhase Changes
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDoppler Shift Advanced
5 Minute Preview
Derive an equation to calculate the frequency of an oncoming sound source and a receding sound source. Also, calculate the Doppler shift that results from a moving observer and a stationary...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRay Tracing (Mirrors)
5 Minute Preview
Observe light rays that reflect from a convex or concave mirror. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the mirror and measure the distance and size of the resulting...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoArchimedes' Principle
5 Minute Preview
Place weights into a boat and see how far the boat sinks into a tank of liquid. The depth of the boat can be measured, as well as the amount of liquid displaced. The dimensions of the boat...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Simple Machine
5 Minute Preview
Investigate how an inclined plane redirects and reduces the force pulling a brick downward, with or without friction. A toy car can apply a variable upward force on the brick, and the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLevers
5 Minute Preview
Use a lever to lift a pig, turkey, or sheep. A strongman provides up to 1000 newtons of effort. The fulcrum, strongman, and animals can be moved to any position to create first-, second-,...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAnts on a Slant (Inclined Plane)
5 Minute Preview
Lift food using ants with the help of a slanted stick. The steepness of the stick, the number of ants, and the size of the item being lifted can be varied. Observe the effect of friction on...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWeight and Mass
5 Minute Preview
Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWheel and Axle
5 Minute Preview
Use a wheel and axle to move a heavy load. Find out how many athletes it takes to move the load under different conditions. The radii of the wheel and the axle can be adjusted to help study...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRadiation
5 Minute Preview
Use a powerful flashlight to pop a kernel of popcorn. A lens focuses light on the kernel. The temperature of the filament and the distance between the flashlight and lens can be changed....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEarthquakes 1 - Recording Station
5 Minute Preview
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEarthquakes 2 - Determination of Epicenter
5 Minute Preview
Locate the epicenter of an earthquake by analyzing seismic data from three recording stations. Measure difference in P- and S-wave arrival times, then use data from the Earthquakes 1 -...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDetermining Density via Water Displacement
5 Minute Preview
Drop objects in a beaker that is filled with water, and measure the water that flows over the edge. Using Archimedes' principle, determine the density of objects based on the amount of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBalancing Chemical Equations
5 Minute Preview
Balance and classify five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion. While balancing the reactions, the number of atoms...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFreezing Point of Salt Water
5 Minute Preview
Control the temperature of a beaker of water. As the temperature drops below the freezing point, a transformation of state will occur that can be viewed on a molecular level. Salt can be...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity Experiment: Slice and Dice
5 Minute Preview
Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Cut the chunk into smaller pieces of any size, and observe what happens as they are dropped in the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRock Classification
5 Minute Preview
Try to classify a dozen different rock samples based on their appearance. Common characteristics of each major rock type are described. Rocks also can be classified by where they formed.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHousehold Energy Usage
5 Minute Preview
Explore the energy used by many household appliances, such as television sets, hair dryers, lights, computers, etc. Make estimates for how long each item is used on a daily basis to get an...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWater Pollution
5 Minute Preview
Get to know the four main types of pollution present in the environment, and then look at a variety of real-world examples as you try to guess what type of pollution is represented by each...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRipple Tank
5 Minute Preview
Study wave motion, diffraction, interference, and refraction in a simulated ripple tank. A wide variety of scenarios can be chosen, including barriers with one or two gaps, multiple wave...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElectromagnetic Induction
5 Minute Preview
Explore how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current. A magnet can be moved up or down at a constant velocity below a loop of wire, or the loop of wire may be dragged in any...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTrebuchet
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design your own trebuchet to fling a projectile at a castle wall. All of the dimensions of the trebuchet can be adjusted, as well as the masses of the counterweight and payload. Select a...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHalf-life
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoNuclear Decay
5 Minute Preview
Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture. Write nuclear equations by determining the mass numbers and...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHearing: Frequency and Volume
5 Minute Preview
