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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.
Energy Conversions
5 Minute Preview
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoReaction Energy
5 Minute Preview
Exothermic chemical reactions release energy, while endothermic reactions absorb energy. But what causes some reactions to be exothermic, and others to be endothermic? In this simulation,...
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 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 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 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 GizmoCell Energy Cycle
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
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 GizmoBeat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy
- Stem Case
Lake City's latest heat wave has more people in the hospital than ever before. Juan, a local student admitted to the hospital, lives in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city....
Lesson InfoInclined 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 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 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 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 GizmoPhotoelectric Effect
5 Minute Preview
Shoot a beam of light at a metal plate in a virtual lab and observe the effect on surface electrons. The type of metal as well as the wavelength and amount of light can be adjusted. An...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSled Wars
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Explore acceleration, speed, momentum, and energy by sending a sled down a hill into a group of snowmen. The starting height and mass of the sled can be changed, as well as the number of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Rolling Objects
5 Minute Preview
Observe and compare objects of different shapes as they roll or slide down an inclined plane. Compare the percentages of translational and rotational kinetic energy for each object, and see...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriodic Trends
- New!
5 Minute Preview
Explore trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity in the periodic table. Measure atomic radius with a ruler and model ionization energy and electron affinity by...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBohr Model of Hydrogen
5 Minute Preview
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSeasons 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 GizmoFeel the Heat
- New!
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoNuclear Reactions
5 Minute Preview
Explore examples of nuclear fusion and fission reactions. Follow the steps of the proton-proton chain, CNO cycle, and fission of uranium-235. Write balanced nuclear equations for each step,...
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 GizmoFood Chain
5 Minute Preview
In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCalorimetry Lab
5 Minute Preview
Investigate how calorimetry can be used to find relative specific heat values when different substances are mixed with water. Modify initial mass and temperature values to see effects on...
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 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 GizmoAverage Atomic Mass
- New!
5 Minute Preview
The atomic mass for each element listed in the periodic table is actually the weighted average mass of all of the different isotopes of the element. In the Average Atomic Mass Gizmo, use a...
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 GizmoDehydration Synthesis
5 Minute Preview
Build a glucose molecule, atom-by-atom, to learn about chemical bonds and the structure of glucose. Explore the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in carbohydrate molecules.
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 GizmoTemperature and Particle Motion
5 Minute Preview
Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures. A histogram showing the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution is shown, and the most probable velocity,...
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 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 GizmoTrebuchet
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 GizmoWater 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 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 GizmoAdvanced Circuits
5 Minute Preview
Build compound circuits with series and parallel elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and current across each component using Ohm's law and the equivalent resistance equation. Check...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElectron Configuration
5 Minute Preview
Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius. Discover trends in atomic radii...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCollision Theory
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Observe a chemical reaction with and without a catalyst. Determine the effects of concentration, temperature, surface area, and catalysts on reaction rates. Reactant and product...
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 GizmoHeat Absorption
5 Minute Preview
Shine a powerful flashlight on a variety of materials, and measure how quickly each material heats up. See how the light angle, light color, type of material, and material color affect...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoConduction and Convection
5 Minute Preview
Two flasks hold colored water, one yellow and the other blue. Set the starting temperature of each flask, choose a type of material to connect the flasks, and see how quickly the flasks...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOcean Carbon Equilibrium
- Stem Case
Mussel farmers in the Arctic Ocean have reported problems with their mussels. They have noticed that the mussel shells have eroded and become brittle. Students take on the role of a marine...
Lesson InfoHydrologic Cycle
- Stem Case
Paanee, a city in Northeast India, has been experiencing higher rates of flooding than normal. This surge in flooding has been caused by an increase in the hydrologic cycle’s activity....
Lesson InfoSeasons 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 GizmoCovalent Bonds
5 Minute Preview
Choose a substance, and then move electrons between atoms to form covalent bonds and build molecules. Observe the orbits of shared electrons in single, double, and triple covalent bonds....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHomeostasis
5 Minute Preview
Control a simulated person running on a treadmill. Your challenge is to use clothing, exercise, and sweat to maintain a constant body temperature as air temperature goes up and down....
Lesson Info Launch GizmoProtecting Permafrost: Heat Transfer Highway
- Stem Case
Thawing permafrost threatens the stability of critical infrastructure in the Arctic community of Frostville, Alaska. Students take on the role of a civil engineer to design heat transfer...
