Gizmo

[|Gizmo] Explore Learning is a website with online and interactive Math and Science simulations for students in grades 3-12 As a 4th grade teacher often times I find myself taking science and social studies for granted and not giving these content areas their due diligence. One of the ideas I felt would be great for implementing Explore Learning is the use of the science Gizmo’s. The science Gizmo’s allow for experiments to be done with plants via the computer. The computer simulates the days necessary for the given experiment and students can conduct an experiment in the 30 minutes to an hour of science without ever stepping foot out of the classroom or waiting an actual 2 weeks to conduct and observe their experiment. The Gizmo’s for science allow for the teacher or the student to select a variable and a control for each experiment making for a more in depth science experiment. Another use for the Explore Learning website is Differentiated Instruction. Students having difficulty in certain aspects of math or science can be assigned Gizmo’s that pertain to the specific topic taught in class that week. Students would print the assignment pages and follow the directions on the page and complete the questions at the bottom. These pages can be submitted for grades and can be noted as Differentiated Instruction or even RTI.
 * __Strengths__**
 * Online Math simulations
 * Online Science simulations
 * 2 week science experiments can be completed in a matter of 1 hour
 * Printable worksheets for students to complete in class or at home
 * Gizmos correlated with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Mathematics
 * Gizmos correlated with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science
 * Quiz for each Gizmo
 * __Weaknesses__**
 * Minimal amount of Gizmo’s per State Standard
 * No corrections if students answer incorrectly
 * Quiz is only 4 to 5 questions in length
 * Must attend workshop to gain access
 * Must pay membership per student and per teacher
 * __Opportunities__**
 * Great for RTI (Response to Intervention)
 * Great for Differentiated Instruction (DI)
 * Great for reviewing previously covered material
 * __Threats__**
 * Lack of Smart Boards in the classroom
 * Lack of computers in the classroom
 * Access to the Internet at home for students
 * Cheating on quizzes done at home on the computer
 * Access to a working printer at home for students
 * __Ideas for the classroom__**