Test your hearing range by listening to low-, medium-, and high-frequency sounds. Compare the relative loudness of sounds at each frequency to create an equal-loudness curve. In a quiet...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRefraction
5 Minute Preview
Determine the angle of refraction for a light beam moving from one medium to another. The angle of incidence and each index of refraction can be varied. Using the tools provided, the angle...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOrbital Motion - Kepler's Laws
5 Minute Preview
Learn Kepler's three laws of planetary motion by examining the orbit of a planet around a star. The initial position, velocity, and mass of the planet can be varied as well as the mass of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPhased Array
5 Minute Preview
Observe the wave fronts produced by four closely-spaced emitters. The spacing and phase shift of each wave source can be adjusted, as well as the wave velocity. With all four sources you...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoReal-Time Histogram
5 Minute Preview
Try to click your mouse once every 2 seconds. The time interval between each click is recorded, as well as the error and percent error. Data can be displayed in a table, histogram, or...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoMoment of Inertia
5 Minute Preview
Place masses on a circular table and see how fast it spins when struck by a piston. Discover the relationships between angular velocity, mass, radius and moment of inertia for collections...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBasic Prism
5 Minute Preview
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFeed the Monkey (Projectile Motion)
5 Minute Preview
Fire a banana cannon at a monkey in a tree. The monkey drops from the tree at the moment the banana is fired from the cannon. Determine where to aim the cannon so the monkey catches the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoMagnetic Induction
5 Minute Preview
Measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field at different locations in a laboratory. Compare the strength of the induced magnetic field to Earth's magnetic field. The direction...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoForce and Fan Carts
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCharge Launcher
5 Minute Preview
Launch a charged particle into a chamber. Charged particles can be added into the chamber to influence the path of the moving particle. The launch speed can be changed as well. Try to match...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCircuit Builder
5 Minute Preview
Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPulleys
5 Minute Preview
Lift a variety of heavy objects (armchair, safe, piano) using pulleys and a rope. Systems of one, two, four, or six pulleys can be used. Up to six people can be used to pull on the rope,...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGravity Pitch
5 Minute Preview
Imagine a gigantic pitcher standing on Earth, ready to hurl a huge baseball. What will happen as the ball is thrown harder and harder? Find out with the Gravity Pitch Gizmo. Observe the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFree Fall Tower
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLimiting Reactants
5 Minute Preview
Explore the concepts of limiting reactants, excess reactants, and theoretical yield in a chemical reaction. Select one of two different reactions, choose the number of molecules of each...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGreenhouse Effect
5 Minute Preview
Within this simulated region of land, daytime's rising temperature and the falling temperature at night can be measured, along with heat flow in and out of the system. The level of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOcean Mapping
5 Minute Preview
Use a sonar on a boat to remotely measure the depth of an ocean at various locations. Describe multiple points on the ocean floor using their latitude, longitude, and depth. View maps of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoComparing Earth and Venus
5 Minute Preview
Observe the motions of Venus and Earth as the planets move around the Sun. Measure the length of a day and a year on Earth and Venus, and compare the length of a solar day to the length of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSolubility and Temperature
5 Minute Preview
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then measure the concentration of the solution at...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity via Comparison
5 Minute Preview
Using four beakers of liquids with known densities, estimate the density of a variety of objects. Place each object into each beaker to see whether it sinks or floats, and then use this...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBoyle's Law and Charles's Law
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the properties of an ideal gas by performing experiments in which the temperature is held constant (Boyle's Law), and others in which the pressure remains fixed (Charles's Law)....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElement Builder
5 Minute Preview
Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPorosity
5 Minute Preview
Pour water on a variety of sediment samples to find how much water can be absorbed by the sample (porosity) and how easily water flows through the sample (permeability).
Lesson Info Launch GizmopH Analysis
5 Minute Preview
Test the acidity of common substances using pH paper. Materials including soap, lemon juice, milk, and oven cleaner can be tested by comparing the color of pH strips to a standard scale.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRock Cycle
5 Minute Preview
Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Learn how rocks are formed, weathered,...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRNA and Protein Synthesis
- Updated!
