As science sensemaking becomes a central focus in modern standards and assessments, educators are increasingly finding that traditional curricula fall short. But addressing those instructional gaps just got easier. Introducing Gizmos Investigations, the latest innovation from the Gizmos team, designed to empower both teachers and students with deeper, more engaging learning experiences.
New Gizmos Investigations transform science learning
Gizmos Investigations help teachers overcome the persistent challenge of getting all students actively engaged in the doing of science. Even with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in place, many educators find it difficult to fully prepare students for the demands of new, practice-focused state assessments. Gizmos Investigations fills that gap by providing efficient, repeatable opportunities for students to master the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), while also giving teachers actionable insights to tailor instruction and support diverse learning needs.
There’s no question that HQIM are vital for improving STEM outcomes. These materials enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction, empowering teachers to foster deeper scientific understanding and meet the rigor of today’s standards. But access matters. It’s essential that HQIM are inclusive and accessible to all learners, such as English language learners, students with disabilities, those at risk, and students from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Modern science standards emphasize hands-on, minds-on learning, where students actively engage in scientific inquiry, apply core concepts, and tackle real-world problems. This shift highlights the importance of three-dimensional learning, a framework that integrates:
- Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices
- Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
- Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas
Together, these dimensions form the foundation of strong science instruction and prepare students to think and act like scientists.
Built around real-world problems for enhanced understanding
Gizmos Investigations are designed to bridge the gap between academic standards and hands-on science learning by immersing students in real-world problems that deepen understanding and build lasting skills. These experiences not only boost short-term test performance but also foster positive attitudes that support long-term success in science.
Students gain hands-on experience with interactive tools that help them model and visualize scientific concepts, making their thinking visible. Built-in supports guide learners through data analysis, such as graphing and identifying patterns, and help them construct well-reasoned explanations by using evidence to support their claims, using topics that will capture student attention.
- Genetics- Why does a child have red hair when her siblings have brown hair?
- Photosynthesis/Respiration- How can we provide astronauts with enough oxygen for a trip to Mars?
- Newton’s Laws- Who will win the airboat race?
- Phase Change- What causes spaghetti to cook differently high up? What can we do about it?
- Potential and Kinetic Energy- Help design the town’s skatepark ramp for maximum fun (and safety)!
“I noticed a big improvement in student engagement! The lessons' graphs and charts improved learning. Students were able to logically make connections from the data collected to the visual displays in graphs and charts. The new investigations helped boost student engagement and science understanding,” said Gizmos Investigations beta tester.
Designed to address the largest challenges in science education
Gizmos Investigations were born from listening closely to educators and analyzing real classroom data. Surveys and feedback from teachers across the country revealed a common challenge: even with strong core curricula, many students weren’t fully engaging in the doing of science.
Teachers told us they needed more support to bridge the gap between standards and practice—support that was flexible, easy to implement, and effective for all learners. We took that feedback seriously and combined it with the latest research in science education to create Gizmos Investigations, a solution designed to meet teachers where they are. Through extensive testing and collaboration with educators, including beta testers and Collab Crew members, we ensured the product reflects real classroom needs and promotes meaningful learning.
One teacher shared how students grasped concepts more deeply than ever before, exploring independently in pairs and responding positively to built-in reinforcement. This kind of engagement is no accident. ExploreLearning’s product team focused on sensemaking and high-quality instruction, crafting tools that empower teachers at every level. Gizmos Investigations bring science and engineering practices to life, helping students build models, analyze data, and grow their thinking with instant, educator-crafted feedback.
Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, Gizmos Investigations' turnkey lessons are built for flexibility. Use them as standalone experiences in a single class period or as part of a deeper three-day series. Each investigation includes embedded formative and summative assessments modeled after modern state tests, real-time heatmaps to track student growth, and scaffolded supports that guide students in modeling, data analysis, and evidence-based explanation.
We’ve also built in professional development and ongoing product support to ensure teachers feel confident and empowered. With real-time feedback tools, personalized learning pathways, and a focus on 6th–8th grade standards, Gizmos Investigations are designed to prepare students for high-stakes assessments while making science meaningful and engaging.
Unlock student engagement and understanding with Gizmos Investigations
Students will love Gizmos Investigations because they’re not just learning science. They’re doing science. Each lesson is built around real-world, authentic problems that spark curiosity and invite students to dive into discovery. From analyzing data to building models and testing ideas, students are at the center of the learning experience, actively exploring and solving challenges that feel meaningful and relevant.
These investigations are designed to empower students to take ownership of their learning. With scaffolded support and personalized feedback, learners can progress at their own pace while developing confidence in their scientific thinking.
Coming soon to classrooms: Gizmos Investigations
Empower your teaching with Gizmos Investigations, a powerful new resource that gives educators of all experience levels the tools to seamlessly bring scientific practices into the classroom, without the burden of extra prep. These thoughtfully designed lessons offer students authentic, hands-on opportunities to think, explore, and analyze like real scientists.
As one beta-tester shared, “I most appreciate the real-world application component of the Gizmos Investigations. These lessons also give more of an overall experience of analyzing and thinking through a complete science concept as a scientist would.” Ready to see what the excitement is about? Take a sneak peek and get inspired!