Curated OER
Periodic Motion - The Pendulum
Students study the concept of periodic motion and relate it to the movement of a pendulum. They discover that the period of a pendulum is dependent on the length of the pendulum and independent of the bob and the amplitude.
Curated OER
Periodic Motion - The Pendulum
Students experiment to determine the period of a pendulum. In this periodic motion lesson, students use different pendulums to determine their periods. They use various amplitudes to determine its effects on the period.
California Academy of Science
Which Way is North?
Who needs a compass to find cardinal directions? Just place a stick in the ground and record the movement of its shadow over the course of a day. Then, measure the shadow lengths in order to determine a north-south line. A simple...
Curated OER
The Motion of Molecules in Water
Students observe the motion of water molecules using food coloring. In this molecule movement lesson plan, students observe motion in hot, cold and room temperature colored water and record observation data on record sheets. Then write a...
EngageNY
The Height and Co-Height Functions of a Ferris Wheel
Show learners the power of mathematics as they model real-life designs. Pupils graph a periodic function by comparing the degree of rotation to the height of a ferris wheel.
EngageNY
The Motion of the Moon, Sun, and Stars—Motivating Mathematics
What does math have to do with the behavior of the earth and sun? Learn how the movement of celestial bodies has influenced the development of trigonometry. Scholars connects the details in mathematics to their real-world meaning.
Curated OER
How to Speed Up a Slow Grandfather- The Pendulum
Students explore the concept of periodic motion in relation to its function in a Grandfather type clock. In this periodic motion lesson, students use problem-solving skills and understanding of periodic motion to participate in a group...
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion
Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.
Curated OER
The Periodic Table
Eighth graders read and interpret the Periodic Table. They also make decisions on how to group and arrange different kinds of matter and draw the structure of atoms of pure elements. Finally, 8th graders contrast and compare basic...
Las Cumbres Observatory
Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve
Data can tell us a lot about celestial objects that are just too far away to study otherwise. Learners examine data on the brightness of an asteroid to predict its rotation rate. Graphing the data reveals a periodic pattern that allows...
Curated OER
Strings and Springs
Ninth graders explore physics with springs and strings. In this force and motion instructional activity, 9th graders rotate through four stations exploring how various springs stretch and bounce, and how mass and length affect a...
Curated OER
Meet the Neighbors: Planets Around Nearby Stars
Students explain why a transiting planet causes a periodic dimming in the light from its parent star. They determine the radius of a planet, and its orbital distance, by analyzing data and manipulating equations. Students compare the...
Curated OER
Going the Distance
Students experiment in small groups to answer the question, "Is there a relationship between ramps and speed?" They apply a formula to calculate the speed of the cars used in the experiment, complete the associate lab report, and...
Curated OER
Pendulum Patterns
Students identify the variables involved in the motion of a pendulum. In groups, they research how each different variable is related to the energy the pendulum produces. They share their results with the class and compare them with...
Curated OER
Pendulum
Sixth graders are instructed on how to create a pendulum and measure the periodicity of the pendulum, using four different combinations of string. They are asked which influences the time more- the length of the string or the weight at...
Curated OER
Periodic Table of the Elements
Students experiment with transition metals. In this transition metals lesson students find the common properties of transition metals and conduct an experiment using one of them. Students then answer questions regarding what they...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 6: Trigonometric Functions
Create trigonometric functions from circles. The first lesson of the module begins by finding coordinates along a circular path created by a Ferris Wheel. As the lessons progress, pupils graph trigonometric functions and relate them to...
Curated OER
Discovering Different Types of Functions
Graph polynomials and identify the end behavior of each polynomial function. The class differentiates between linear, quadratic, and other polynomial equations.
Curated OER
Show Me the Way To Go Home
Students place a pencil perpendicular to the ground and trace its shadow between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. They measure the length of the shadow, periodically over several hours, in either English or Metric units. Using the data, they find...
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.
EngageNY
Sequencing Rotations
Discover the result of a sequence of rotations about different centers. Pupils perform rotations to examine the patterns. They also describe the sequence of rotations that performed to reach a desired result in the ninth installment in a...
Curated OER
Gravity: A Relatively Heavy Subject
Students examine planetary movement and its relation to the tide.In this gravity lesson students describe how and why the high and low tides change every day.
Curated OER
Magnetic Hangman
Fifth graders predict what happens when the north end of their bar magnets are placed near the north end of their hanging magnets.
Curated OER
American Indian Flute and Math
Students investigate the Math behind Musical instruments in this cross-curricular Math lesson plan on the Native American Flute and waveforms. The lesson plan can be accomplished in 6 days and includes an extensive materials list for...