5 Minute Preview
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPlate Tectonics
5 Minute Preview
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCell Energy Cycle
5 Minute Preview
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...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHoliday Snowflake Designer
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Fold paper and cut in a certain way to make symmetrical snowflakes with six sides (similar to what can be found in nature) or with eight sides (an easier folding method). This simulation...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCladograms
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Based on the similarities and differences between different organisms, create branching diagrams called cladograms to show how they are related. Use both morphological data (physical...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTrebuchet
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design your own trebuchet to fling a projectile at a castle wall. All of the dimensions of the trebuchet can be adjusted, as well as the masses of the counterweight and payload. Select a...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoChemical and Physical Changes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service recently arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and...
Lesson InfoTackling Concussions: Testing Helmet Design Using Laws of Motion
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Concussion rates in youth impact sports are high despite the use of helmets. In this STEM case, students act as materials scientists to learn about the physics behind concussions and helmet...
Lesson InfoChemical and Physical Changes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service recently arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and the evidence. Students learn about chemical and physical changes to recreate the methods used to make the coins as evidence for the trial.
Lesson InfoFan Cart Physics
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRoller Coaster Physics
5 Minute Preview
Adjust the hills on a toy-car roller coaster and watch what happens as the car careens toward an egg (that can be broken) at the end of the track. The heights of three hills can be manipulated, along with the mass of the car and the friction of the track. A graph of various variables of motion can be viewed as the car travels, including position, speed, acceleration, potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoColligative Properties
5 Minute Preview
Determine how the physical properties of a solvent are dependent on the number of solute particles present. Measure the vapor pressure, boiling point, freezing point, and osmotic pressure of pure water and a variety of solutions. Compare the effects of four solutes (sucrose, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride) on these physical properties.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHoliday Snowflake Designer
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Fold paper and cut in a certain way to make symmetrical snowflakes with six sides (similar to what can be found in nature) or with eight sides (an easier folding method). This simulation allows you to cut virtual paper on the computer screen with round dot or square dot "scissors" of various sizes before using physical paper.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGolf Range
5 Minute Preview
Try to get a hole in one by adjusting the velocity and launch angle of a golf ball. Explore the physics of projectile motion in a frictional or ideal setting. Horizontal and vertical velocity vectors can be displayed, as well as the path of the ball. The height of the golfer and the force of gravity are also adjustable.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWeathering
5 Minute Preview
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCladograms
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Based on the similarities and differences between different organisms, create branching diagrams called cladograms to show how they are related. Use both morphological data (physical traits) and molecular data to create the simplest and most likely cladograms. Five different sets of organisms are available.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTackling Concussions: Testing Helmet Design Using Laws of Motion
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Concussion rates in youth impact sports are high despite the use of helmets. In this STEM case, students act as materials scientists to learn about the physics behind concussions and helmet function. Students will use their understanding of Newton’s First and Second Laws of Motion to investigate helmet padding material to determine which material is best at reducing force during an impact.
