Interactive Virtual Investigations

These virtual, online modules simulate conditions or events that mimic investigations that can be done in a laboratory or other setting. 

Some of these are optional* assignments to give you opportunities to learn and re-learn content specific to our studies of chemistry. There is no penalty for not completing these lessons. However, if you choose to finish these, you can possibly earn some points for the minor category of your grade.

The accumulation of points from the Gizmos and STEM cases will be recorded as a "virtual lab grade" in the grade book. 

*Those that are required and graded will be properly marked as "not optional" on the course calendar.

To access your Gizmo account do the following:

Step 1: Log into your BackPack > Education Apps > ExploreLearning [el] app (it is orange)

Step 2: Login using the username and password that you were provided by your instructor. Keep this in a safe place.

Step 3: Once logged into your student account you will have access to the Gizmos that I activate. Information regarding requirements and due dates will be posted on the course calendar.

Step 4: Follow the instructions below on what to do.

Here are your instructions:

1. Select the Gizmo that is active and launch the Gizmo by clicking on it.

2. Follow the instructions on the "Student Exploration Sheet." (Can be found by clicking on the info icon link near the top right above the Gizmo. These are step-by-step procedures to help you learn and complete the Gizmo topic. You can choose either the .pdf, Word (.doc) or Google Doc (.gdoc) file. Your choice. Keep the exploration sheet as notes. (Final exam studying?)

3. Answer the five assessment questions AFTER completing the learning module. Occassionally, I will assign a separate assignment/assessment to the Gizmo. Your score will be sent to my teacher account.

4. STEM cases require you to complete all work on all of the tabs. There are questions to answer and free response items to be completed. You must click on all hyperlink items to be able to advance forward with the STEM module. 

5. Take notes and have fun learning.

*Note: Check the course calendar for assigned and due dates. 

**I will print a grade report upon meeting the due date.

No gizmo completed after the printing of the grade report will receive credit for points.