Curated OER
Magneto-hydrodynamic Drives
Students examine how electric and magnetic fields can be used to force water out of a chamber to move a vehicle forward.
Curated OER
Science: Wind Power
Students build models of wind turbines and experiment with different designs that will improve efficiency. Students will understand the use of wind power as a renewable resource.
Curated OER
Greenhouse Gases: The Chemistry Behind the Culprits
Ninth graders investigate the effect of different gases in the atmosphere. In this chemistry lesson, 9th graders explain how these gases contribute to global warming. They suggest possible solutions to this growing problem.
Curated OER
Basic Orienteering
Learners study orienteering. In this science lesson, students study the parts of a compass and use the compass to set a bearing and follow the bearing on the compass.
Curated OER
Can You Get A Charge Out Of Matter?
Students observe and demonstrate how objects can be charged positively and negatively and how static electricity works. They observe a teacher-led demonstration, and in small groups rotate through various static electricity activities,...
Curated OER
Energy Transformation
Students identify different kinds of energy such as heat energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, and magnetic energy. They investigate the concept of conservation of energy.
PHET
CME Plotting
Young scientists build on their previous knowledge and apply it to coronal mass ejections. By plotting the path of two different coronal mass ejections, they develop an understanding of why most don't collide with Earth.
Curated OER
Forces of Nature: Ring of Fire
Third graders will research the Ring of Fire and be able to share their findings with their partner. They will also demonstrate volcanic eruptions using a baking soda and vinegar volcano model. Then they will discover how continental...
NOAA
Oceans of Energy
Are the earth's oceans really just giant batteries, waiting for their energy to be harnessed? Middle school mechanical engineers will be shocked by the amazing amount of energy that forms around them after diving into part four of a...
PHET
Where to See an Aurora
Where can you see an aurora in North America? After completing an astronomy activity, scholars can locate the exact coordinates. Pupils plot points of the inner and outer ring of the auroral oval and answer questions based on their...
Curated OER
Electromagnitism Applications
Students experiment on magnets and electricity. In this physics lesson, students determine what factors affect the strength of a magnetic field. They design an experiment to determine how electromagnetic field strength varies with distance.
Curated OER
What is an Electromagnet?
Students give examples of electromagnet applications. In this physics lesson plan, students explore what makes electromagnets work. They experiment picking paper clips with it.
Curated OER
Map Field of Current
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...
Curated OER
Fish and Clip
First graders examine the magnets. In this physics activity students complete a lab and worksheet on the numbers of fish.
Curated OER
Mineral Identification
Students identify minerals from its physical properties accomplished through observation and testing of the minerals involved. They divide into groups and perform the physical property tests listed on the Mineral Background sheet.
Curated OER
Reliability Check of Power Grid
Students complete a simulation on power grid reliability check. For this physics lesson, students discuss the consequences of power grid failures. They complete a simulation worksheet.
Curated OER
Electric Field Mapping in 3D
Young scholars create a 3D vector field map of an electric field. In this physics lesson, students measure the voltage inside an aquarium with water. They present their findings and map to class..
Curated OER
Power Blackout Assessment
Students discuss the importance of power grids in power generation. In this physics lesson plan, students explain the impact of power failure. They investigate the power blackout in 2003 and discuss their findings.
Curated OER
Navigation Across the Seas
Pupils examine nautical navigation and discover the differences between nautical charts and other types of maps or charts. Students practice setting a course, taking a bearing, and dead reckoning. This gives pupils an example of how...
Curated OER
Understanding Power using Kirchhoff’s Rules
Twelfth graders cite real life applications of Kirchhoff's rules. In this physics lesson, 12th graders calculate current, power and voltage using Kirchhoff and Ohm's laws. They explain the different components and uses of transformers.
Curated OER
Rock Hounds at Heart
Second graders read "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" by iam Steig and practice describing rocks using different physical properties. They make observations and develop and describe categories such as texture, color, density, hardness, etc.
Curated OER
What’s That, I Can’t Hear You?
Young scholars investigate forms of energy as well as light and sound. In this science lesson, students participate in hands-on activities that require them to evaluate how sound affects astronauts in flight. A video of this lesson being...
Curated OER
The Invention of Faraday Cage
High schoolers demonstrate how Faraday's cage work by building their own electroscope. In this physics lesson, students explain how Faraday's cage work. They cite several applications of this principle in the real world.
Curated OER
Mighty Minerals
Students investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals. They make a list of the uses of minerals found in Illinois. They write a report individually based on their observations.