Lesson InfoTriple Beam Balance
5 Minute Preview
Learn how to determine the mass of an object using a triple beam balance. The mass of a variety of objects can be determined using this simulated version of a common real-world laboratory tool for measurement.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnergy of a Pendulum
5 Minute Preview
Perform experiments with a pendulum to gain an understanding of energy conservation in simple harmonic motion. The mass, length, and gravitational acceleration of the pendulum can be adjusted, as well as the initial angle. The potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy of the oscillating pendulum can be displayed on a table, bar chart or graph.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDiffusion
5 Minute Preview
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce around from one side of a room to the other through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the temperature of the room and the initial number of particles. In a real-world context, this can be used to learn about how odors travel, fluids move through gaps, the thermodynamics of gases, and statistical probability.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriod of Mass on a Spring
5 Minute Preview
Measure the period of a mass on the end of a spring. Determine the effects of gravitational acceleration, mass, and the spring constant on the period of the spring. Create an equation for the period of a spring given its mass and spring constant.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCenter of Mass
5 Minute Preview
Drag blocks onto a two-dimensional surface and observe the effects on the center of mass. Use a grid to calculate the coordinates of the center of mass. Investigate predefined shapes or your own arrangements of blocks.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAir Track
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Sliding Objects
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the energy and motion of a block sliding down an inclined plane, with or without friction. The ramp angle can be varied and a variety of materials for the block and ramp can be used. Potential and kinetic energy are reported as the block slides down the ramp. Two experiments can be run simultaneously to compare results as factors are varied.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity Laboratory
5 Minute Preview
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be investigated. The density of the liquid in the beaker can be adjusted, and a variety of objects can be studied during the investigation.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHeat Transfer by Conduction
5 Minute Preview
An insulated beaker of hot water is connected to a beaker of cold water with a conducting bar, and over time the temperatures of the beakers equalize as heat is transferred through the bar. Four materials (aluminum, copper, steel, and glass) are available for the bar.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHerschel Experiment
5 Minute Preview
Shine sunlight through a prism and use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different regions of the spectrum. The thermometer can be dragged through the visible spectrum and beyond. This recreates the experiment of William Herschel that led to the discovery of infrared radiation in 1800.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriod of a Pendulum
5 Minute Preview
Practice measuring the period of a pendulum. Perform experiments to determine how mass, length, gravitational acceleration, and angle affect the period of a pendulum.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCircuits
5 Minute Preview
Build electrical circuits using batteries, light bulbs, resistors, fuses, wires, and a switch. An ammeter, a voltmeter and an ohmmeter are available for measuring current, voltage and resistance throughout the circuit. The voltage of the battery and the precision of the meters can be adjusted. Multiple circuits can be built for comparison.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPotential Energy on Shelves
5 Minute Preview
Compare the potential energy of several objects when you place them on shelves of different heights. Learn that two objects at different heights can have the same potential energy, while two objects at the same height can have different potential energies.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGravitational Force
5 Minute Preview
Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as their positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both as vectors and numerically.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAdditive Colors
5 Minute Preview
Control the intensity of red, green, and blue spotlights. Additive colors can be observed where the spotlights overlap. The RGB value of any point can be measured. Just about any color can be created by mixing varying amounts of red, green, and blue light.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLaser Reflection
5 Minute Preview
Point a laser at a mirror and compare the angle of the incoming beam to the angle of reflection. A protractor can be used to measure the angles of incidence and reflection, and the angle of the mirror can be adjusted. A beam splitter can be used to split the beam. Both plane and irregular mirrors can be used.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoVectors
5 Minute Preview
Manipulate the magnitudes and directions of two vectors to generate a sum and learn vector addition. The x and y components can be displayed, along with the dot product of the two vectors.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnergy Conversion in a System
5 Minute Preview
A falling cylinder is attached to a rotating propeller that stirs and heats the water in a beaker. The mass and height of the cylinder, as well as the quantity and initial temperature of water can be adjusted. The temperature of the water is measured as energy is converted from one form to another.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoUniform Circular Motion
5 Minute Preview
Measure the position, velocity, and acceleration (both components and magnitude) of an object undergoing circular motion. The radius and velocity of the object can be controlled, along with the mass of the object. The forces acting on the object also can be recorded.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHerschel Experiment - Metric
5 Minute Preview
Shine sunlight through a prism and use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different regions of the spectrum. The thermometer can be dragged through the visible spectrum and beyond. This recreates the experiment of William Herschel that led to the discovery of infrared radiation in 1800.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDoppler Shift
5 Minute Preview
Observe sound waves emitted from a moving vehicle. Measure the frequency of sound waves in front of and behind the vehicle as it moves, illustrating the Doppler effect. The frequency of sound waves, speed of the source, and the speed of sound can all be manipulated. Motion of the vehicle can be linear, oscillating, or circular.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDetermining a Spring Constant
5 Minute Preview
Place a pan on the end of a hanging spring. Measure how much the spring stretches when various masses are added to the pan. Create a graph of displacement vs. mass to determine the spring constant of the spring.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSimple Harmonic Motion
5 Minute Preview
Observe two different forms of simple harmonic motion: a pendulum and a spring supporting a mass. Use a stopwatch to measure the period of each device as you adjust the mass hanging from the spring, the spring constant, the mass of the pendulum, the length of the pendulum, and the gravitational acceleration.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPith Ball Lab
5 Minute Preview
Pith balls with positive, negative, or no electrical charge are suspended from strings. The charge and mass of the pith balls can be adjusted, along with the length of the string, which will cause the pith balls to change position. Distances can be measured as variables are adjusted, and the forces (Coulomb and gravitational) acting on the balls can be displayed.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPulley Lab
5 Minute Preview
Use a pulley system to lift a heavy weight to a certain height. Measure the force required to lift the weight using up to three fixed and three movable pulleys. The weight to be lifted and the efficiency of the pulley system can be adjusted, and the height of the weight and the total input distance are reported.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPendulum Clock
5 Minute Preview
Find the effect of length, mass, and angle on the period of a pendulum. The pendulum is attached to a clock that can be adjusted to tell time accurately. The clock can be located on Earth or Jupiter to determine the effect of gravity.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSeasons: Why do we have them?