Lesson InfoCrumple Zones
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnzymes
- Stem Case
As a veterinary technician, students learn about enzymes to help a dog that has been eating normally but is losing a lot of weight.
Lesson InfoPhotosynthesis
- Stem Case
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Lesson InfoCell Respiration
- Stem Case
As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned.
Lesson InfoEcosystems
- Stem Case
As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the...
Lesson InfoElectrons and Chemical Reactions
- Stem Case
The Secret Service has 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 InfoChemical 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 InfoFruit Production
- Stem Case
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including...
Lesson InfoCollision Theory
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Observe a chemical reaction with and without a catalyst. Determine the effects of concentration, temperature, surface area, and catalysts on reaction rates. Reactant and product...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCell Energy Cycle
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
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 GizmoSled Wars
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Explore acceleration, speed, momentum, and energy by sending a sled down a hill into a group of snowmen. The starting height and mass of the sled can be changed, as well as the number of...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCrumple Zones
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the...
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBeat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Lake City's latest heat wave has more people in the hospital than ever before. Juan, a local student admitted to the hospital, lives in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city....
Lesson InfoOcean Carbon Equilibrium
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Mussel farmers in the Arctic Ocean have reported problems with their mussels. They have noticed that the mussel shells have eroded and become brittle. Students take on the role of a marine...
Lesson InfoHydrologic Cycle
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Paanee, a city in Northeast India, has been experiencing higher rates of flooding than normal. This surge in flooding has been caused by an increase in the hydrologic cycle’s activity....
Lesson InfoProtecting Permafrost: Heat Transfer Highway
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Thawing permafrost threatens the stability of critical infrastructure in the Arctic community of Frostville, Alaska. Students take on the role of a civil engineer to design heat transfer...
Lesson InfoEnzymes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a veterinary technician, students learn about enzymes to help a dog that has been eating normally but is losing a lot of weight.
Lesson InfoPhotosynthesis
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Lesson InfoCell Respiration
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned.
Lesson InfoEcosystems
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the...
Lesson InfoElectrons and Chemical Reactions
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service has 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 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...
Lesson InfoFruit Production and the Environment
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including...
Lesson InfoEnergy Conversions
5 Minute Preview
Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoReaction Energy
5 Minute Preview
Exothermic chemical reactions release energy, while endothermic reactions absorb energy. But what causes some reactions to be exothermic, and others to be endothermic? In this simulation, compare the energy absorbed in breaking bonds to the energy released in forming bonds to determine if a reaction will be exothermic or endothermic.
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 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 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 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 GizmoCell Energy Cycle
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
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 GizmoBeat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Lake City's latest heat wave has more people in the hospital than ever before. Juan, a local student admitted to the hospital, lives in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Students are hired as the city's Chief Heat Officer to investigate and solve the problem. As the Chief Heat Officer, students look at land uses, surface air temperatures, and building materials across Lake City. Students will develop a system model to test several design solutions and give the mayor a proposal to beat the heat.
Lesson InfoInclined 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 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 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 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 GizmoPhotoelectric Effect
5 Minute Preview
Shoot a beam of light at a metal plate in a virtual lab and observe the effect on surface electrons. The type of metal as well as the wavelength and amount of light can be adjusted. An electric field can be created to resist the electrons and measure their initial energies.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSled Wars
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Explore acceleration, speed, momentum, and energy by sending a sled down a hill into a group of snowmen. The starting height and mass of the sled can be changed, as well as the number of snowmen. In the Two sleds scenario, observe collisions between sleds of different masses and starting heights.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoInclined Plane - Rolling Objects
5 Minute Preview
Observe and compare objects of different shapes as they roll or slide down an inclined plane. Compare the percentages of translational and rotational kinetic energy for each object, and see how this affects how quickly each object moves. The slope of each ramp can be adjusted, and a variety of materials can be used for the objects and ramps.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoPeriodic Trends
- New!
5 Minute Preview
Explore trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity in the periodic table. Measure atomic radius with a ruler and model ionization energy and electron affinity by exploring how easy it is to remove electrons and how strongly atoms attract additional electrons. View these properties on the whole periodic table to see how they vary across periods and down groups.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBohr Model of Hydrogen
5 Minute Preview
Shoot a stream of photons through a container of hydrogen gas. Observe how photons of certain energies are absorbed, causing the electron to move to different orbits. Build the spectrum of hydrogen based on photons that are absorbed and emitted.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoSeasons 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 GizmoFeel the Heat
- New!
