BBC
Bbc Schools: Ks2 Bitesize: Science: Physical Processes: Friction
Easy-to-understand explanation of friction and air resistance, with a supplemental activity and quiz questions.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Forces: Motion
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students will demonstrate the relationship between the application of a force and the resulting change in position and motion on an object.
NASA
Nasa: The Way Things Fall
This site from NASA compares free falling motion to falling with air resistance. Discusses Galileo's experiment. Explains why we believe all objects free fall with the same acceleration.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Amusement Park Physics: The Principles of Free Fall
An article describing free fall principles in roller coaster rides. In addition to the explanation of free fall, an experiment is described that allows you to test free fall with a cup of water. Part of a larger presentation on roller...
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota: Motion Machine
A lesson in which students design a machine that makes motion.
Other
Fear of Physics: Roller Coaster
Use animation and other interactive strategies to help understand physics principles. Change the track and height to see if your ball can make it to the end.
Center of Science and Industry
Cosi Columbus: Boomerang
Students will make and fly boomerangs and discover that their spinning action is what makes them return to the thrower. Includes full list of materials, procedures, and scientific explanation of "gyroscopic precession".
SMART Technologies
Smart: Force and Movement
Learn how pushes and pulls relate to theconcept of force and motion.
PBS
Pbs Kids "Zoom": Rube Goldberg Machine Building
This site from PBS Kids "Zoom" provides great ideas for building a Rube Goldberg machine around the house from common items. The information is complete with materials needed, instructions, and results on a level for elementary kids.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Dish It Out, Simple Machine Game
Explore the physics of motion and simple machines with this interactive game. Try a pre-made challenge or set up ramps in your own challenge to get the mysterious Dim Sum ball into the take-out container.
Starfall
Starfall: Things That Can Go
This is an online story for early readers about things that can go into motion, and things that can't. It offers help for readers as they can click on a words and it will say the word aloud. It also provides a list of words used in the...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Balloon Car
Make 4-wheeled, air-powered cars that jet across the floor. Experiment with the design process and thrust in this activity from Design Squad Nation.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Motion Glossary and Terms
Kids learn about glossary and terms in the science of physics and motion. Definitions for words such as momentum, force, work, energy, gravity, scalar, vector, power, and more.
SMART Technologies
Smart: Science Choice Board Newton's Laws of Motion
Students level up learning by completing Newton's Laws of Motion task cards including all levels of Bloom's taxonomy.
NASA
Nasa: Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
This site from NASA provides a graphic depicting Newton's second law. Graphic is accompanied by an explanation. Part of a larger site with additional information on Newton's laws.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago: Activities: Make and Fly a Helicopter
Print and cut out the template for the helicopter. Then experiment with adding and subtracting weight, or changing the shape of the copter or the blades to see what makes it fly best.
Curated OER
Snaith Primary School: Setting: The Waltzer
A color photograph by Tony Newlin of a ride called The Waltzer at an amusement park, carnival, or fair.