5 Minute Preview
Learn why the temperature in the summertime is higher than it is in the winter by studying the amount of light striking the Earth. Experiment with a plate detector to measure the amount of light striking the plate as the angle of the plate is adjusted (and then use a group of plates placed at different locations on the Earth) and measure the incoming radiation on each plate.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWaves
5 Minute Preview
Observe and measure transverse, longitudinal, and combined waves on a model of a spring moved by a hand. Adjust the amplitude and frequency of the hand, and the tension and density of the spring. The speed and power of the waves is reported, and the wavelength and amplitude can be measured.
Lesson Info Launch Gizmo2D Collisions
5 Minute Preview
Investigate elastic collisions in two dimensions using two frictionless pucks. The mass, velocity, and initial position of each puck can be modified to create a variety of scenarios.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFree-Fall Laboratory
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSubtractive Colors
5 Minute Preview
Move spots of yellow, cyan, and magenta pigment on a white surface. As the colors overlap, other colors can be seen due to color subtraction. The color of most things you see--such as cars, leaves, paintings, houses, and clothes--are due to color subtraction. The intensity of the cyan, magenta, and yellow can be adjusted, and the RGB value at any location can be measured.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRelative Humidity
5 Minute Preview
Measure the temperature on wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine relative humidity. Measure the dew point by cooling a bucket of water until condensation forms on the surface. See how the relative humidity and dew point change over the course of a day.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoH-R Diagram
5 Minute Preview
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional plots, including a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of luminosity vs. temperature.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCoulomb Force (Static)
5 Minute Preview
Drag two charged particles around and observe the Coulomb force between them as their positions change. The charge of each object can be adjusted, and the force is displayed both numerically and with vectors as the distance between the objects is altered.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBohr Model: Introduction
5 Minute Preview
Fire photons to determine the spectrum of a gas. Observe how an absorbed photon changes the orbit of an electron and how a photon is emitted from an excited electron. Calculate the energies of absorbed and emitted photons based on energy level diagrams. The light energy produced by the laser can be modulated, and a lamp can be used to view the entire absorption spectrum at once.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTorque and Moment of Inertia
5 Minute Preview
One of the simplest machines is a see-saw lever. Place up to eight objects on the lever at different locations and try to balance it. Calculate net torque and moment of inertia based on the positions of the objects and the mass of the bar. The mass of each object can be changed, and the fulcrum position can be shifted as well.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAtwood Machine
5 Minute Preview
Measure the height and velocity of two objects connected by a massless rope over a pulley. Observe the forces acting on each mass throughout the simulation. Calculate the acceleration of the objects, and relate these calculations to Newton's Laws of Motion. The mass of each object can be manipulated, as well as the mass and radius of the pulley.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPhase Changes
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDoppler Shift Advanced
5 Minute Preview
Derive an equation to calculate the frequency of an oncoming sound source and a receding sound source. Also, calculate the Doppler shift that results from a moving observer and a stationary sound source. The source velocity, sound velocity, observer velocity, and sound frequency can all be manipulated.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRay Tracing (Mirrors)
5 Minute Preview
Observe light rays that reflect from a convex or concave mirror. Manipulate the position of an object and the focal length of the mirror and measure the distance and size of the resulting image.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoArchimedes' Principle
5 Minute Preview
Place weights into a boat and see how far the boat sinks into a tank of liquid. The depth of the boat can be measured, as well as the amount of liquid displaced. The dimensions of the boat and the density of the liquid can be adjusted. See how much weight the boat can hold before it sinks to the bottom!
