Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools vs ExploreLearning Gizmos

Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools is a nonprofit organization that creates research-based digital resources for inquiry-based STEM education. Its computational virtual labs model scientific principles so learners can explore otherwise invisible processes, including chemical reactions, genetics, evolution, and plate tectonics. CODAP is a free, web-based data science app for students, curriculum developers, and education researchers. It is designed for grades 5–14 and supports data analysis across subjects with drag-and-drop graphs and maps, linked graphs, maps, and tables. Users can import data from spreadsheets, URLs, files, or plugins. Plugins can connect to census, weather, and sensor databases, and a PhET projectile simulation plugin is featured. Developers may add plugins or contribute to the open-source code. Resources include interactive simulations, virtual experiments, guided lessons, and assessment tools. The organization also offers research collaboration, consulting, custom models, assessments, and professional development.

ExploreLearning Gizmos is a K–12 science learning product built around interactive simulations and virtual experiments. It also provides guided lessons and assessment tools, bringing those activities into a single offering for science education. The free Gizmos account costs nothing and gives access to a limited collection. The pricing note also lists a 30-day trial. Schools and districts can choose paid subscription packages, with a customized quote rather than a listed price. Gizmos is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows, and its supported-device details name PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, Android tablets, and modern web browsers. ExploreLearning was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. The listed scope is K–12 science, with simulations, virtual experiments, lessons, and assessment tools among its specified components.