ExploreLearning.com offers the world's largest library of interactive online simulations for math and science education in grades 3-12. We call these simulations Gizmos. Gizmos are:

• fun, easy to use, and help students develop a deep understanding of challenging concepts through inquiry and exploration.
• research-based, flexible tools used by teachers across all 50 states in a wide variety of ways. Gizmos are ideal for small group work, individual exploration, and whole class instruction using an LCD projector or interactive whiteboard.
• designed to supplement your existing curriculum. Gizmos are correlated to state curriculum standards and over 200 textbooks, making them easy to integrate into your instructional program.
• backed by first-rate training and professional development services that help maximize the value of your investment.

We call them Gizmos because virtual manipulatives is too difficult to say! All kidding aside, the use of the word Gizmo to describe our simulations goes back to the origins of ExploreLearning.

Dr. Raman Pfaff first coined the term “Gizmos” to describe the new learning tools he created while he was a graduate student in nuclear physics. When Dr. Pfaff joined ExploreLearning (employee number 2), the name Gizmos came with him and it stuck.

We like the name Gizmo because not only does it sound fun, which the Gizmos are, but also because it implies that the Gizmo is a piece in a larger machine, if you will, the machine being the whole of the teaching and learning process of which a Gizmo is one part.

The Gizmo Experience

The best way to get a feel for the ExploreLearning Gizmo experience is to start using them. To help you along this path, our “Introduction to ExploreLearning.com” movie is perfect for the first-time visitor to ExploreLearning.com. (It runs about 8 minutes but covers everything.)

In addition, we have several “Teaching with Gizmos” demo movies, each focusing on one Gizmo and highlighting what that Gizmo can do to enhance student learning.

If you're looking for additional help and support on using Gizmos, or specific “how to …” answers, please visit our Learning Center.

In the “Ah-Hah!” Moment

Most of all, ExploreLearning Gizmos are all about the “Ah-Hah!” moment, that miraculous instant when something inside your brain clicks and suddenly whatever was puzzling you now makes perfect sense.

You may recall the story of Archimedes, who discovered the principles of water displacement and buoyancy in the bathtub. The “Ah-Hah!” moment sent Archimedes leaping from the tub to run down the street shouting “Eureka!” -- which is Greek for “I found it!”

That's the “Ah-Hah!” we're talking about. But we're also talking about a broad and growing course coverage, a great investment, and a powerful enhancement to the way teachers teach and students learn.

ExploreLearning currently has over 450 Gizmos with accompanying curricular materials, all with the aim of sharing the “Ah-Hah!” moment with teachers and students.

We even have a Gizmo that demonstrates the water displacement principles that led Archimedes to shout “Eureka!” Check it out for yourself by signing up for a Free 30-day Gizmo Trial, and get the complete ExploreLearning experience.

Still Have Questions?

If you've watched the demonstration movies, tested out Gizmos first hand with a Free Gizmo Trial, visited our Learning Center, and you still have questions about ExploreLearning or Gizmos, by all means contact us so we can provide you with answers.