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Simple Machine
5 Minute Preview
Investigate how an inclined plane redirects and reduces the force pulling a brick downward, with or without friction. A toy car can apply a variable upward force on the brick, and the mechanical advantage and efficiency of the plane can be determined. A graph of force versus distance illustrates the concept of work.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLevers
5 Minute Preview
Use a lever to lift a pig, turkey, or sheep. A strongman provides up to 1000 newtons of effort. The fulcrum, strongman, and animals can be moved to any position to create first-, second-, or third-class levers.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoAnts on a Slant (Inclined Plane)
5 Minute Preview
Lift food using ants with the help of a slanted stick. The steepness of the stick, the number of ants, and the size of the item being lifted can be varied. Observe the effect of friction on sliding objects.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWeight and Mass
5 Minute Preview
Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWheel and Axle
5 Minute Preview
Use a wheel and axle to move a heavy load. Find out how many athletes it takes to move the load under different conditions. The radii of the wheel and the axle can be adjusted to help study mechanical advantage.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRadiation
5 Minute Preview
Use a powerful flashlight to pop a kernel of popcorn. A lens focuses light on the kernel. The temperature of the filament and the distance between the flashlight and lens can be changed. Several obstacles can be placed between the flashlight and the popcorn.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEarthquakes 1 - Recording Station
5 Minute Preview
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEarthquakes 2 - Determination of Epicenter
5 Minute Preview
Locate the epicenter of an earthquake by analyzing seismic data from three recording stations. Measure difference in P- and S-wave arrival times, then use data from the Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station Gizmo to find the distance of the epicenter from each station.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDetermining Density via Water Displacement
5 Minute Preview
Drop objects in a beaker that is filled with water, and measure the water that flows over the edge. Using Archimedes' principle, determine the density of objects based on the amount of displaced water.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBalancing Chemical Equations
5 Minute Preview
Balance and classify five types of chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion. While balancing the reactions, the number of atoms on each side is presented as visual, histogram, and numerical data.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFreezing Point of Salt Water
5 Minute Preview
Control the temperature of a beaker of water. As the temperature drops below the freezing point, a transformation of state will occur that can be viewed on a molecular level. Salt can be added to the water to see its effect on the freezing point of water.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity Experiment: Slice and Dice
5 Minute Preview
Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Cut the chunk into smaller pieces of any size, and observe what happens as they are dropped in the beaker. The mass and volume of each chunk can be measured to gain a clear understanding of density and buoyancy.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRock Classification
5 Minute Preview
Try to classify a dozen different rock samples based on their appearance. Common characteristics of each major rock type are described. Rocks also can be classified by where they formed.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHousehold Energy Usage
5 Minute Preview
Explore the energy used by many household appliances, such as television sets, hair dryers, lights, computers, etc. Make estimates for how long each item is used on a daily basis to get an estimate for the total power consumed during a day, a week, a month, and a year, and how that relates to consumer costs and environmental impact.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoWater Pollution
5 Minute Preview
Get to know the four main types of pollution present in the environment, and then look at a variety of real-world examples as you try to guess what type of pollution is represented by each situation. All of the real-world situations can be viewed every day in different parts of the world.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRipple Tank
5 Minute Preview
Study wave motion, diffraction, interference, and refraction in a simulated ripple tank. A wide variety of scenarios can be chosen, including barriers with one or two gaps, multiple wave sources, reflecting barriers, or submerged rocks. The wavelength and strength of waves can be adjusted, as well as the amount of damping in the tank.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElectromagnetic Induction
5 Minute Preview
