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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.

Comparing 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 Gizmo

Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

5 Minute Preview

Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems

  • Stem Case
Video Preview

The Bay Area of California experiences frequent earthquakes. Earthquakes are unpredictable and cause enormous damage that leads to casualties. Students take on the role of an earth...

Lesson Info

Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of moonrise and moonset times by observing the relative positions of Earth and the Moon along with a view of the Moon from Earth. A line shows the horizon for a person...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions) - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Apply ratios and proportions to find the weight of a person on the moon (or on another planet). Weigh an object on Earth and on the moon and weigh the person on Earth. Then set up and solve...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions)

5 Minute Preview

Apply ratios and proportions to find the weight of a person on the moon (or on another planet). Weigh an object on Earth and on the moon and weigh the person on Earth. Then set up and solve...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Observe solar and lunar eclipses as the Moon orbits Earth. The full and partial shadows of the Moon and Earth can be displayed, and the Moon can also be dragged around Earth. See what the...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

3D Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to investigate the causes and frequency of eclipses. Observe Earth's shadow crossing the Moon during a lunar eclipse, and...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Seasons: 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 Gizmo

Plate 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 Gizmo

Earthquake-Proof Homes

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Design a house to withstand an earthquake and protect the people living inside. Select a location in San Francisco, then choose the design and materials for a foundation, frame, walls, and...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

2D Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Manipulate the position of the Moon to model solar and lunar eclipses. View Earth's shadow, the Moon's shadow, or both. Observe the Moon and Sun from Earth during a partial and total...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Tides

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and neap tides on Earth by observing the tidal heights and the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tidal bulges can be observed from space,...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Tides - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and neap tides on Earth by observing the tidal heights and the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tidal bulges can be observed from space, and...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Phases of the Moon

5 Minute Preview

Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Summer and Winter

5 Minute Preview

Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Coriolis Effect

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

The Coriolis effect causes winds to be deflected as they move across Earth's surface, resulting in circular patterns of winds. This effect is caused by two factors, Earth's rotation and...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Weight 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 Gizmo

Pendulum 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 Gizmo

Rock 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 Gizmo

Ocean Tides

5 Minute Preview

Develop an understanding of ocean tides by comparing the depth of water near a dock to the positions of the Moon, Sun, and Earth. Determine the influence of the Moon and Sun on tides, and...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Seasons Around the World

5 Minute Preview

Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Building Pangaea

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

In 1915, Alfred Wegener proposed that all of Earth's continents were once joined in an ancient supercontinent he called Pangaea. Wegener's idea of moving continents led to the modern theory...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Seasons in 3D

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons by observing Earth as it orbits the Sun in three dimensions. Observe the path of the Sun across the sky on any date and from any location....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Earthquakes 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 Gizmo

Earthquakes 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 Gizmo

Holiday Snowflake Designer

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 Gizmo

Convection Cells

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Explore the causes of convection by heating liquid and observing the resulting motion. The location and intensity of the heat source (or sources) can be varied, as well as the viscosity of...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Freezing 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 Gizmo

Rock 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 Gizmo

Household 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 Gizmo

Water 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 Gizmo

Greenhouse 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 Gizmo

Ocean 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 Gizmo

Porosity

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 Gizmo

Greenhouse Effect - Metric

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 amount of...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Weathering

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 Gizmo

H-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 Gizmo

Magnetic 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 Gizmo

Hurricane Motion

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Reading Topographic Maps

5 Minute Preview

Understand how topographic maps work by creating a three-dimensional landscape and observing the corresponding contour lines. See how mountains, depressions, valleys and cliffs are...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Hurricane Motion - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Solar System

5 Minute Preview

Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Flood and Storm-Proof Homes

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Build a home to survive a flood or a hurricane and protect the people inside. Choose materials and a design for the foundation, frame, walls, and roof of the house. Add "extras" such as...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Relative 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 Gizmo

Weather Maps

5 Minute Preview

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Coastal Winds and Clouds

5 Minute Preview

Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Solar System Explorer

5 Minute Preview

Survey the solar system, observing the length of a year and the orbital path of each object. The positions of the eight official planets are displayed, as well as one dwarf planet, Pluto....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Natural Selection

5 Minute Preview

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Penumbra Effect

5 Minute Preview

Observe the partial shadows cast by a rectangular block lit by multiple light sources. The number of light sources ranges from one to five, and individual lights can be turned on or off....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Building Topographic Maps

5 Minute Preview

Build a topographic map by flooding a three dimensional landscape with water and drawing contour lines. Draw a profile of a landscape based on the topographic map.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Center 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 Gizmo

Weather Maps - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Gravity 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 Gizmo

Save a Satellite

  • Stem Case
Video Preview

Students acting as spacecraft navigation engineers apply their knowledge of Newton’s Third Law of Motion to launch a communication satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. When students...

