Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Newton's Apple

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Scientists state that the higher something is above the earth, the greater the gravitational potential energy. Does this mean there is more gravity acting on the moon than on an apple falling from a tree? Scholars adjust the distance...
Interactive
PHET

Gravity And Orbits

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Have you ever wanted to turn off gravity? This simulation allows learners to do just that in addition to altering other variables. Scholars can move the sun, Earth, moon, and space station to see how distance affects gravitational pull....
Interactive
PHET

Gravity Force Lab

For Students 6th - 12th Standards
Does size or mass impact gravitational pull? Scholars experiment with force pairs to answer that question. They can change the size, mass, and distance between the objects using an engaging simulatoin. This allows pupils to visualize the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gravity Launch

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students examine how gravity affects launching rockets into space. In this physical science lesson plan, students review the concept of gravity and use an interactive online site, "Gravity Launch," to simulate a rocket launch.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Elements of Physics: Motion, Force and Gravity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about different human space explorations conducted by NASA. In this physical science lesson, students discuss why space exploration is important. They write a paper about their thoughts on continuing NASA's space...
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
Curated OER

Planet Impact!

For Teachers 5th - 9th
An amazing information-packed lesson plan allows your space scientists to crash a virtual comet into Jupiter and learn how the angle, distance, speed, and mass influence the outcome. Click on "Back to the Lesson" to access the...
Lesson Plan
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Curated OER

Exploring the Water Cycle

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
The water cycle is one of earth's most easily observable processes, but demonstrating each step within classroom walls can be a challenge. Through a series of videos and quick demonstrations, cover each aspect of the hydrologic cycle in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gravity - The Glue of the Universe

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Students explore physics by conducting a class experiment. In this gravitational force lesson, students define several scientific terms associated with force. Students utilize a styrofoam cup and marbles to simulate a satellite crashing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Black Hole Lesson

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders experiment with detection techniques for black holes by modeling the rotation of galaxies with larger and larger masses in the center. They discover while some events cannot be directly observed they may be observable in...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gravitational Acceleration

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the interdependence of mass and gravitational acceleration using computer simulation. In this physics lesson, students derive the formula for acceleration due to gravity. They calculate air resistance on falling...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Principles Of Flight: Wings That Spin

For Teachers K - 1st
Young scholars discover how flight is possible.  In this physics lesson, students investigate the properties of a blimp and gyro-copter, comparing rotating wings and fixed wings of aircraft.  Young scholars create their own...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Meteorite Mysteries: Building Blocks of Planets

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students simulate the formation of chondrites and asteroids. In this astronomy lesson, students demonstrate accretion using balloons and static electricity. They compare and contrast their models to the actual process of chondrites and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Go To The Head of the Cloud

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Pupils pretend they are water droplets traveling through the water cycle. Using their text, they discover the steps in the cycle and the different paths water can take. They write a report about their journey through the water cycle and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parachutes

For Teachers K - 8th
Students control the parachutes using arm movements. They follow directions while participating in games. Students explore the effects of wind on several objects. They study the effects of shape, size and weight on a parachute.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Erosion in Different Soils

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders observe and identify the effects of weathering and geological activities. They take part in an excellent hands-on group activity called "Erosion Race," in which each group tries to simulate erosion of soil in the quickest...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Model Rockets

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students build a model rocket. In this model rocket lesson, students explore a rocket launch cycle. Students investigate the laws of physics for each part of the launch. Students build model rockets and launch at school.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Why is There a Tidal Bulge Opposite the Moon?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students simulate how the Moon causes ocean tides. In this earth science lesson, students calculate gravitational acceleration using a mathematical formula. They compare the force of attraction between the Earth, Moon and Sun system.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Origami Flight: The Physical Setting

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate the forces that move certain objects.  For this physics lesson, 6th graders design and create paper flying objects using origami methods, which they practice flying in different conditions.  Students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Primate Characteristics and Exaptation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars compare the features of gorilla to humans. In this biology lesson, students simulate adaptation using materials found in the classroom. They explain what exaptation means.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Nutrients Public Transportation System

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students investigate the human circulatory system by experimenting with hoses.  In this human body lesson, students create a system of hoses simulating the circulatory system which they utilize to pass objects through....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Recycled Racers

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research automobile operating systems in relation to racing. They design and construct vehicles from recycled material which they race to study the concept of propulsion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Falling Motion

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
Students design and conduct an experiment on Galileo's Rule of Falling Bodies. In this physics lesson, students collect and analyze data. They create a presentation and share it with the class.