5 Minute Preview
Have you ever used a glove warmer to keep your hands warm? How about an instant cold pack to treat an injury? In the Feel the Heat Gizmo, create your own hot and cold packs using various salts dissolved in water and different bag materials. Learn about exothermic and endothermic processes and how energy is absorbed or released when bonds are broken and new bonds form.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoNuclear Reactions
5 Minute Preview
Explore examples of nuclear fusion and fission reactions. Follow the steps of the proton-proton chain, CNO cycle, and fission of uranium-235. Write balanced nuclear equations for each step, and compare the energy produced in each process.
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 GizmoFood Chain
5 Minute Preview
In this ecosystem consisting of hawks, snakes, rabbits and grass, the population of each species can be studied as part of a food chain. Disease can be introduced for any species, and the number of animals can be increased or decreased at any time, just like in the real world.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCalorimetry Lab
5 Minute Preview
Investigate how calorimetry can be used to find relative specific heat values when different substances are mixed with water. Modify initial mass and temperature values to see effects on the system. One or any combination of the substances can be mixed with water. A dynamic graph (temperature vs. time) shows temperatures of the individual substances after mixing.
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 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 GizmoAverage Atomic Mass
- New!
5 Minute Preview
The atomic mass for each element listed in the periodic table is actually the weighted average mass of all of the different isotopes of the element. In the Average Atomic Mass Gizmo, use a mass spectrometer to separate an element into its isotopes. Then, calculate the average atomic mass by considering the mass and abundance of each isotope.
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 GizmoDehydration Synthesis
5 Minute Preview
Build a glucose molecule, atom-by-atom, to learn about chemical bonds and the structure of glucose. Explore the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in carbohydrate molecules.
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 GizmoTemperature and Particle Motion
5 Minute Preview
Observe the movement of particles of an ideal gas at a variety of temperatures. A histogram showing the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution is shown, and the most probable velocity, mean velocity, and root mean square velocity can be calculated. Molecules of different gases can be compared.
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 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 GizmoTrebuchet
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 GizmoWater 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 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 GizmoAdvanced Circuits
5 Minute Preview
Build compound circuits with series and parallel elements. Calculate voltages, resistance, and current across each component using Ohm's law and the equivalent resistance equation. Check your answers using a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Learn the function of fuses as a safety device.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoElectron Configuration
5 Minute Preview
Create the electron configuration of any element by filling electron orbitals. Determine the relationship between electron configuration and atomic radius. Discover trends in atomic radii across periods and down families/groups of the periodic table.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCollision Theory
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Observe a chemical reaction with and without a catalyst. Determine the effects of concentration, temperature, surface area, and catalysts on reaction rates. Reactant and product concentrations through time are recorded, and the speed of the simulation can be adjusted by the user.
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 GizmoHeat Absorption
5 Minute Preview
Shine a powerful flashlight on a variety of materials, and measure how quickly each material heats up. See how the light angle, light color, type of material, and material color affect heating. A glass cover can be added to simulate a greenhouse.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoConduction and Convection
5 Minute Preview
Two flasks hold colored water, one yellow and the other blue. Set the starting temperature of each flask, choose a type of material to connect the flasks, and see how quickly the flasks heat up or cool down. The flasks can be connected with a hollow pipe, allowing the water in the flasks to mix, or a solid chunk that transfers heat but prevents mixing.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoOcean Carbon Equilibrium
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Mussel farmers in the Arctic Ocean have reported problems with their mussels. They have noticed that the mussel shells have eroded and become brittle. Students take on the role of a marine chemist to analyze the changes to ocean carbon chemistry and equilibrium to determine the cause of the mussel shell erosion.
Lesson InfoHydrologic Cycle
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Paanee, a city in Northeast India, has been experiencing higher rates of flooding than normal. This surge in flooding has been caused by an increase in the hydrologic cycle’s activity. Students take on the role of a hydrologist to investigate why the hydrologic cycle’s rate has increased and what can be done to manage flooding and reduce flooding.
Lesson InfoSeasons 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 GizmoCovalent Bonds
5 Minute Preview
Choose a substance, and then move electrons between atoms to form covalent bonds and build molecules. Observe the orbits of shared electrons in single, double, and triple covalent bonds. Compare the completed molecules to the corresponding Lewis diagrams.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoHomeostasis
5 Minute Preview
Control a simulated person running on a treadmill. Your challenge is to use clothing, exercise, and sweat to maintain a constant body temperature as air temperature goes up and down. Sweating (perspiration) can be controlled automatically by the Gizmo or, for a challenge, manually by the user. Don't forget to eat and drink!