Explore how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric current. A magnet can be moved up or down at a constant velocity below a loop of wire, or the loop of wire may be dragged in any direction or rotated. The magnetic and electric fields can be displayed, as well as the magnetic flux and the current in the wire.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTrebuchet
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design your own trebuchet to fling a projectile at a castle wall. All of the dimensions of the trebuchet can be adjusted, as well as the masses of the counterweight and payload. Select a target on the Launch tab, or just see how far your projectile will go.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHalf-life
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoNuclear Decay
5 Minute Preview
Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture. Write nuclear equations by determining the mass numbers and atomic numbers of daughter products and emitted particles.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHearing: Frequency and Volume
5 Minute Preview
Test your hearing range by listening to low-, medium-, and high-frequency sounds. Compare the relative loudness of sounds at each frequency to create an equal-loudness curve. In a quiet room, measure your threshold of audibility for each frequency, and compare your results to others. The volume of each sound can be adjusted.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRefraction
5 Minute Preview
Determine the angle of refraction for a light beam moving from one medium to another. The angle of incidence and each index of refraction can be varied. Using the tools provided, the angle of refraction can be measured, and the wavelength and frequency of the waves in each substance can be compared as well.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOrbital Motion - Kepler's Laws
5 Minute Preview
Learn Kepler's three laws of planetary motion by examining the orbit of a planet around a star. The initial position, velocity, and mass of the planet can be varied as well as the mass of the star. The foci and centers of orbits can be displayed and compared to the location of the star. The area swept out by the planet in a given time period can be measured, and data on orbital radii and periods can be plotted in several ways.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPhased Array
5 Minute Preview
Observe the wave fronts produced by four closely-spaced emitters. The spacing and phase shift of each wave source can be adjusted, as well as the wave velocity. With all four sources you can observe a region of constructive interference that moves over time. The phased array has several real world applications such as radar and ultrasound.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoReal-Time Histogram
5 Minute Preview
Try to click your mouse once every 2 seconds. The time interval between each click is recorded, as well as the error and percent error. Data can be displayed in a table, histogram, or scatter plot. Observe and measure the characteristics of the resulting distribution when large amounts of data are collected.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoMoment of Inertia
5 Minute Preview
Place masses on a circular table and see how fast it spins when struck by a piston. Discover the relationships between angular velocity, mass, radius and moment of inertia for collections of point-masses, rings, disks, and more complex shapes.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBasic Prism
5 Minute Preview
Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFeed the Monkey (Projectile Motion)
5 Minute Preview
Fire a banana cannon at a monkey in a tree. The monkey drops from the tree at the moment the banana is fired from the cannon. Determine where to aim the cannon so the monkey catches the banana. The position of the cannon, launch angle and initial velocity of the banana can be varied. Students can observe the velocity vectors and the paths of the monkey and banana.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoMagnetic Induction
5 Minute Preview
Measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field at different locations in a laboratory. Compare the strength of the induced magnetic field to Earth's magnetic field. The direction and magnitude of the inducting current can be adjusted.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoForce and Fan Carts
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCharge Launcher
5 Minute Preview
Launch a charged particle into a chamber. Charged particles can be added into the chamber to influence the path of the moving particle. The launch speed can be changed as well. Try to match a given path by manipulating the fixed particles in the chamber.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCircuit Builder
5 Minute Preview
Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery voltage. Thousands of different circuits can be built with this Gizmo.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPulleys
5 Minute Preview
Lift a variety of heavy objects (armchair, safe, piano) using pulleys and a rope. Systems of one, two, four, or six pulleys can be used. Up to six people can be used to pull on the rope, which adds force (effort).