Lesson Info

Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction)

5 Minute Preview

You are the captain of an interplanetary cargo ship, delivering important supplies to the outer planets. The cargo can be stored in barrels, crates, and holds. (There are 10 barrels in a...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Water Cycle

5 Minute Preview

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...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Star Spectra

5 Minute Preview

Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star....

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Orbital 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 Gizmo

Mineral Identification

5 Minute Preview

Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Comparing Earth and Venus
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
  • Stem Case
Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems
Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases
Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions) - Metric
Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions)
Eclipse
3D Eclipse
Seasons: Why do we have them?
Plate Tectonics
  • New!
Earthquake-Proof Homes
2D Eclipse
Tides
Tides - Metric
Phases of the Moon
Summer and Winter
  • New!
Coriolis Effect
Weight and Mass
Pendulum Clock
Rock Cycle
Ocean Tides
Seasons Around the World
  • Free!
Building Pangaea
Seasons in 3D
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Earthquakes 2 - Determination of Epicenter
Holiday Snowflake Designer
  • New!
Convection Cells
Freezing Point of Salt Water
Rock Classification
Household Energy Usage
Water Pollution
Greenhouse Effect
Ocean Mapping
Porosity
Greenhouse Effect - Metric
Weathering
H-R Diagram
Magnetic Induction
  • Free!
Hurricane Motion
Reading Topographic Maps
Hurricane Motion - Metric
Solar System
  • New!
Flood and Storm-Proof Homes
Relative Humidity
Weather Maps
Coastal Winds and Clouds
Solar System Explorer
Natural Selection
Penumbra Effect
Building Topographic Maps
Center of Mass
Weather Maps - Metric
Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric
Gravity Pitch
  • Stem Case
Save a Satellite
Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction)
Water Cycle
Star Spectra
Orbital Motion - Kepler's Laws
Mineral Identification

Building Pangaea

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

In 1915, Alfred Wegener proposed that all of Earth's continents were once joined in an ancient supercontinent he called Pangaea. Wegener's idea of moving continents led to the modern theory...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo

Hurricane Motion

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard...

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
  • Free!
Building Pangaea
  • Free!
Hurricane Motion

Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

The Bay Area of California experiences frequent earthquakes. Earthquakes are unpredictable and cause enormous damage that leads to casualties. Students take on the role of an earth...

Lesson Info

Save a Satellite

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

Students acting as spacecraft navigation engineers apply their knowledge of Newton’s Third Law of Motion to launch a communication satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. When students...

Lesson Info
  • Stem Case
Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems
  • Stem Case
Save a Satellite
Screenshot of Comparing Earth and Venus Gizmo

Comparing 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun Gizmo

Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

5 Minute Preview

Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset for different dates and locations. Relate shadows to the position of the Sun in the sky, and relate shadows to compass directions.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems Gizmo

Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

The Bay Area of California experiences frequent earthquakes. Earthquakes are unpredictable and cause enormous damage that leads to casualties. Students take on the role of an earth scientist to investigate the properties of seismic waves to develop an early warning system that warns citizens of an incoming earthquake and reduces casualties.

Lesson Info
Screenshot of Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases Gizmo

Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of moonrise and moonset times by observing the relative positions of Earth and the Moon along with a view of the Moon from Earth. A line shows the horizon for a person standing on Earth so that moonrise and moonset times can be determined.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions) - Metric Gizmo

Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions) - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Apply ratios and proportions to find the weight of a person on the moon (or on another planet). Weigh an object on Earth and on the moon and weigh the person on Earth. Then set up and solve the proportion of the Earth weights to the moon weights.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions) Gizmo

Beam to Moon (Ratios and Proportions)

5 Minute Preview

Apply ratios and proportions to find the weight of a person on the moon (or on another planet). Weigh an object on Earth and on the moon and weigh the person on Earth. Then set up and solve the proportion of the Earth weights to the moon weights.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Eclipse Gizmo

Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Observe solar and lunar eclipses as the Moon orbits Earth. The full and partial shadows of the Moon and Earth can be displayed, and the Moon can also be dragged around Earth. See what the Moon and Sun look like from Earth during partial and total eclipses.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of 3D Eclipse  Gizmo

3D Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to investigate the causes and frequency of eclipses. Observe Earth's shadow crossing the Moon during a lunar eclipse, and the path of the Moon's shadow across Earth's surface during a solar eclipse. The angle of the Moon's orbit can be adjusted, as well as the distance of the Moon from the Earth.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seasons: Why do we have them? Gizmo

Seasons: 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Plate Tectonics Gizmo

Plate 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Earthquake-Proof Homes Gizmo

