NASA
Applying Newton’s Laws
Newton's Laws get the rocket to work, but do they serve any other functions? A six-page resource classifies rockets by the type of propellant they use. It then describes applications of Newton's Laws of Motion, both in the ability to...
NASA
How Rockets Work
Now, that's some fire power! A five-page handout provides a description of the basics of how rockets work. The reading explains Newton's Laws of Motion by beginning with defining some of the important terms. The article finishes by...
Museum of Science
Cup Drop
Create egg drop soup. Teachers first set up eggs that are held up above cups of water with a piece of cardboard and cardboard tubes. Learners try to determine a way to get the eggs to drop into the cups. Using a broom, the instructor...
Curated OER
Action and Reaction
Students experiment with Newton's Third Law of Motion. For this physics and motion lesson, students complete two experiments to illustrate force and its equal and opposite reaction. Students first work in pairs to exert an equal force on...
Curated OER
Force and Motion
Young scholars experiment with force and motion. In this force and motion lesson, students test gravity using a variety of objects. Young scholars rotate through a series of stations which use force, motion, friction, and inclines....
NASA
Water Rocket Construction
What are the basics for building a rocket out of a two-liter bottle? The procedures outline the basics to create an air- and water-powered bottle rocket. Prior to launching the rockets, teams perform safety checks to ensure their designs...
NASA
Project X-51
In a nose-cone to nose-cone competition, which rocket will prevail? Teams form rocket companies to design and build a rocket while competing against other teams in an economic challenge. The team that comes up with the best benefit/cost...
Curated OER
The Science of Swinging
Young scholars learn how a pendulum works in the concept of an amusement park ride. For this pendulum lesson, students are introduced to Newton's first law of motion and how it works in an amusement park ride. Continuous motion and...
Curated OER
Force and Motion - Part 2
Students test different objects such as dominoes, marshmallows, slides, and more to test their force, motion, gravity, friction, and the concept of matter. In this force and motion lesson plan, students understand that the force an...
Curated OER
How Can We See Inertia?
Pupils conduct 8 experiments to gain an understanding of inertia. Students use a variety of materials to conduct these experiments. Pupils learn the difference between objects at rest and objects moving in a straight line.
Curated OER
Learn to Build a Rocket in 5 Days
Young scholars explore physics by participating in an engineering activity. For this rocket lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms such as "re-engineering" and "trade-off." Young scholars identify the rocket...
Curated OER
Balloons
Young scholars explore the different types of balloons. In this materials lesson students can complete several experiments including building their own hot air balloons, making balloon animals and experimenting with static electricity.