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGravity Pitch
5 Minute Preview
Imagine a gigantic pitcher standing on Earth, ready to hurl a huge baseball. What will happen as the ball is thrown harder and harder? Find out with the Gravity Pitch Gizmo. Observe the path of the ball when it is thrown at different velocities. Throw the ball on different planets to see how each planet's gravity affects the ball.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoFree Fall Tower
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoLimiting Reactants
5 Minute Preview
Explore the concepts of limiting reactants, excess reactants, and theoretical yield in a chemical reaction. Select one of two different reactions, choose the number of molecules of each reactant, and then observe the products created and the reactants left over.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoGreenhouse Effect
5 Minute Preview
Within this simulated region of land, daytime's rising temperature and the falling temperature at night can be measured, along with heat flow in and out of the system. The level of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere at any given time can be adjusted, allowing the long-term effects to be investigated.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOcean Mapping
5 Minute Preview
Use a sonar on a boat to remotely measure the depth of an ocean at various locations. Describe multiple points on the ocean floor using their latitude, longitude, and depth. View maps of ocean depth in two and three dimensions, and use these maps to plot a safe route for ships to follow.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoComparing Earth and Venus
5 Minute Preview
Observe the motions of Venus and Earth as the planets move around the Sun. Measure the length of a day and a year on Earth and Venus, and compare the length of a solar day to the length of a sidereal day.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSolubility and Temperature
5 Minute Preview
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then measure the concentration of the solution at the saturation point. Either potassium nitrate or sodium chloride can be added to the water, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoDensity via Comparison
5 Minute Preview
Using four beakers of liquids with known densities, estimate the density of a variety of objects. Place each object into each beaker to see whether it sinks or floats, and then use this information to compare the densities of the objects.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBoyle's Law and Charles's Law
5 Minute Preview
Investigate the properties of an ideal gas by performing experiments in which the temperature is held constant (Boyle's Law), and others in which the pressure remains fixed (Charles's Law). The pressure is controlled through the placement of masses on the lid of the container, and temperature is controlled with an adjustable heat source. Gay-Lussac's law relating pressure to temperature can also be explored by keeping the volume constant.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElement Builder
5 Minute Preview
Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. Each element is classified as a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal, and its state at room temperature is also given.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPorosity
5 Minute Preview
Pour water on a variety of sediment samples to find how much water can be absorbed by the sample (porosity) and how easily water flows through the sample (permeability).
Lesson Info Launch GizmopH Analysis
5 Minute Preview
Test the acidity of common substances using pH paper. Materials including soap, lemon juice, milk, and oven cleaner can be tested by comparing the color of pH strips to a standard scale.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRock Cycle
5 Minute Preview
Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Learn how rocks are formed, weathered, eroded, and reformed as they move from Earth's surface to locations deep within the crust.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoRNA and Protein Synthesis
- Updated!
5 Minute Preview
Go through the process of synthesizing proteins through RNA transcription and translation. Learn about the many steps involved in protein synthesis including: unzipping of DNA, formation of mRNA, attaching of mRNA to the ribosome, and linking of amino acids to form a protein.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPlate Tectonics
5 Minute Preview
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCell Energy Cycle
5 Minute Preview
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.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHoliday Snowflake Designer
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Fold paper and cut in a certain way to make symmetrical snowflakes with six sides (similar to what can be found in nature) or with eight sides (an easier folding method). This simulation allows you to cut virtual paper on the computer screen with round dot or square dot "scissors" of various sizes before using physical paper.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCladograms
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Based on the similarities and differences between different organisms, create branching diagrams called cladograms to show how they are related. Use both morphological data (physical traits) and molecular data to create the simplest and most likely cladograms. Five different sets of organisms are available.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoTrebuchet
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design your own trebuchet to fling a projectile at a castle wall. All of the dimensions of the trebuchet can be adjusted, as well as the masses of the counterweight and payload. Select a target on the Launch tab, or just see how far your projectile will go.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoChemical and Physical Changes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service recently arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and the evidence. Students learn about chemical and physical changes to recreate the methods used to make the coins as evidence for the trial.
Lesson InfoTackling Concussions: Testing Helmet Design Using Laws of Motion
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Concussion rates in youth impact sports are high despite the use of helmets. In this STEM case, students act as materials scientists to learn about the physics behind concussions and helmet function. Students will use their understanding of Newton’s First and Second Laws of Motion to investigate helmet padding material to determine which material is best at reducing force during an impact.
Lesson InfoFind Your Solution
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