Earthquake-Proof Homes

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Design a house to withstand an earthquake and protect the people living inside. Select a location in San Francisco, then choose the design and materials for a foundation, frame, walls, and roof. Decide which extras to add to your home design. Test each house in an earthquake and assess the damages. Try to arrive at a house design that results in the least damage.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of 2D Eclipse Gizmo

2D Eclipse

5 Minute Preview

Manipulate the position of the Moon to model solar and lunar eclipses. View Earth's shadow, the Moon's shadow, or both. Observe the Moon and Sun from Earth during a partial and total eclipse. The sizes of the three bodies and the Earth-Moon distance can be adjusted.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Tides Gizmo

Tides

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and neap tides on Earth by observing the tidal heights and the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tidal bulges can be observed from space, and water depths can be recorded from a dock by the ocean.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Tides - Metric Gizmo

Tides - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of high, low, spring, and neap tides on Earth by observing the tidal heights and the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tidal bulges can be observed from space, and water depths can be recorded from a dock by the ocean.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Phases of the Moon Gizmo

Phases of the Moon

5 Minute Preview

Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of Moon phases and in what order they occur. Click Play to watch the Moon go around, or click Pause and drag the Moon yourself.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Summer and Winter Gizmo

Summer and Winter

5 Minute Preview

Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude. The tilt of the Earth's axis can be varied to see how this would affect seasons.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Coriolis Effect Gizmo

Coriolis Effect

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

The Coriolis effect causes winds to be deflected as they move across Earth's surface, resulting in circular patterns of winds. This effect is caused by two factors, Earth's rotation and frame of reference. In the Coriolis Effect Gizmo, students will build their understanding of this phenomenon using the analogy of two kids playing catch: first on a train, then on a merry-go-round, and finally on Earth's surface.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weight and Mass Gizmo

Weight 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Pendulum Clock Gizmo

Pendulum 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Rock Cycle Gizmo

Rock 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Ocean Tides Gizmo

Ocean Tides

5 Minute Preview

Develop an understanding of ocean tides by comparing the depth of water near a dock to the positions of the Moon, Sun, and Earth. Determine the influence of the Moon and Sun on tides, and compare spring tides to neap tides.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seasons Around the World Gizmo

Seasons Around the World

5 Minute Preview

Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth's axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Building Pangaea Gizmo

Building Pangaea

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

In 1915, Alfred Wegener proposed that all of Earth's continents were once joined in an ancient supercontinent he called Pangaea. Wegener's idea of moving continents led to the modern theory of plate tectonics. Create your own version of Pangaea by fitting Earth's landmasses together like puzzle pieces. Use evidence from fossils, rocks, and glaciers to refine your map.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seasons in 3D Gizmo

Seasons in 3D

5 Minute Preview

Gain an understanding of the causes of seasons by observing Earth as it orbits the Sun in three dimensions. Observe the path of the Sun across the sky on any date and from any location. Create graphs of solar intensity and day length, and use collected data to describe and explain seasonal changes.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station Gizmo

Earthquakes 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Earthquakes 2 - Determination of Epicenter Gizmo

Earthquakes 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Holiday Snowflake Designer Gizmo

Holiday Snowflake Designer

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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Convection Cells Gizmo

Convection Cells

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Explore the causes of convection by heating liquid and observing the resulting motion. The location and intensity of the heat source (or sources) can be varied, as well as the viscosity of the liquid. Use a probe to measure temperature and density in different areas and observe the motion of molecules in the liquid. Then, explore real-world examples of convection cells in Earth's mantle, oceans, and atmosphere.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Freezing Point of Salt Water Gizmo

Freezing 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Rock Classification Gizmo

Rock 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Household Energy Usage Gizmo

Household 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.

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Screenshot of Water Pollution Gizmo

Water 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.

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Screenshot of Greenhouse Effect Gizmo

Greenhouse 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.

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Screenshot of Ocean Mapping Gizmo

Ocean 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.

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Screenshot of Porosity Gizmo

Porosity

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).

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Screenshot of Greenhouse Effect - Metric Gizmo

Greenhouse Effect - Metric

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 amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere can be adjusted through time, and the long-term effects can be investigated.

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Screenshot of Weathering Gizmo

Weathering

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.

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Screenshot of H-R Diagram Gizmo

H-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.

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Screenshot of Magnetic Induction Gizmo

Magnetic 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.

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Screenshot of Hurricane Motion Gizmo

Hurricane Motion

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols.

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Screenshot of Reading Topographic Maps Gizmo

Reading Topographic Maps

5 Minute Preview

Understand how topographic maps work by creating a three-dimensional landscape and observing the corresponding contour lines. See how mountains, depressions, valleys and cliffs are represented on topographic maps. Fill in the landscape with water to demonstrate that contours are lines of constant elevation.

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Screenshot of Hurricane Motion - Metric Gizmo

Hurricane Motion - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols.

