ExploreLearning Gizmos vs PhET Interactive Simulations

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.

PhET Interactive Simulations provides interactive science and mathematics simulations for students from preschool through university. Its design emphasizes scientific inquiry, visual mental models, multiple representations, real-world connections, and flexible classroom use; the simulations include virtual experiments and guided lessons. PhET says simulations are evaluated for educational effectiveness through student interviews and classroom observation. All are open source, and they are written in HTML5, with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash. They can run online or be downloaded. Android and iOS apps include HTML5 simulations and translations for offline use and automatically download new HTML5 simulations. A desktop app provides HTML5 and Java simulations and translations for offline use on Windows and macOS. The service is available on the web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks. Android browser-based HTML5 simulations and Linux are not officially supported. The free simulations plan is available to students and teachers. Commercial use requires a license from the University of Colorado Boulder.