Exploratorium
Balancing Ball
Demonstrate lift to the class that is studying aerodynamics. In the stream of air produced by a blow dryer, little physicists place a wad of tissue paper and a spherical figure to compare. Or, if you have a vacuum cleaner and beach ball,...
Curated OER
Have a Ball with Bernoulli II
Third graders explore the work of Daniel Bernoulli through experiment and background information. In this Bernoulli lesson plan, 3rd graders participate in air pressure experiments. Students record their observations of the effects of...
Curated OER
There's Air in There!
Students attempt to blow a wad of paper into a soda bottle. For this physics lesson, students discover that air pressure inside of a soda bottle prevents new air from going in.
Teach Engineering
Fun with Air-Powered Pneumatics
How high did the ball go? Engineering teams build a working pneumatic system that launches a ball into the air. The teams vary the amount of pressure and determine the accompanying height of the ball. An extension of building a device to...
Curated OER
Air: Demonstrating Its Presence and Effects
Young scholars explore the concept of air. In this gravity lesson, students perform various experiments that deal with gravity, air resistance, and air pressure.
It's About Time
Why Air Bags?
If a heavy steel car can't protect you from injury, how can a bag filled with air? The lesson answers this question and many others as young scientists experiment with the impulse and forces related to air bags in automobiles.
Curated OER
Air Pressure
Students investigate the basic principles of air pressure. In this experimental lesson students use materials to create several different experiments that help to explain air pressure and friction.
Curated OER
Properties of Air Activity
In this properties of air worksheet, students experiment with a jar, a plastic bag and rubber bands to simulate that air takes up space and exerts pressure. They make observations and answer questions about their experiment.
Curated OER
Earth's Atmosphere
For this Earth's atmosphere worksheet, students observe the effects of air pressure using an egg. They describe what happens to the egg and what makes it do what it does. Then they determine how to get the egg out of the bottle opening...
Curated OER
Experiment: Faster Air = Lower Air Pressure 2
Students experiment to observe air current and pressure.
Curated OER
Principles of Flight: Bernoulli's Lift
Students discover how air pressure effects flight. In this physics lesson, students create two types of airplane wings so they can observe the way air pressure creates lift. Students utilize a printout to create the airplane wings.
Curated OER
An Uplifting Experience
Fifth graders research and complete a graphic organizer about the principles of flight. In this aviation lesson, 5th graders experiment to understand the work of Daniel Bernouli and his discoveries about air pressure. Students create...
Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist
Play Ball! – Or Not…Making a Decision Using Weather Data
Should the game go on or not? An engaging lesson asks small groups to make a decision using weather data. After analyzing a map, an updated forecast, and radar information, groups have to decide whether to cancel a baseball game. They...
Illinois Valley Community College
STEM Activities for Middle School Students
Use STEM activities within the class to provide connections to concepts. The resource includes activities that range from working with buoyancy to building rockets and launching them. Other activities involve the engineering design...
Curated OER
The Drag of Drag
Students are told that any object moving through a fluid (air, water, molasses, etc) experience a drag force which oppose the motion. They are given the summarized version of drag which is proportional to the square of the velocity....
Curated OER
The Physics of Toys
Students explore physics by experimenting with classic toys. In this physical science lesson plan, students utilize gliders, energy balls, bouncing balls, marbles and other toys to explore how they work. Students explore each toy at a...
Curated OER
Weather
Students explore the earth's atmosphere, weather, and climate. They begin class with a discussion about weather patterns, atmosphere, and the layers of the earth. After the class discussion, students rotate through four stations to...
Curated OER
Clouds
Students explore clouds. In this weather lesson, students identify the steps in the water cycle, define condensation and evaporation, and relate this information to cloud formation. Students perform a cloud experiment, predict weather...
Curated OER
Investigating Motion
Young scholars explore types of motion. In this motion experiment, students observe how objects move. Young scholars work in small groups to discover the laws of motion.
Curated OER
Introducing The Gulf Stream
Sixth graders research the average temperatures of different places on Earth. In this earth science lesson, 6th graders explain how the sun's heat cause ocean movement. They discuss how temperature change affects the weather we experience.
Curated OER
Aerodynamic drag
Students construct a device that can launch spinning balls. One example would be a mailing tube with one side partially cut away, lined with sandpaper. Styrofoam balls should be used for the greatest effet. They are explained how a...
Curated OER
Bernoulli Effect
Students explore the relationship between velocity and pressure of a fluid. After a lecture/demo, students engage in an experiment which demonstrate the Bernoulli Effect and enhance their understanding.
Curated OER
Weather instruments
Students explore weather instruments. In this weather lesson, students make rain gauges, anemometers, and barometers following the instructions given in the lesson. Students set up a weather station using their instruments and record and...
Curated OER
Science Quizzes: Weather Quiz
For this weather science quiz worksheet, students respond to 20 short answer and true or false questions regarding weather and extreme weather.