Physics Classroom
Acceleration
The acceleration rate of a flea jumping works out to 50 times faster than the acceleration rate of the space shuttle. Pupils apply knowledge of acceleration to dot diagrams, velocity-time tables, and word problems. They solve for...
Curated OER
Marble Madness
Middle schoolers determine the velocity of a marble rolling down the incline. In this physics lesson plan, students identify the independent and dependent variables in the experiment. They construct and analyze a graph.
Curated OER
I Feel The Need For Speed
Students are introduced to the concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration and inertia. In groups, they use the internet to research rollercoasters found in the United States and calculate their acceleration rates. They use the...
Curated OER
Falling into a Black Hole
In this black hole worksheet, students solve 3 problems given the equation used to determine the speed of a falling body using its mass, the constant of gravitation and the distance it will travel.
Curated OER
Kepler's 3rd Law
Learners derive the velocity in a circular orbit of any radius. They derive the Earth escape velocity and prove Kepler's 3rd law for circular orbits # A simple formula for the orbital period in a circular Earth orbit of given radius.
Physics Classroom
Force and Motion
Scholars focus on associating balanced forces with at rest or constant velocity motion and unbalanced forces with acceleration or deceleration. Practice problems with immediate feedback allow for quick success in an installment of the...
Physics Classroom
Momentum
Interactive emphasizes understanding magnitude of momentum vectors depends upon mass and velocity, while the direction of the vector only relates to the direction of movement. As part of the larger series on momentum and collision, three...
Curated OER
Kepler's Third Law
High schoolers use Kepler's third law to derive the velocity in a circular orbit of any radius, and identify the Earth escape velocity.
Curated OER
A Classical & Relativistic Trip to a Black Hole
Students calculate distance, velocity, acceleration and time on their fantasy trip to the black hold. They apply Newton's Laws of Motion and calculate circular motion. They discuss any questions that may arise.
Space Awareness
Model of a Black Hole
Even light cannot leave the force of a black hole! Learners use a model to explore the gravitational force of a black hole. An elastic bandage and heavy ball serve to create the hole, while marbles become the victims of its strong force.
Physics Classroom
Graph That Motion
Pupils apply their knowledge of the shape and slope of graphs to interpret the motion of an object. Three levels of difficulty provide plenty of practice with support thanks to the "Help Me!" button offered with each question.
Physics Classroom
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces
Scientists use many different kinematic representations of motion. Review each of them with the help of an engaging interactive that is part of a larger series on Newton's laws of motion. The resource provides three levels of challenge...
Physics Classroom
Law Enforcement - Hit-and-Stick Collisions
How do police determine the speed of a car that has hit a stopped vehicle? Scholars determine the momentum of the car system both before and after a collision. They identify instances where the law of conservation of momentum appears to...
Physics Classroom
Case Studies: Impulse and Force
Why are gym walls padded and cars required to have air bags? Scholars observe two similar situations, such as those listed above, with only one variable altered. They identify the different variable and determine how the variation...
Curated OER
Earth and Beyond
In this earth and beyond worksheet, students answer short answer questions about the atmosphere, the chemical compounds in Earth's atmosphere. Students visit different websites to conduct research of the discoveries of the scientist who...
Physics Classroom
Name That Motion
Pupils apply their understanding of motion to 11 practice problems as part of a series on dimensional kinematics. They view a dot diagram animation and read descriptions to identify which match. As a bonus, the interactive offers...
Curated OER
A Guide Through the Culture of the Blues
Learners examine the history of blues music and discover how it relates to the music of today. As a class, they listen to the drum songs of Africa and compare it to the use of drums in pop music today. Using the internet, they research...
Curated OER
Introduction to Conics
Just exactly where does the name conic come from? This brief hands-on exploration explains it all. Have your class cut cones to create their own conics, then assess their understanding with a few identification problems. Consider making...
Curated OER
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Pupils explore the nature and magnitude of gravitational forces. In this gravitation lesson plan students study gravity and answer questions.
Curated OER
Survival in the Land of Batzilla
Young scholars experience a guided inquiry into the workings of an ultrasonic motion detector. They are led to study something they cannot see, hear, feel or taste. Students design strategies to avoid becoming prey of the predatory...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Great Gravity Escape
Middle schoolers use water balloons and a length of string to understand how gravity and the velocity of a spacecraft balance to form an orbit. They see that when the velocity becomes too great for gravity to hold onto an object, the...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Dungeon Simulation
Experiment with changing velocity to help Tommy escape the dungeon.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Gravitational Potential Energy
This site defines and explains the concept of gravitational potential energy. Uses many equations and graphics to illustrate the idea. Provides an online computational practice set with immediate feedback.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Elastic Potential Energy
This site from Georgia State University Physics Department defines elastic potential energy and explains its origin. Provides an equation for computing elastic potential energy and an opportunity to practice solving problems with an...