Curated OER
The Phantom of the Computer Lab
Students calculate the power consumption of computers in school. For this physics lesson, students design an experiment to determine whether the school should unplug computers at the end of the day. They collect data and report findings...
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Brown Bag Science
Young scholars discover, through the discovery method, how electricity works. They construct a simple circuit and a parallel circuit, make an electrical motor work and add a switch to turn it on and off.
IOP Institute of Physics
Physics in Concert
What do physicists and musicians have in common? A lot more than you might think. After first viewing a slide show presentation and completing a series of skills practice worksheets on the physics of light, sound, and electricity, young...
Curated OER
Exploring Electricity: Light Sculptures
Students study electricity by making their own light sculptures. In this light sculptures lesson, students review electrical loops and circuitry components. Students then plan, create, and refine light sculptures.
Curated OER
Fossil Fuels: Facing the Issues
Students explore energy by researching fuel usage on Earth. In this fossil fuel instructional activity, students define fossil fuels, the energy created by burning them, and the impact on the environment when using them. Students conduct...
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Triboelectric Series
Students conduct a series of experiments on static electricity. In this physics lesson, students arrange explain how objects become electrically charges. They predict which objects will become charged when rubbed together based on the...
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Let There Be Light
Fifth graders explore electricity. In this electricity activity, 5th graders experiment with open and closed circuits. Students determine how to properly connect a battery and bulb to illuminate the bulb.
Curated OER
Experiments with Photovoltaic Cells
Students explain how sunlight is converted to electricity. In this series of physics lesson, students study how varying the characteristics of the light source affect photovoltaic cells. They research their different uses in other...
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Electrical motors
Students investigate and experiement with a 9-volt motor. They will use the connecting wire and battery pack to discover fans.
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Stepper Motor
High schoolers compare a stepper motor from a traditional motor. In this physics lesson, students summarize how it works. They build their own stepper motor and explore its uses.
Curated OER
Storms and Extreme Weather
Students explore hurricanes and tornadoes by conducting an experiment. For this weather pattern lesson, students define many extreme weather vocabulary terms and discuss the relationship with static electricity. Students utilize plastic...
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Ecological Impact of River Dams
Students investigate their environment by completing an in-class experiment. In this ecological lesson, students define the roles of dams and how electricity is created by them. Students utilize plastic jugs, sand and tap water to...
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Electric Field Mapping / Equipotential Lines
Students determine the equipotential lines surrounding a charged object. In this physics lesson, students draw lines to identify areas. They relate the spacing of the field lines to the strength of the charge.
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Homopolar Motor Experiments
Students construct a homopolar motor following certain procedures. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how generators and motors work. They compare and contrast the characteristics of both.
Curated OER
Harnessing Solar Energy
Students discover the properties of light (radiant) energy from the sun by experimenting with solar collectors, cookers, and calculators. After a lecture/demo, students create their own solar collectors and test their efficiency.
Teach Engineering
Solar Power
Elementary schoolers discover how engineers use solar energy to heat buildings. They take a close look at some of the materials used: sand, salt, water, and shredded paper and evaluate the efficiency of each material. An incredible...
Captain Planet Foundation
Solar Cooking Race
Study heat transfer with activities that focus on how heat energy works. Using a solar cooker, ice cubes, and heat transfer bracelets, kids experiment and record what they find by keeping ice cubes cold and vegetables hot.
Curated OER
Rain and Rainbows
Students explore the weather system by analyzing water properties. In this precipitation lesson, students review weather related vocabulary terms and discuss how rainbows are created by light hitting droplets at the right time. Students...
Curated OER
Project Energy
Students explore multiple types of energy. In this energy lesson, students prepare a science fair project through completing a WebQuest. Students investigate radiant, thermal, and biochemical energy.
Curated OER
Electromagnetism - Transformers
Students build small circuits using transformers. In this electromagnetism lesson plan, students will show that transformers increase voltage which leads to an increase in current. An ammeter and the brightness of a light bulb will be...
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Electromagnitism Applications
Learners experiment on magnets and electricity. In this physics activity, students determine what factors affect the strength of a magnetic field. They design an experiment to determine how electromagnetic field strength varies with...
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History of the Battery
Students study the development of batteries. In this electrochemistry lesson, students compare the different types of batteries. They explore its applications especially in the medical field.
Curated OER
Applied Science- Technology Lab (Circuit Boards)
Young scholars examine electricity. In this electrical conduction lesson, students create a quiz board (circuit board). They work in small groups to construct the circuit board and come up with questions/answers for the quiz portion....
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Cling On's
Learners explain how static electricity is produced. In this electricity lesson, students design an experiment to reduce static electricity. They share and discuss findings in class.