Curated OER
Wind Effects on Model Building: Building Project Overview
Pupils design their own building according to certain criteria. In this semester long physics lesson plan, students calculate forces, compression and tension. They present their finished model in class.
Curated OER
Avalanche!
Middle schoolers explain that when forces on an object are balanced, the motion of object does not change. They describe how an object changes its motion when forces on it are unbalanced. They plan and conduct a scientific investigation...
Science Matters
A Model of Plate Faults
The San Andreas fault is one of the longest fault zones in the world. In a series of 20 lessons, the fourth lesson has pupils use a paper model to recreate various types of plate faults. Each is held in position then drawn into a science...
Science Matters
Earthquakes and Volcanoes Post Assessment
The final lesson in the 20-part series is a post assessment covering earthquakes and volcanoes. Twenty-three questions incorporate each of the previous lessons through multiple choice, justified multiple choice, expanded multiple choice,...
Curated OER
The Math in the Design and Building of Bridges
Research various types of bridge designs. Your class will be asked to consider what it would be like without bridges while learning about how they work. They will construct a model bridge based on given parameters. They then calculate...
Curated OER
Circle of Pong
Students, in groups, use given materials to devise a way to deposit a ping-pong ball into a paper cup that is located in the middle of a 6-foot diameter circle, while standing outside the circle.
Curated OER
Exploring Buoyancy
Learners use materials found at a resource table to design simple devices that will house instruments to take water samples from a tub of water. They design 3 instruments, each varying in density so that one will float, one will hover...
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Magnet Circus
Students explore the properties of magnets by designing a device that can move as far as possible using only magnets to move it, and design a machine that will stay in motion for the greatest period of time.
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Free Up the Ketchup!
Students, in teams, use given materials and their knowledge of Newton's First Law to create a device that will remove a sticky ping pong ball from a 16-oz. cup (which represents ketchup stuck in a bottle.)
Penn Museum
Penn Museum: China Gallery
Invite your learners to take a closer look at the art and mathematical function of dome buildings as designed by the ancient Romans. In the next segment of this attractive learning exercise set, your young historians will then learn...
Curated OER
Many Kinds of Bridges
Students examine how there are many elements that need to be considered before building a bridge. Groups are given materials and they are to make a structure that can hold an object in suspension.
Curated OER
Measure Object Using English and Metric Systems
Students are able to measure various objects using English and metric systems within half of the smallest unit of the measurement device. Students identify units of length, volume, mass and temperature according to International System...
Nature
Structural Hazards
The scientific explanation of seismic waves is detailed in the introduction. A fictional scenario is also provided for your class to discuss. Pictures and handouts that are meant to be included, however, they are not accessible....
Curated OER
Earthquake
Students view a video and conduct a problem solving activity to explain the effect different waves have on the earth's structure and what effect they have on different structures.
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Skyscrapers
Students engineer their way through a hands-on science activity. In this architecture lesson, students examine dead loads and wind loads as they participate in the Skyscraper Challenge.
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Straw Shapes
Students view a video on bridges and domes. They discuss the importance of shapes, especially triangles for these structures. They participate in an activity in which they create their own dome out of paper clips.
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Construction Technologies: Construct the Strongest Bridge
Students investigate how engineers use different types of bridges for different places. In small groups they design and construct bridges for three different scenarios, and answer a series of investigating questions applied to the...
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Earthquake Proof Structures
Eighth graders build a structure that is able to withstand a simulated earthquake. They research earthquakes, earthquake measurement, and society's preparation for and reaction to them. Pupils build models and present them to the...
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Science: Avalanche!
Eighth graders examine avalanches after reading excerpts from John Muir's book, "The Yosemite." In small groups, they conduct experiments with flour, sugar, and potato flakes representing different snow consistencies. Then, 8th graders...
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Model Storage Facility
Students design a storage facility that can withstand extreme wind loads. In this physics instructional activity, students decide how to build their facility considering budget constraints. They evaluate their design and present it to...
Curated OER
Cytoskeleton of a Cell
Learners examine the cytoskeleton of a cell. They work together to build a structure with a certain number of materials. They share their "cell" with their classmates.
Curated OER
Design & Technology: Materials Strength
Young scholars investigate the function of a floor stretcher and some of the past designs. The goal is to improve the design durability and ease of use. Then they sketch their ideas and write a rationale for changes made to the structure.