ExploreK12™ (formerly ExploreLearning^® | Learning A-Z^®) is proud to celebrate the awards and recognition in the Educators Pick Best of STEM^® 2026 Awards, with solutions across math and science. Selected by certified classroom teachers, STEM specialists, and district leaders, the awards recognize innovative, high-impact tools that support meaningful teaching and learning.

Gizmos wins in three categories for the Educators Pick Best of STEM 2026 Awards

Leading this year's honors, Gizmos™ was named the winner in three categories:

Gizmos Investigations — Trailblazer: Middle School STEM (Grades 4-8)

Gizmos STEM Cases — Trailblazer: Phenomena-Based Teaching and Learning

Gizmos STEM Cases — Trailblazer: Simulations for STEM

Gizmos Investigations was recognized for helping students engage in meaningful, inquiry-driven STEM learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning. Through hands-on investigations, students explore authentic questions and develop a deeper understanding of science concepts.

Gizmos STEM Cases earned recognition in two categories for helping students investigate real-world phenomena in the role of STEM professionals. Through evidence-based inquiry, scientific argumentation, and interactive simulations, students build the skills and habits of mind used by scientists and engineers every day.

This dual recognition reflects the growing importance of helping students engage with authentic scientific phenomena while giving them opportunities to investigate, model, test ideas, and make sense of complex concepts through interactive experiences.

ExploreK12 solutions earn recognition across four Best of STEM categories

Complementing the three Gizmos wins, ExploreK12 also received finalist recognition for Reflex™ in the Bridging the Gap: Math Intervention Resources category.

Together, these honors highlight the breadth of ExploreK12's impact across mathematics and science learning while reinforcing our commitment to developing solutions that support educators in practical, meaningful ways.

Why educator-selected recognition matters

According to the award organizers, certified classroom teachers from across the country evaluate products based on their usefulness and classroom impact. Every entry is rated by educators, providing valuable insight into which tools are making a difference in schools today.

For educators and administrators, these recognitions serve as a trusted signal that a solution has been tested and validated by peers who understand the realities of today's classrooms.

Whether supporting math intervention, STEM exploration, inquiry-based learning, or scientific reasoning, these awards recognize solutions that help teachers create richer learning experiences for students.

Supporting educators through award-winning learning solutions

While awards and recognitions are gratifying, the most meaningful measure of success remains the impact these solutions have in classrooms every day.

From helping students build math fact fluency and intervention skills through Reflex to fostering inquiry, scientific reasoning, and STEM exploration through Gizmos, ExploreK12 solutions are designed to help educators create learning experiences that are effective, practical, and joyful.

Explore Our Award-Winning Solutions