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Screenshot of Solar System Gizmo

Solar System

5 Minute Preview

Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how long each planet takes to go around the Sun.

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Screenshot of Flood and Storm-Proof Homes Gizmo

Flood and Storm-Proof Homes

  • New!

5 Minute Preview

Build a home to survive a flood or a hurricane and protect the people inside. Choose materials and a design for the foundation, frame, walls, and roof of the house. Add "extras" such as sand bags, storm shutters, and roof clips. Test your house in a flood or storm and see how well your design worked.

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Screenshot of Relative Humidity Gizmo

Relative 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.

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Screenshot of Weather Maps Gizmo

Weather Maps

5 Minute Preview

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts.

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Screenshot of Coastal Winds and Clouds Gizmo

Coastal Winds and Clouds

5 Minute Preview

Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night. Explain the origin of land breezes and sea breezes.

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Screenshot of Solar System Explorer Gizmo

Solar System Explorer

5 Minute Preview

Survey the solar system, observing the length of a year and the orbital path of each object. The positions of the eight official planets are displayed, as well as one dwarf planet, Pluto. Learn about Kepler's Laws and how planets are classified.

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Screenshot of Natural Selection Gizmo

Natural Selection

5 Minute Preview

You are a bird hunting moths (both dark and light) that live on trees. As you capture the moths most easily visible against the tree surface, the moth populations change, illustrating the effects of natural selection.

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Screenshot of Penumbra Effect Gizmo

Penumbra Effect

5 Minute Preview

Observe the partial shadows cast by a rectangular block lit by multiple light sources. The number of light sources ranges from one to five, and individual lights can be turned on or off. The light spacing, block width, and distance from the lights to the block can be varied. Light intensity can be observed on a detector.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Building Topographic Maps Gizmo

Building Topographic Maps

5 Minute Preview

Build a topographic map by flooding a three dimensional landscape with water and drawing contour lines. Draw a profile of a landscape based on the topographic map.

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Screenshot of Center of Mass Gizmo

Center 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Weather Maps - Metric Gizmo

Weather Maps - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric Gizmo

Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric

5 Minute Preview

Observe daily weather conditions in a coastal region. Measure temperatures and wind speeds at any location and use this data to map convection currents that form during the day and night. Explain the origin of land breezes and sea breezes.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Gravity Pitch Gizmo

Gravity 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Save a Satellite Gizmo

Save a Satellite

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

Students acting as spacecraft navigation engineers apply their knowledge of Newton’s Third Law of Motion to launch a communication satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. When students learn of an impending collision with space debris, they must use their knowledge of gravitational forces and Newton’s Laws to correctly maneuver their satellite to a new, stable orbit.

Lesson Info
Screenshot of Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction) Gizmo

Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction)

5 Minute Preview

You are the captain of an interplanetary cargo ship, delivering important supplies to the outer planets. The cargo can be stored in barrels, crates, and holds. (There are 10 barrels in a crate, and 10 crates in a hold.) Model multi-digit subtraction by unloading cargo on each planet.

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Screenshot of Water Cycle Gizmo

Water Cycle

5 Minute Preview

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.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Star Spectra Gizmo

Star Spectra

5 Minute Preview

Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Orbital Motion - Kepler's Laws Gizmo

Orbital 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 Gizmo
Screenshot of Mineral Identification Gizmo

Mineral Identification

5 Minute Preview

Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Building Pangaea Gizmo

Building Pangaea

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

In 1915, Alfred Wegener proposed that all of Earth's continents were once joined in an ancient supercontinent he called Pangaea. Wegener's idea of moving continents led to the modern theory of plate tectonics. Create your own version of Pangaea by fitting Earth's landmasses together like puzzle pieces. Use evidence from fossils, rocks, and glaciers to refine your map.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Hurricane Motion Gizmo

Hurricane Motion

  • Free!

FREE with no time limit!

5 Minute Preview

Use data from up to three weather stations to predict the motion of a hurricane. The wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover and air pressure are provided for each station using standard weather symbols.

Lesson Info Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems STEM Case

Shake it Off: Understanding Wave Properties to Develop Earthquake Alert Systems

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

The Bay Area of California experiences frequent earthquakes. Earthquakes are unpredictable and cause enormous damage that leads to casualties. Students take on the role of an earth scientist to investigate the properties of seismic waves to develop an early warning system that warns citizens of an incoming earthquake and reduces casualties.

Lesson Info
Screenshot of Save a Satellite STEM Case

Save a Satellite

  • Stem Case

Video Preview

Students acting as spacecraft navigation engineers apply their knowledge of Newton’s Third Law of Motion to launch a communication satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. When students learn of an impending collision with space debris, they must use their knowledge of gravitational forces and Newton’s Laws to correctly maneuver their satellite to a new, stable orbit.

Lesson Info

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