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Gizmos produces positive evidence-based results in math and science
Proven to build deep conceptual understanding in STEM
Gizmos uses an inquiry-based approach to learning validated by extensive research as a highly effective way to build conceptual understanding in math and science. Gizmos earned the Digital Promise Research-Based Design Product Certification, which recognizes products that center empirical research on learning in their design. The result is rigorous independent efficacy studies show that the use of Gizmos math and science simulations drives increases in student classroom engagement, content knowledge, scientific skills, and standardized test scores.
Featured Research
Empirical Evidence that Gizmos Work
Numerous independent studies by university-affiliated researchers over the past 15 years have demonstrated the efficacy of Gizmos. These studies have found significant positive impacts from Gizmos use in the classroom on student achievement, classroom engagement, content knowledge, and knowledge application in both math and science. This paper summarizes the growing body of research.
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Check out our research to see how we prioritize evidence in our work.
Published Report
Teacher training in the use of Gizmos improved student performance on state science test.
A university research study evaluated the impact of a new teacher professional development program on their students. They found that teacher training in the usage of Gizmos was associated with student increases in scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in 8th Grade Science.
Published Report
Multiple Gizmos instructional models lead to increases in student knowledge.
A university research study published in the Journal of Science Education and Technology explored the impact of Gizmos on student knowledge within a high school chemistry unit. Using a randomized experimental design, they found significant gains in student knowledge in both whole-class and small-group instructional settings.
Published Report
Gizmos math simulations support student problem-solving abilities.
A pre-post interview study with 5th-grade students conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University found that experience with a Gizmos math simulation led to increased understanding of a related math problem, including producing more accurate numerical solutions and using more advanced problem-solving methods.
Published Report
Math Gizmos support procedural knowledge and knowledge transfer in middle school students.
A study of 6th-grade students over a 4-week period found that engaging with the Integer Addition and Subtraction Gizmo led to significant gains from pre-to-post-test measures of both addition and subtraction concepts. Additionally, in post-test interviews, students demonstrated an ability to make connections between verbal and pictorial representations of integer values.
Published Report
Gizmos math simulations rated highly by students and contributed to increased content understanding and knowledge application.
A university research study assessed the impact of Gizmos on student engagement, attitude, and learning performance. 127 4th – 6th-grade students completed a math Gizmo followed by surveys and a math performance assessment. Students self-reported high engagement, positive attitude, and enjoyment, and the assessment showed significant increases in academic performance, including remembering, understanding, and application.
Published Report
Federally-funded professional development program led to increased usage of Gizmos and increased student performance on standardized science test.
University of Virginia researchers conducted RCT (randomized, controlled trial) studies of the federally funded, state-based professional development program (VISTA), which included Gizmos as a computerized educational tool to support science learning. They found that VISTA teachers had more confidence in implementing problem-based and technology-integrated science lessons and that their students performed significantly better on science standardized tests than students whose teachers did not receive the VISTA professional development.
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Third-Party Evaluation
Gizmos promote student engagement and foster positive attitudes toward math practice.
A study of a 6th-grade mathematics class found that students randomly assigned to a math lesson using Gizmos showed higher levels of classroom engagement and excitement compared to the control group assigned to a non-virtual lesson. Additionally, the Gizmos lesson students were significantly more likely to endorse positive statements about the value of math in contributing to cognitive growth.
Third-Party Evaluation
University RCT (randomized, controlled trial) study found that using Gizmos contributes to higher science test scores.
An experimental study conducted by a university research group randomly assigned 4th-grade students at an urban school in New York to receive either traditional classroom science lab activities or Gizmos lessons once a week over the course of 8 weeks. Students who used Gizmos scored higher on the New York State Intermediate Level Science Assessment Test compared to the control group. All students in the study were African American and eligible for FRPL.
Third-Party Evaluation
Middle School students at a Title I school scored higher on Florida state science assessment after using Gizmos.
A university research study found that 8th-grade students attending a Title I middle school in Florida who used Gizmos three times per month scored higher on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Physical & Chemical Science category compared to a control cohort who did not use Gizmos.
Third-Party Evaluation
Professional Development for teachers on using Gizmos in math instruction resulted in increased student math test scores.
An RCT (randomized, controlled trial) by the Maine Department of Education evaluated the impact of a technology-centered two-year professional development program, which involved incorporating Gizmos into mathematics instruction across 56 rural middle schools. At post-test, the students of teachers who had participated in the PD program significantly outperformed those in the control group on a standardized mathematics test. The average student in the Gizmos group scored better than 66% of the students in the control group on the overall math score.
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Published Report
Gizmos STEM Cases improve science knowledge for all levels of learners.
A three-year longitudinal study with over 2,300 science students was conducted by the University of Georgia on the outcomes of adding STEM Cases to traditional Biology classes. The study found that replacing just three traditional classes with Gizmos STEM Cases resulted in significantly larger learning gains in all learner groups measured (i.e., Gifted, Honors, College-Prep, and special needs). The research study was published in the peer-reviewed academic Journal of Science Education and Technology.
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Published Report
Gizmos STEM Cases improve content knowledge and NGSS scientific practices.
A research study published in the peer-reviewed academic journal Computers & Education explored the efficacy of the Electrons and Chemical Reactions Gizmos STEM Case for supporting high school students’ chemistry knowledge. The results showed that compared to a group of similar control students, students who used the STEM Case had larger learning gains and improved on NGSS science practices.
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Everybody's Talking About Gizmos
Hello, Ms. D. I apologize about emailing you during the weekend, but I couldn’t wait to tell you. Gizmos is so much fun, and I absolutely love it. I actually learn something and I like the fact that it is interactive. Thank you so much for making us do Gizmos.
- Gizmos Student, American International School, Abu Dhabi
I really love Gizmos as they help students grasp difficult concepts that can’t always be seen. They make abstract ideas come to life.
- Gizmos Teacher, Foothills School Division, Alberta, Canada
I’m really a strong proponent of Gizmos in science because I have seen firsthand what it does in terms of engaging kids in labs. Gizmos really allow students to go deeper in terms of problem solving and critical thinking.
- Gizmos Assistant Superintendent, Miami-Dade Public Schools, FL
Gizmos STEM Cases improve students’ content knowledge and critical thinking ability. The kids are putting more thought into things and they’re asking better questions.
- Gizmos Director of Science, Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA
Gizmos STEM Cases is the most engaging program that I’ve ever seen! High-quality graphics and real-world stories make them more thought-provoking than traditional teaching materials. Students become more personally invested in the lessons and feel a sense of accomplishment [when doing them].
- Gizmos Director of Science, Walker School, GA
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