Gizmos
www.explorelearning.com
Prepared by Jane Silva, SW K-8 Instructional Leader, TDSB
Quick Snap Shot:
 more than 450 manipulatives (gizmos)
 interactive, web-based simulations for inquiry-based learning
 correlated to the Ontario Grade 3-12 Math and Science curriculum
 allow the user to change variables or parameters and generate statistics for each
experiment
 comes with lesson materials: Student Exploration Guide and Answer Key, Teacher
Guide, Vocabulary Sheet, Assessment questions and more
 teachers can select Gizmos and set up classes which students can access in school
and from home; students assessment data can be tracked
 visit ExploreLearning’s “Introduction to ExploreLearning.com” for more information
Getting Started Overview
1. Login
- requires TDSB issued username and password
2. Manage Your Settings
- select “Settings” (top right) or “Person Icon” (top left)
- update username and password in the Account Info tab
- select the “What I teach” tab to provide more information; this will allow the sight to
provide suggested Gizmos to you on your homepage
3. Add a Class
- select “My Homepage” (top right)
- select “Class 1”: you can add up to 6 total classes
- select the “Rename” tab to name your class
4. To Find Gizmos
- find Gizmos by using the following options:
a) “Search Field” (top right) by keyword
b) “Browze Gizmos” tab (top centre):
 Grade & Topic
 State/Province Standards – matches Gizmos to expectations
 Textbook Correlations
 Alpha. List – scroll to the bottom of the page
5. Add Gizmos
- review the “Lesson Info Page” which provides:
> provides a Gizmo snapshot
> provides learning objectives
> lesson materials:
 Student exploration guide
 Teacher guide
 Vocabulary sheet
 Lesson material documents
 Assessment questions (scroll below)
- select the “Add Gizmos to Class” tab
6. Add Students
- select “Manage Roster”
- select “Add New Student” to add students one-by-one or
provide the Class Code to students which allows students to enrol themselves (left
side of page) (e.g., HSHWKXM5MR )
7. Manage Gizmos
- select “Manage Gizmo List”
- in the “Current Gizmo List Order” box, use the arrows to change the order or the x to
delete the selected Gizmos
- to add headings, in the “Add a Heading” box, write heading name and select “Insert >”
- remember to save!
- note: you can hide (this allows you to only have student use the Gizmos you choose) or
delete the Gizmos on your class page