Gizmos License

School:: Yulee High
Subject:: Technology
Teacher:: Carrie Hensley
Students Impacted:
Grade:: 9-12
Date:: August 27, 2015

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Nassau Education Foundation - $799.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 200

Thank you for the technology to enhance Biology!

With the use of the Gizmos virtual labs, I was able to supplement the Biology curriculum with meaningful labs that demonstrated key curriculum topics covered on the state EOC. As a result, in my first year teaching Biology, I had an EOC passing rate of 78%. I was incredibly impressed with my students, at all levels, and I really think the virtual labs were part of their success.

The Gizmos virtual labs allow us to do meaningful lab explorations in a fraction of the time. Additionally, I can differentiate the complexity, so the tool is useful for ALL levels of students.

Thank you again for your investment in my classroom, in our students, in our future.

Best regards,

Carrie Hensley

Original Grant Overview

Goal

With the Gizmos license, my Biology 1 (and later in the year, my Physical Science) students will be able to participate in virtual labs that directly correlate with the Florida Science Standards that will be assessed on the State End of Course Exam.

What will be done with my students

Students will use the Chromebooks in my classroom, either in small groups or individually, to access the online resources of ExploreLearning's GIZMOS.

According to their website, "ExploreLearning Gizmos is the world’s largest library of interactive online simulations for math and science education in grades 3-12. Gizmos is:
◾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."

Benefits to my students

Using the virtual labs in combination with actual hands-on labs, students can interact with new material and practice their skills. In addition, the Gizmos license reduces the cost for consumable lab materials, by allowing students to dissect virtually, build virtual macromolecules, and observe the passage of traits through many virtual generations. The program has created excellent activities and the corresponding student worksheets, graphs, and analysis packets.

I have used the Gizmos labs with my middle school science students in St. Johns county. I have had excellent results. Students ask questions, develop and test hypotheses, analyze data, and extend their learning to answer higher level questions that align to their subject specific standards. Students are engaged in learning, because the learning is engaging.

Budget Narrative

Gizmos are Math and Science simulations which improve students’ conceptual understanding of concepts they will see on the standard tests. Gizmos are also great teaching tools for teachers to incorporate technology into their classroom instruction. Gizmos are correlated to all the new Florida Standards, End of Course Exams (Algebra, Geometry, and Biology), and all major textbooks.
Gizmos-Why they work

Pricing Structure
Secondary Site license: all teachers and students will have access to Gizmos. The cost is based on the total number of students at the school and we do adhere to minimums and maximums. The cost is $6.00 per student.

Department license: all math or science teacher and all students will have access to Gizmos. The cost is based on the total number of students at the school and we do adhere to minimums and maximums. The cost is $3.50.

Individual teacher license: select teacher and their students will have access to Gizmos. The cost for 1 or 2 teachers is $799 each, 3 or more are $599 each.

Jason L. Kopish
Florida Account Executive
ExploreLearning
954-263-2374 (direct)
866-882-4141 x 275 (toll-free)
jason.kopish@explorelearning.com

Experience Math and Science with ExploreLearning Gizmos
Learn more at http://www.explorelearning.com

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Individual teacher license for Gizmos	$799.00
	Total:	$799.00

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