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Unit Plan
University of Colorado

University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Quantum Atom

For Students 9th - 10th
Several pages with an interesting discussion of the visible light spectrum and atomic absorption and emission line spectrum. Features excellent graphics, thorough and understandable discussion, and many interactive Java applets.
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Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Constructing a Projectile Launcher and Free Falling Target

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Implement the classic physics demonstration "the monkey and the hunter" using this description of a projectile launcher and a target that begins to fall at the same time the projectile is launched. The completed project is a spectacular...
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Pinhole Magnifier

For Teachers 9th - 10th
For elementary students, this would be a great demonstration on properties of light and optics. For middle school and high school, this would be a great start to a lab but needs experimentation. Site by Exploratorium.
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Activity
Other

Arbor Scientific: Haunted Laboratory: Halloween Physics

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This resource presents a collection of experiments for the science classroom that focuses on physics concepts for Halloween. Activities include mirror ghost with a concave mirror, apple oscillators with pendulums, and a pumpkin pendulum....
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Activity
Museum of Science

The Atom's Family: Fruity Electricity

For Students 3rd - 8th
Frankenstein's electricity is out. In this activity, students help him find another source of energy using citrus fruit. Good for students who want to do their own projects or for class lessons.
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Interactive
Davidson College

Davidson College: Hooke's Law

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a java applet that lets you manipulate this experiment and evaluate the results. Good way to help you understand Hooke's Law of elasticity.
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Activity
Physics Central

Physics Central: Physics by the Fire: Match Stick Rocket

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Match stick rockets makes a great demonstrations to show students Newton's third law. By covering a match with tin foil, students can see the reaction thrust as the molecules escaping the matchstick are propelled into the air. Lesson...
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Activity
Physics Central

Physics Central: Physics in the Kitchen: The Magical Can Crusher

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will see first hand the force that is created by pressure as a can crushes before their eyes. This demonstration will show students how a can will collapse due to pressure from the air outside pushing against the can's exterior...
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Activity
NC State University

Pira Demonstration Catalog: Speed of Light

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A series of short descriptions of possible physics demonstrations for illustrating or measuring the speed of light. Suitable as a supplement to a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for student projects.
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Handout
Boston University

Modern Physics: Photoelectric Effect Demonstration

For Students 9th - 10th
A graphical and verbal description of a demonstration which illustrates the phtoelectric effect. Directions, safety precautions, and explanations are provided. Ideally suited as an idea-generator for a student project or lab investigation.
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Activity
Boston University

Optics Demonstrations: Holograms

For Students 9th - 10th
A short description of a demonstration involving a hologram. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.
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Activity
Boston University

Bu: Optics Demonstrations: Diffraction

For Students 9th - 10th
Short descriptions and graphics of three demonstrations which illustrate the diffraction phenomenon. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.