Eighth graders build and run mousetrap cars in order to measure distance, time, and mass for their cars. They use these measurements to calculate average speed and kinetic energy, then create a slide show to visually explain how the car...

In this Newton's 3 laws of motion worksheet, students view examples of each law and draw 1 example of each law on their own. Students draw 3 pictures.

Beginning physicists imagine being aerospace engineers by solving seven centripetal force problems. They calculate the work, speed, time, and acceleration of objects in orbit: a satellite around Earth, and Earth around the sun. This is a...

Force equals mass times acceleration. Physics whizzes apply this formula to six different diagrams, solving eight acceleration problems in all. This is a practical assignment, perfect for homework when practicing Newton's second law of...

Students apply their knowledge of friction, drag, mass and gravity as they design, build, and test mini-bobsleds.

Middle schoolers perform an experiment where a string is tied across the room. A straw is threaded onto the string, and a balloon attached to the straw. Students determine the speed of the balloon as it moves across the string. They...

For this Newton's second law worksheet, high schoolers read about force, mass and acceleration and how they relate. They solve eighteen problems using Newton's second law.

Cliff diving is more than an adrenaline rush ... it's a lesson in physics! Scholars adjust the height of a cliff and plot the resulting velocity and position over time on graphs. They also can incorporate air resistance to monitor the...

A mouse can fall from large heights without injury! Air resistance is a large influence on small falling objects. In an exploratory lesson, young scholars build a raindrop bottle to compare the falling rate of different-sized objects.

Three memorable activities build on each other to give physics masters a firm grasp of Newton's Second Law. Pupils play with a lab cart on a flat surface and on an incline to confirm that force is equal to mass times acceleration. In the...

Give every type of learner in your physics class an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year. From analyzing tables and graphs, to evaluating diagrams and solving problems, there is an outstanding variety of...

Twelve pages of mostly multiple-choice questions comprise this comprehensive New York Regents physics exam. It covers an entire year's worth of physics curriculum and requires about three hours for completion. Review the questions to...

High schoolers examine how physics help high jumpers break records. They discuss the phases of the high jump, gravity, and center of gravity, and conduct an experiment to determine whether they can improve the height of their jump.

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...

Students explore momentum. In this physics lesson plan, students perform an experiment in which two balls are released on slanted boards while students observe which ball will go the farthest and the fastest. Students define and explain...

Students explore gravitational force. Through experimentation, students observe the acceleration of objects when they fall. They examine air resistance, and how the human body is attracted to the earth. Students discover the...

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.

In this force and acceleration worksheet, students solve 3 problems about moving objects, the forces working against them, the mass and their acceleration. Students determine if 6 statements about a falling elephant and a falling feather...

Students discuss force, gravity, and friction as well as examples of each based on what they viewed during a Discovery video. They examine first hand the effect of forces by building their own luge track, making predictions, and testing...

In this word search activity, students explore words relating to Newton's Laws of Motion. Students find thirteen words relating to Newton's laws of motion.

In this space shuttle launch learning exercise, students are given 2 equations used to determine the space shuttle's trajectory in the first 5 minutes of a launch. Students use these equations to solve 3 problems including finding the...

In this energy changes activity, students solve 5 problems using the formulas for potential and kinetic energy related to baseball energy, coasting rocket energy and the energy of falling stones.

Seven problems regarding gravitational pull are presented in this physics drill. Pupils solve for displacement, time, speed, and acceleration. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are both required to complete the assignment. 

In a force diagram, a stick figure man in an elevator takes a ride. Physics analysts work out the force exerted on him by the elevator floor. As the acceleration changes, they draw new force diagrams and compute new force values. This...