Curated OER
Extreme Acceleration
Students explore the concept of acceleration. They determine the acceleration rate of a roller-blader and graph the results.
Curated OER
Thinking About Newton's 1st Law
Students discuss the lives of both Aristotle and Newton in order to bring important differences between the two to the forefront. They evaluate two statements about motion and use the ideas from the discussion to determine which...
Curated OER
Movement of Objects
Ninth graders investigate motion. In this science lesson, 9th graders conduct experiments on objects to analyze motion and speed. They define motion in everyday life.
Curated OER
Spin the Saltine!
Students investigate chemical energy. In this physical science lesson, students blow on saltine crackers to demonstrate how chemical energy in food can be converted to motion. Students compare the saltine cracker experiment to how...
Curated OER
Race the Track! Design Challenge
Students use the design process to investigate physical science. In this force and motion instructional activity, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and...
Curated OER
Race the Track! The Time Challenge (lesson 2)
Young scholars design a track that keeps a ball in motion for 5 seconds or longer. In this designing lesson plan, students explore force, gravity, and cause and effect when it comes to science and building before building their own track.
Curated OER
Numerical Determination of Drag Coefficients
Students create a video of an object falling with a drag. In this physics lesson, students calculate drag coefficient using data from Logger Pro. They calculate velocity and acceleration of the object.
Curated OER
2D Kinematics w/ String Racers
Students calculate the speed of string racers. In this physics activity, students measure the time in several trials and get the average. They graph their results using a spreadsheet.
Curated OER
One, Two, Three--Isaac Newton and Me
Students experiment to develop understanding of Newton's Laws and how they apply to space travel in this ten day lesson sequence.
Curated OER
Pushy Kids in Physics
Young scholars examine the concepts of balanced forces, unbalanced forces, and resulting net forces. They participate in a force and motion demonstration by pushing students in various directions, and calculating and identifying the...
Curated OER
Physics and the Quantum Mechanical Model
In this physics worksheet, students review vocabulary terms and key equations associated with the quantum mechanical model. Students apply the quantum theory to explain the photoelectric effect. This worksheet has 5 true or false, 12...
Curated OER
Physical Pendulum Lab
Students calculate the moment of inertia of a disc. In this physics lesson, students differentiate the two methods used in finding the inertia. They construct their own pendulum for the lab.
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion
Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics instructional activity, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.
Curated OER
2nd Grade Physical Sciences
Second graders complete activities to measure motion and learn about the Earth's history. In this motion and Earth history instructional activity, 2nd graders discuss sound and complete a matching sound activity. Students then study the...
Curated OER
Tiger Woods Physics
Students comprehend the independence of vertical and horizontal velocity vectors. They calculate height, time of flight and range of projectile objects. Students perform derivation for range of same plane projectile motion. They perform...
Curated OER
Rocket Physics
Young scholars investigate the relationship between impulse, momentum, kinetic and potential energy and aerodynamic drag. In this physics lesson, students calculate data taken from launching a rocket. They compare the theoretical...
Physics Classroom
Gravitational Field Strength
Budding scientists fall hard for a gravitational field strength activity! Physics pupils compare the masses and distances relative to the center of planets using an interactive from a Circular and Satellite Motion series. Individuals...
Tech Museum of Innovation
Balloon Astronaut
Design protection from high-speed particles. The STEM lesson plan highlights why astronauts need protection from space debris. Pupils use the design process to design, build, and test a spacesuit that will protect a balloon from a...
Science Matters
Potential and Kinetic Energy
Everything has potential energy; learning to use it is the key to understanding all types of energy. Scholars learn the difference between kinetic and potential energy. They then apply the concept to drawing examples of both types...
Curated OER
TE Activity: Wow! That Captures It!
Students examine how motion capture technology allows computer based animators to design realistic effects in animation. They study how the center of gravity contributes to animation and how to use the center of gravity to write an...
Curated OER
Design Your Own Rube Goldberg Machine
Students participate in a culminating activity for a unit on Energy and Simple Machines. They are challenged to incorporate simple machines in to a complex mechanical system. While designing and testing their machine they will also...
Curated OER
SMASH Skill Development: Badminton
Students perform the SMASH technique and overhand motion. In this SMASH lesson, students practice hitting targets using racquets and the overhand motion. Students also complete a target smash drill using hula hoops.
Curated OER
Ice Floats
Students explore the changing density of water. In this physics instructional activity, students investigate how an object's density determines whether it will float or sink in water. They explain why this unique property of is important...
Curated OER
Simple Machines: The Wede & Lever
Students describe how wedge and lever makes work easier. In this physics instructional activity, students analyze experimental data by creating a graph to see the trends. They calculate the work done and mechanical advantage of these...