Unit Plan
Broward County Public Schools

Force and Motion

For Teachers 3rd - 8th Standards
Get the ball rolling with this upper-elementary science unit on forces and motion. Offering over three weeks of physical science lessons, this resource is a great way to engage the class in learning about simple machines, friction,...
Lesson Plan
Micron Technology Foundation

Forces of Motion: Rockets

For Teachers 5th - 9th Standards
Young scientists design a rocket to launch using Newton's Laws of Motion in order to discover for themselves the forces of motion. 
Activity
University of Saskatchewan

Using Conservation of Energy to Determine Average Impact Force

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Explore the center of gravity with your science class as they create a deadfall trap with common materials. They research the concepts of energy conservation and gravitational force before dividing into small groups to create a model of...
Activity
It's About Time

Defy Gravity

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Test the limits of gravity while encouraging full class participation with this thrilling lesson. Pupils investigate the meaning of work and how it is equivalent to energy. They explore the joule and apply it as a unit of work. They...
Organizer
Edmond Public Schools

8th Grade Science Resource Book: Unit 2 - Physics

For Students 8th Standards
Get things moving with this extensive collection of physical science resources. Covering the fundamentals of measurement, graphing, lab safety, and experimental design as well as the specific scientific concepts...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Friction

For Students 6th - 8th
Friction and gravity are always at odds! Learners complete a set of activities to explore the relationship between friction and gravity. Groups make conclusions about the factors that affect the amount and type of friction between surfaces.
Lesson Plan
Florida International University

Simulating Microgravity with Buoyancy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
How do astronauts know how to live and work in a weightless environment? It doesn't come naturally! Junior physicists conduct experiments to examine the link between buoyancy and microgravity. Each activity illustrates a different aspect...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Soda Straw Rockets

For Teachers K - 6th Standards
Three, two, one, blast off to a better understanding of force and motion with this exciting science lesson! Beginning with a discussion about rockets and gravity, young scientists go on to complete a series of worksheets about net...
Lesson Plan
University of Texas

Free-Body Diagram

For Teachers 11th - 12th Standards
Preparing for an AP test is about more than bubble sheets and memorization. The two activities in this resource require a direct application of skills learned throughout an AP Physics course.
Lesson Plan
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NASA

Christa's Lost Lesson: Newton’s Laws

For Teachers 6th - 8th
How do the laws of motion work in space? Learners explore Newton's laws of motion in different experiments as part of the Christa's Lost Lessons series. They rotate around the room in three stations to experience each law in action using...
Unit Plan
Purdue University

The Represented World: Recreational STEM

For Teachers 3rd Standards
How are forces and motion important to a swing set? Scholars explore the concepts of force and motion using swing sets. In preparation for their own STEM design project, individuals take surveys and data from peers, complete labs on...
Lesson Plan
Mascil Project

Parachute Food Drop

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Drop a perfect project into your lesson plans. Groups use different building materials to create models of parachutes for food drops. After testing out their prototypes, they make improvements to their designs.
Lesson Plan
LABScI

Harmonic Motion: Pendulum Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Several times throughout history, groups of soldiers marching in rhythm across a suspension bridge have caused it to collapse. Scholars experiment with pendulums, resonance, and force to determine why this would happen. First, pupils...
Activity
Curated OER

Mass vs. Weight

For Students 8th - 11th
Why do you weigh more in space? Each individual in your class explores this question and others as they determine the mass and weight of different objects using two types of scales. They perform conversions and discuss their...
Lesson Plan
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PHET

Planetary Magnetism

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
What do magnetic fields look like? The best way to learn about magnetic fields is to try identifying them for yourself. Scholars will understand the importance of magnetic fields after completing this experiment. The extension activities...
Lesson Plan
Oceanic Research Group

Heat Transfer and Cooling

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Astronauts train underwater to simulate the change in gravity. An out-of-this-world unit includes three hands-on activities, one teacher demonstration, and a discussion related to some of the challenges astronauts face. Scholars apply...
Activity
NASA

Make a Planetary Exploration Balloon

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
Balloons aren't just for parties! An inquiry-based lesson explores the idea of using balloons for space exploration. Learners become engineers as they attempt to control the ascent and descent of a helium balloon using different masses.
Activity
DiscoverE

Pipe Maze

For Teachers 3rd - 12th Standards
Here's a lesson that is simply a-MAZE-ing! Introduce science scholars to pipeline systems through a hands-on project. Partnered pupils participate in the design, construct, and test a PVC pipeline maze. Reusable materials and clear...