Gizmos – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Gizmos

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Website

89%

WISE Score

Virtual lab simulations that actually make sense, letting kids break things in science class without the cleanup.

Gizmos

Website

89%

WISE Score

Virtual lab simulations that actually make sense, letting kids break things in science class without the cleanup.

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Screenwise Verdict

Gizmos is the gold standard for what 'educational screen time' should actually look like. Instead of gamifying math with cheap rewards or drill-and-kill worksheets, it uses the medium to do something physical reality can't: it makes the abstract visible.

It’s not 'fun' in the way a video game is fun, but it is deeply satisfying for a curious kid. If your child is struggling to visualize a concept in physics, chemistry, or biology, this is the first place you should look. Just be aware that it’s a tool, not a tutor—it works best when you're sitting there asking them what they think will happen next.

Age Fit

Perfect for grades 3 through 12. The elementary simulations are gentle and visual, while the high school 'STEM Cases' get into serious professional-level data analysis.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a purely educational environment designed to support academic growth. No manipulative loops or social toxicity—just science and math in a clean, focused interface.

Imaginative

The 'what-if' nature of the simulations invites genuine experimentation. It isn't just a digital textbook; it’s a sandbox where kids can manipulate variables to see how systems react.

Safe

Top-tier privacy certifications (iKeepSafe, COPPA, FERPA). Since it's built for schools, there are no ads, no trackers, and no unmoderated social features.

Enriching

Excellent at making abstract concepts (like density or linear equations) visible. It moves beyond rote memorization into inquiry-based learning.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Hands-on experimentation without the mess or the cost of a physical chemistry set.
Visualizes the invisible, making things like atomic structures or calculus curves tangible for visual learners.
Privacy-first design means you don't have to worry about data harvesting or targeted ads while they do their homework.
Inquiry-based learning encourages kids to ask 'why' by letting them tweak variables and watch the results in real-time.

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What to Watch For

The 'Slider' Trap: Some kids will just move the interactive sliders back and forth to see the animations without actually engaging with the underlying math or science.
Access Hurdles: It’s primarily a school-facing tool. If your school doesn't pay for it, getting a full individual license is surprisingly difficult.
Needs Context: These aren't standalone 'games.' Without the accompanying lesson prompts or a teacher's guidance, a kid might get bored or lost in the data.

Conversation Starters

"What was the weirdest thing that happened when you cranked that variable to the max?"
"Could we actually do this experiment in the kitchen, or would it explode?"
"If you were designing a simulation for a different subject—like history or art—how would it work?"
"Does seeing the graph move in real-time make the math feel more like a tool and less like a chore?"

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