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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bounce!

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students investigate the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. In this energy lesson plan students investigate the height a ball will bounce when dropped from various heights.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Function-al Machines and Spaghetti Graphs

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders identify the relationship between patterns and functions. For this algebra lesson, 6th graders use a "Functional Machine" to identify the rule. Students use a function table to plot the points using play dough dots.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Map Field of Current

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students determine that moving charges create a magnetic field. They discover that the speed and direction of motion, the amount of charge, and the deflection angle observed are closely linked. A voltmeter, pendulum, and a constructed...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Fast and Slow"

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars find a partner, they think about their favorite TV sport that they might like to perform in an unusual dance. They practice their chosen sport and students see if they can make a litter repeating pattern of three or four...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wright Flight

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students explain and explain the interactive relationships between forces of lift and gravity, thrust and drag, as they apply to airplanes in motion. They know that Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane based on these...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Force Counterforce

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students hypothesize what forces affect the motion of a falling body. For this physical science lesson, students create diagrams and illustrations to support their hypothesis. They perform the experiment and record observations.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Persistence Forecasting

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Learners study weather forecasting. In this weather lesson plan, students explore forecasting weather methods and do a forecast. Learners study weather reports and discuss the elements of a forecast. Students study the method of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

F = Ma, Inertia, And Action-reaction

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate Newton's Second and Third Laws of Motion. They determine what makes objects harder or easier to push. While investigating they determine how applying force in order balance out gravity allows things to stay...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton and his Laws

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore Newton's laws, including what they state, and what the intuitive meaning is of the first and third laws.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines make work easier.

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how simple machine work can make work easier.  In this machines instructional activity students complete an activity that shows them what makes up a machine, and how to measure displacement and velocity. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Intro to 1D Kinematics with Physlets

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine illustrations and animations on a Physlets CD in which they must describe motion, analyze graphs, and calculate initial velocity. The Physlet assists in providing active class participation in discussion.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Big Wheels Keep on Turning

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders work in groups and investigate how force determines the speed and distance then they view the video, "Math Vantage #7: What's Your Angle?." They are given a real life problem to solve using speed, ramps, angle, incline...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diffusion Of Molecules

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students investigate molecular movement while studying how to perform a chemistry investigation.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Diffusion of Molecules

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Young scholars study the process for diffusion of molecules. In this chemistry lesson, students understand molecular movement, develop skills for a chemistry investigation, develop skills in making hypotheses, develop observational...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Airplane flight

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers learn the basic concepts about airplane flight. They learn the reason jetliner wings are swept back and why jet engines have replaced propellers in high-speed flight.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Ball Bounce" Quadratic Functions

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Young scholars manipulate a ball and explore quadratic functions. In this algebra instructional activity, students analyze the graph of a quadratic function. They identify quadratic properties.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hanky Panky

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students learn to sing the song, "Hanky Panky" accurately and are able to properly participate doing the motions while singing. They are also able to keep the beat of the song and speed up and slow down the tempo.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Skateboard Science

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars investigate how skaters can turn in midair. In this physics lesson, students relate Newton's Laws to skateboarding. They carry out the maneuver with the help of their classmate.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Roller Coasters in the Classroom

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students define kinetic energy and know the effects of weight and speed on momentum.  In this investigative lesson students get into groups and design a roller coaster. 
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Astronomer sees a 'Brake' in Cosmic expansion

For Students 7th
Seventh graders examine and read an article.  In this investigative lesson students discuss questions about the article and complete an activity. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Frames of Reference: The Basics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners learn the concept of frames of reference in physics. They examine how two frames of reference, each moving with respect to the other with a constant velocity v (constant speed, constant direction).
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

ROLLER COASTERS IN THE CLASSROOM

For Teachers All
Students define potential and kinetic energy and explain the relationship of height to potential energy.  In this roller coaster lesson students construct a model of a roller coaster which will allow them to see the basic physical laws. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bouncing Balls

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students make observations of a bouncing ball and study how it travels.  In this height lesson students complete a lab activity and describe and explain the motion of the ball. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is Temperature?

For Teachers K - 5th
Students study the effects of temperature and air expansion. In this temperature lesson, students discuss temperature and participate in a role play of low energy and high energy molecules. Students then discuss their activity and...