Lesson Info Launch GizmoProtecting Permafrost: Heat Transfer Highway
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Thawing permafrost threatens the stability of critical infrastructure in the Arctic community of Frostville, Alaska. Students take on the role of a civil engineer to design heat transfer solutions to protect permafrost in a warming climate.
Lesson InfoCrumple Zones
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the crash. Add seat belts and/or airbags to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Three different body types (sedan, SUV, and subcompact) are available and a wide range of crash speeds can be used.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoEnzymes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a veterinary technician, students learn about enzymes to help a dog that has been eating normally but is losing a lot of weight.
Lesson InfoPhotosynthesis
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Lesson InfoCell Respiration
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned.
Lesson InfoEcosystems
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the importance of food chains and webs, and how human factors can impact the health of an environment.
Lesson InfoElectrons and Chemical Reactions
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service has 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 examine the evidence. Students learn about electrons and chemical reactions to recreate the methods used to make the coins and prepare evidence for the court case.
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 InfoFruit Production
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment.
Lesson InfoCollision Theory
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Observe a chemical reaction with and without a catalyst. Determine the effects of concentration, temperature, surface area, and catalysts on reaction rates. Reactant and product concentrations through time are recorded, and the speed of the simulation can be adjusted by the user.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCell Energy Cycle
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
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 GizmoSled Wars
- Free!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Explore acceleration, speed, momentum, and energy by sending a sled down a hill into a group of snowmen. The starting height and mass of the sled can be changed, as well as the number of snowmen. In the Two sleds scenario, observe collisions between sleds of different masses and starting heights.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoCrumple Zones
- Free!
- New!
FREE with no time limit!
5 Minute Preview
Design a car to protect a test dummy in a collision. Adjust the length and stiffness of the crumple zone and the rigidity of the safety cell to determine how the car will deform during the crash. Add seat belts and/or airbags to prevent the dummy from hitting the steering wheel. Three different body types (sedan, SUV, and subcompact) are available and a wide range of crash speeds can be used.
Lesson Info Launch GizmoBeat the Heat: Tackling Urban Heat Islands Using the Science of Energy
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Lake City's latest heat wave has more people in the hospital than ever before. Juan, a local student admitted to the hospital, lives in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Students are hired as the city's Chief Heat Officer to investigate and solve the problem. As the Chief Heat Officer, students look at land uses, surface air temperatures, and building materials across Lake City. Students will develop a system model to test several design solutions and give the mayor a proposal to beat the heat.
Lesson InfoOcean Carbon Equilibrium
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Mussel farmers in the Arctic Ocean have reported problems with their mussels. They have noticed that the mussel shells have eroded and become brittle. Students take on the role of a marine chemist to analyze the changes to ocean carbon chemistry and equilibrium to determine the cause of the mussel shell erosion.
Lesson InfoHydrologic Cycle
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Paanee, a city in Northeast India, has been experiencing higher rates of flooding than normal. This surge in flooding has been caused by an increase in the hydrologic cycle’s activity. Students take on the role of a hydrologist to investigate why the hydrologic cycle’s rate has increased and what can be done to manage flooding and reduce flooding.
Lesson InfoProtecting Permafrost: Heat Transfer Highway
- Stem Case
Video Preview
Thawing permafrost threatens the stability of critical infrastructure in the Arctic community of Frostville, Alaska. Students take on the role of a civil engineer to design heat transfer solutions to protect permafrost in a warming climate.
Lesson InfoEnzymes
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a veterinary technician, students learn about enzymes to help a dog that has been eating normally but is losing a lot of weight.
Lesson InfoPhotosynthesis
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a marine biologist students learn about photosynthesis to help scientists in Australia determine why the coral in the Great Barrier Reef is bleaching.
Lesson InfoCell Respiration
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a medical toxicologist, students learn about cell respiration to save the life of a CIA agent that has been poisoned.
Lesson InfoEcosystems
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the importance of food chains and webs, and how human factors can impact the health of an environment.
Lesson InfoElectrons and Chemical Reactions
- Stem Case
Video Preview
The Secret Service has 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 examine the evidence. Students learn about electrons and chemical reactions to recreate the methods used to make the coins and prepare evidence for the court case.
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 InfoFruit Production and the Environment
- Stem Case
Video Preview
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment.
Lesson InfoFind Your Solution
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