ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Inq-ITS

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.

Inq-ITS is an online science learning environment with NGSS-aligned virtual labs, automated assessment, and teacher reporting. Its collection contains more than 150 investigations in which students design and conduct science inquiries. Rex, an AI virtual tutor, gives feedback during lab work, and real-time science tutoring is available in English and Spanish. Teachers receive alerts about students who need help and the skills involved, along with classroom and student performance reports. Patented algorithms automatically assess student work and produce performance reports. Google sign-in, Google Classroom, and Clever support access and class organization; Google Classroom also lets teachers post assigned labs. The service runs in a browser on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, and Android devices. Full functionality requires stable internet, cookies, JavaScript, and WebSockets. Teacher registration provides full access, with the trial ending 30 days after students begin using assigned labs. Free digital labs are also described for practicing science investigation skills. School and district plans are tiered by student count, and pricing is available on request.