Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of Toys

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore physics by experimenting with classic toys. In this physical science lesson, students utilize gliders, energy balls, bouncing balls, marbles and other toys to explore how they work. Students explore each toy at a work...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Acceleration Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young Einsteins experiment with the acceleration of Hot Wheels™ toy cars down inclined planes at various angles. This classic physics lab activity is thoroughly explained in both a teacher’s guide and a student lab sheet. Science...
Worksheet
Texas State Energy Conservation Office

Nuts! Calculating Thermal Efficiency

For Students 6th - 9th Standards
Oh nuts! Do macadamias or almonds produce more thermal energy? Energy enthusiasts find out with this experiment. The objective is to demonstrate to your class how the chemical energy contained in foods can be converted into useable...
Lesson Plan
2
2
Baylor College

Heart Rate and Exercise

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Teach your exercise enthusiasts to read their pulse rate at the radial artery and multiply by four to calculate beats per minute. Learners perform a variety of activities, recording their heart rates after one minute of each. Though...
Lesson Plan
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Insulators and Conductors

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
In a classic activity, emerging electricians test various objects for electrical conductivity in a circuit. Each group constructs a simple circuit by following a diagram. Predictions are made and objects are inserted into the circuit,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Magnetic Levitation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics instructional activity, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ping!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Using "mystery bathymetry" shoeboxes, young explorers simulate sonar action to map out the topography of an un-viewable landscape. This classic activity helps physical oceanography learners understand how sonar works. It would be...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electric Charge and Static Electricity

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Begin with the classic static electricity demonstrations: the behavior of charged balloons and metal leaves of an electroscope. Then move on to test the electrical conductivity of various materials. Give physics pupils a charge with...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Human Evolution: Biology, Bones

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Learners will love a weeks worth of bone study. They use bones and characteristics of bones to explore the evolution of hominoids. Bones are compared, categorized, and considered. A great way to bring physical anthropology and material...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lake Strata and Internal Waves

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Use the classic density demonstration of placing a cola, a clear soda, and a diet soda into a tank of water. Then let learners attempt to pour some of the soda into layers in a clear container. The procedure explains a thermocline, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Laws

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers examine and discuss Newton's Laws and discover his contribution to physics. In groups, they participate in an experiment in which they much apply the Laws to the world around them. They describe contact and conservative...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Invention of Faraday Cage

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers demonstrate how Faraday's cage work by building their own electroscope. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how Faraday's cage work. They cite several applications of this principle in the real world.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Classical & Relativistic Trip to a Black Hole

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students calculate distance, velocity, acceleration and time on their fantasy trip to the black hold. They apply Newton's Laws of Motion and calculate circular motion. They discuss any questions that may arise.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Supporting the Classics!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the basic forms of classical architectural columns. Using the internet, they note the physical differences between Corinthian, Doric and Ionic columns. They design their own temple to their favorite Greek god or goddess...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Changes and Biscuits

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate chemical changes in everyday life settings, such as cooking. They investigate leavening which is one of the classic chemical changes that people experience. Pupils observe leavening in biscuits with the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Basic Needs of Living Things - Lesson Two

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study and identify the basic needs of a variety of organisms. Terrariums and aquariums are used to demonstrate what plants, animals, and fish need to stay alive. These two classic models are used to effectively convey what...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pendulums

For Teachers 7th - 12th
First-time physicists experiment with pendulums in this physics lesson plan. They vary the weight of the bob, record how long each takes to complete ten period swings, and then calculate the time for one period. They repeat the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Laws

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students identify Sir Isaac Newton and his contribution to physics. They write Newton's three Laws of classical mechanics. and apply Newton's Laws to the world around them. They isolate a situation and apply Newton's Laws.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geometry of Democracy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the architecture of New England by identifying geometric shapes.  In this architectural lesson, students examine photographs of classic building architecture and use a transparency to trace geometric shapes they...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Inventing Insects

For Teachers K
Students explore the world of insects and discover what it might be like to live like one. They create an insect with physical characteristics and demonstrate how it moves. Students also compare and contrast insects to spiders and how...
Lesson Plan
Michigan Sea Grant

Survival Game

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Musical chairs may be a classic game, but Ruffe Musical Chairs is a unique lesson on invasive species! Using the time-honored game, pupils role play the behaviors of the invasive fish called Eurasian ruffe. Learning about this aggressive...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ohm's Law

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore Ohm's Law. Following given instructions, students build a physical model of a conductor. They observe a relationship between the current, voltage and resistance in a conductor. After experiments, students explain the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Reviving Celery

For Teachers 4th
The classic in-class demonstration using celery dipped into water with food coloring is the highlight of this biology lesson plan. Young scientists discover that organisms are made up cells and have distinguishing characteristics. After...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Space" Investigations

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders understand the patterns of change observable on Earth as a result of the movement of the different bodies in the solar system. They identify the physical characteristics of the different components of the solar system.