Curated OER
Push or Pull
Students examine the concepts push and pull. In this push or pull lesson plan, students identify objects that push, pull, or do both. Students then apply their knowledge in order to test toys and identify them as toys that are pushed,...
Curated OER
Forces and Motion Scavenger Hunt
Students determine how force on an object affects its movement. In this force and motion lesson, students take digital pictures of objects in the school setting that are pushed and pulled. They develop a presentation using the digital...
Curated OER
Magnetic Pick-ups
Students investigate the push and pull of magnets. In this magnetics lesson, students are introduced to the idea that there are forces that happen on earth which cannot be seen, such as electrically charged objects, magnetic force...
Curated OER
F = ma, Inertia, and Action-Reaction
Fourth graders apply concepts of Newton's Laws in scientific inquiries. Use this instructional activity to have your charges test and identify the characteristics of objects that make them easier or harder to push. After a teacher-led...
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
A thorough investigation of magnetic levitation; this activity has four parts. First, physical scientists play with a wooden dowel and three disc magnets to review polarity and repelling action. Then they experiment with the strength of...
Curated OER
Forces
Fourth graders review the meaning of Newton's 3rd Law and discuss the forces that are acting on a book setting on a table. They draw a diagram of the book on the table and use arrows to illustrate the direction the forces are acting.
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
Sports Activity Stations
Fourth graders observe and understand forces applied to an object and the change in speed or direction of the object. In this forces lesson, 4th graders divide into groups and play at various sports stations. Students mark push or pull...
Curated OER
F = a, Inertia, and Friction
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...
Curated OER
Physical Science: Gravity
Students investigate the properties of force and gravity and their effects on everyday life. In groups, they test various balls by bouncing them on different surfaces and observe the properties. In another activity, they test marbles and...
Curated OER
Friction
Students explore friction as a force that slows moving objects, explain conclusions in terms of the roughness or smoothness of surfaces, relate results to predictions, and begin to know how to plan a fair test.
Curated OER
Friction
Learners compare and contrast the movement of objects on different surfaces, experimenting with friction and forces of motion. This friction lesson plan has numerous online tools including worksheets and virtual activities; the option is...
Curated OER
Forces Applied to an Object
Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. In this forces lesson, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.
Curated OER
Friction
Fourth graders investigate friction as a force that is present around us. They observe as a ball is rolled on different surfaces and stopped before discussing what happens. Using different surfaces, they make predictions as to what type...
Curated OER
Skateboards, Rocket Balloons and Newton's Laws of Motion
Students investigate forces. In this laws of motion lesson, students visit the Glasgow Science Center or Techniquest to participate in activities related to the Newton's law of motion.
Curated OER
Gravity - The Glue of the Universe
Young scholars explore physics by conducting a class experiment. In this gravitational force lesson, students define several scientific terms associated with force. Young scholars utilize a styrofoam cup and marbles to simulate a...
Curated OER
Marbles in Motion
Fourth graders explore how to play marbles while learning the scientific concepts of force, motion, mass, acceleration, friction, and inertia.
Curated OER
Action and Reaction
Students experiment with Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this physics and motion lesson plan, students complete two experiments to illustrate force and its equal and opposite reaction. Students first work in pairs to exert an equal...
Curated OER
Forces in Action
Learners ask questions that can be investigated scientifically. They determine how to plan a fair test by changing one factor while keeping other factors the same, to use measurements to draw conclusions and use scientific knowledge to...
Curated OER
Rocket Science 101
Learners explore the aspects of Newton's First and Third Laws of Motion as they conduct controlled rocketry experiments and analyze the Mars Mission in terms of the principles of rocketry.
Curated OER
Center of Gravity
Fourth graders conduct experiments to identify the center of gravity. In this gravity lesson, 4th graders do two hands-on experiments to increase their understanding of this concept. This self-discovery lesson provides students with the...
Curated OER
Simple Machines
Students explain how simple machines work and design their own machine. They use the Internet for research.
Curated OER
It's All in the Wrist
Students conduct experiments with balloons, pennies, marbles and cups to help them understand the concept of centrifugal force or Newton's Law of Motion.
Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.