Who developed Pivot Interactives?
Pivot Interactives was developed by a physics teacher, Peter Bohacek, at Henry Sibley High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bohacek, along with colleague Matt Vonk, developed Pivot Interactives to help students understand physics concepts that are often difficult or impossible to set up in the classroom.
Does Pivot Interactives include the K–12 science and engineering practices of NGSS and other newly adopted state standards?
Most Pivot Interactives videos require students to do one or more of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
How is it possible that I can change something (like the mass of an object) in a video?
Each Pivot Interactive activity includes a set of videos that are all very similar except that one experimental parameter is changed. This gives students freedom to chart their own path as they explore and investigate the activity.
Will Pivot Interactives work on Chromebooks?
Yes, Pivot Interactives works on Chromebooks.
Will Pivot Interactives work on iPads?
All Pivot Interactives features can be used on iPad.
Will Pivot Interactives work on iPhones?
Students can use Pivot Interactives on their phones. Since iPhones default to full screen when playing video, students will use the scrub bar on the bottom of the video to navigate the video when counting frames or positioning video.
Are all the videos about physics?
No, Pivot Interactives has experiments for numerous chemistry concepts, and biology topics will be added next year.
Can I upload my own videos to Pivot Interactives?
Yes, there is a way for instructors and students to add their own video content.
Are Pivot Interactives simulations?
Like a simulation, Pivot Interactives allows students to explore scientific concepts and change variables. However, Pivot Interactives is better for student learning than simulations because they’re real—real scientific phenomena and authentic data.
All events shown in Pivot Interactives are high-resolution video. This allows you to see exactly how science applies to real-world situations.
How does Pivot Interactives compare with PhET Science Simulations?
When your students learn science with Pivot Interactives, they’ll know that it’s real video, not a drawing or a simulation. Your students will learn from authentic physical phenomena and uncover critical concepts in science.
How do I purchase a subscription?
- High School: Subscriptions start at $5 per student per year
- University: Subscriptions start at $10 per student per semester
To purchase, enter the number of student seats needed. Each seat allows the instructor to have one additional student enrolled in a class for one year for high school and one semester for college. Complete your order with Vernier Software and Technology.
When do the subscriptions begin and expire?
Subscriptions begin on the date activated by the instructor; instructors may choose to activate only a subset of seats purchased. High school subscriptions end 12 months after activation. University subscriptions end 6 months after activation. Seats no longer used by students dropping a course, for example, can be reassigned to other students during the subscription period.
How do students access Pivot Interactives?
Students create their own accounts as authorized by their instructors. How do students join Pivot Interactives?.
Is Pivot Interactives available worldwide?
No. Pivot is not available for users who are subject to GDPR. Please contact Vernier International for more details.
Is there a way to have my students pay for Pivot Interactives?
Yes. When creating a class you have the option of making the class student-paid. When students create their accounts they’ll be prompted for credit-card based payment information.
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