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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lifting the Load

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders analyze the pulley and demonstrate how forces cause changes in speed and direction of objects.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover the principles and uses of gears noting that they can be used to change the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They may also change the force and/or distance through which an object turns. They then...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines V - Wheels and Axles and Gears

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the principles and uses of gears, and examine how gears can be used to alter the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They observe two cars with different sized wheels roll down an inclined plane,...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

The Dawn Mission: Ion Rockets and Spiral Orbits

For Students 11th - Higher Ed
In this ion rocket and orbits worksheet, students read about the spiral orbit the Dawn spacecraft took due to its ion rocket motor. Students solve 3 problems including finding the path taken by the spacecraft, determining the total path...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Roller Coaster Fun

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders review the effects of gravity on how objects move. In groups, they design a roller coaster and share it with their classmates. Using materials given to them, they build their roller coaster and let a ball roll on the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is a Wheel and Axle?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Stuents explore wheels and axles and how they maka machine move. After a teacher demonstration, students construct a wheel and axle. Students explore the circumference of the wheel. They compare the wheel sizes, speed, distance, and load...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Matter and Energy

For Students 7th - 10th
In this matter and energy worksheet, students identify substances as solids, liquids or gases, they use the kinetic theory to describe the motion of particles and they explain the conservation of mass and energy when a substance changes...
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Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Newton's Laws: Making Simple Rockets

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students can use rocketry to understand Newton's Three Laws of Motion.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Selling The Molecular Kinetic Theory

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate molecule movement according to the kinetic molecular theory. In this kinetic molecular theory lesson plan, students observe demonstrations showing that molecules speed up with increasing temperature and slow down...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Fitting Periodic Functions-Distant Planets

For Students 7th - 9th
In this periodic functions worksheet, students use given data of the speed of a star and find the best fit periodic function that follows the trend in data. They determine the amplitude, offset phase and the formula for the angle. They...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Race the Track! Design Challenge

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students use the design process to investigate physical science.  In this force and motion activity, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and distance.  Students recognize the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study hummingbirds and how they use Newton's law.  In this motion lesson students complete several activities and view videos of hummingbirds. 
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gravity, Angles, and Measurement

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students relate math to real life scenarios. In this geometry lesson, students launch a ball tracking each launch using a graph. They analyze their data for speed, angles and distance, trying to improve on each launch.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

F = a, Inertia, and Friction

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders use a matchbox car to push across a hard surface and observe what happens. They then push the car across a soft or rough surface and discover what happens. The two ideas are discusses as Newton's First and Second Laws of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Surface Friction and Wear Characteristics of Common Materials

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the factors affecting friction. In this physics lesson, students construct their own rocket car and race them. They graph the average speeds and discuss how lubricants affect friction between rubbing surfaces.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of the Planets: How 16th and 17th Century Physicist Helped Us Understand Our Solar System

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Looking For Newton

For Teachers 8th
The instructional activity has sufficient background information for the teacher to implement the instructional activity. Students are asked to summarize the three laws of motion. They also conduct classroom activities to role play the...
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Activity
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Teach Engineering

The Great Gravity Escape

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Groups simulate an orbit using a piece of string and a water balloon. Individuals spin in a circular path and calculate the balloon's velocity when the clothes pin can no longer hold onto the balloon.
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Interactive
Physics Classroom

What's Up (and Down) with KE and PE

For Students 9th - 12th
Physics class has its ups and downs ... especially when it involves energy concepts! Scholars analyze information to determine changes in kinetic and potential energy using an interactive resource. Realistic scenarios make connecting...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Velocity, Acceleration, and Gravity

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students perform an experiment where a string is tied across the room. A straw is threaded onto the string, and a balloon attached to the straw. Students determine the speed of the balloon as it moves across the string. They repeat the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time Trials

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students investigate speed, time and distance. In this algebra instructional activity, students utilize their knowledge of linear equations to solve problems related to time, speed and distance. This assignment is hands on using two toy...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Space Shuttle Launch Trajectory-I

For Students 9th - 11th
In this space shuttle launch instructional activity, learners are given 2 equations used to determine the space shuttle's trajectory in the first 5 minutes of a launch. Students use these equations to solve 3 problems including finding...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Historical Perspectives

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders watch episodes of Star Trek and analyze the works of it that pertain to the theory of relativity.  In this creative instructional activity students also write and illustrate a children's book about the special theory of...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Case of the Crooked Cartoon: Newton's Laws Set the Standard

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students have the opportunity to use higher-level thinking skills and to apply their talents to previously learned material. It provides an opportunity for visual, auditory, and tactile/kinetic learners to utilize their particular...

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