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Kite building activity
Learners explore how a kite flies; this instructional activity is a precursor for the windmill activity. By exploring how a kite flies, the students explore the power of the wind; particulary how drag, lifft and gravity enable objects...
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Simple Machines IV - Levers
The principles of levers and simple machines are presented here. An easy-to-make lever is constructed by each group of scientists, and they use it to explore how this simple machine makes heavy things so much easier to lift and move. A...
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Let's Move It!
Young scholars create a simple machine that includes a cart and lever system that could have been used to build the ancient pyramids. In this simple machine lesson plan, students learn about the wheel and the axle as simple machines that...
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Move It! With Simple Machines
Students explore engineering by participating in a mechanical class activity. In this simple machines lesson, students identify many simple machines that allow them to perform tasks easily each day. Students collaborate in small groups...
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No Bones About It
Young scholars conduct Internet research on the different parts of the skeletal system. Then they create a model arm that demonstrates how muscle and bone work together to create movement.
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Wheeling It In!
Students use everyday materials (milk cartons, water bottles, pencils, straws, candy) to build a small-scale transportation device that incorporates the wheel and axle and the lever. They race their carts/trucks, measure distance, time...
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Colorful Paper Masks
Young scholars create individual masks using poster paper, string or elastic, and basic art supplies in this wonderful Art lesson for any level. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of cultural and personal uses of masks and personal...
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The Mag Mile and ... Torque!
High schoolers use paper plates and detailed directions to build a model of the Michigan Avenue Bridge's gear system. By carefully measuring and cutting "teeth" for the gears of the "Gear Train," they create small gear that will...
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Parachutes: What a Drag
Sixth graders make 2 different kinds of parachutes and record and graph the time for each one for the different drag forces. In this parachute lesson plan, 6th graders compare the results to the rest of the class of each parachute and...
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How To Get the Job Done
Fifth graders identify the physical activities that are related to certain jobs.
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Painting on Aluminum Foil
Students paint Haring figures onto aluminum foil. In this painting lesson plan, students use tag board, foil, white copy paper, pens and pencils, tape, tempera paint, and permanent markers.
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Simple Machines
Young scholars discover what simple machines are and identify a gear, a pulley, and a lever. In teams, they build at least two models each of simple machines and challenge them with specific instruction cards. Finally, students present...
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What's Inside a Pumpkin?
Students explore the properties of a pumpkin. In this What's Inside a Pumpkin lesson plan, students use a real pumpkin to investigate pumpkin facts, sing a song "Five Little Pumpkins", paint pumpkin patch artwork, participate in a...
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Make A Thunderstorm!
Students create a thunderstorm by putting ice cubes and food coloring into a container and observe what happens to the food coloring. In this thunderstorm lesson plan, students discuss the cause and effects of thunderstorms and then...
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Mimeograph Madness
Students practice working with a mimeograph. After having a sketch approved, they trace their drawing and color all areas they do not want a certain color. They complete their creation by placing the sketch on newspaper after it has...