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Buoyant Force

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate the scientific concept of why some objects float when put in a liquid solution. They apply the laws of motion and force while conducting classroom activities. Students also take notes and answer target questions to...
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Good Vibrations: Building a Wave Model

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Young scholars assess and apply recurring patterns in natural systems. They evaluate the wave properties of frequency, wavelength, and speed as applied to sound. Students develop a relationship to quantify aspects of wave motion. They...
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Meteor Monitor

For Teachers 11th
Student's measure sporadic meteor activity.  In this physics and astronomy lesson, 11th graders construct a dipole antennae, and build, test and wire a full wave diode rectifier between the dipole antenna and the laptop. 
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Rube Goldberg Project

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students apply inquiry and problem solving approaches in science. They design a device (invention) that solves a special problem.
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Impulse/Momentum Lab

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students investigate the relationship between force and momentum using motion detectors and sensors. In this physics lesson, students graph experimental results. They calculate impulse using the area under the graph.
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Newton's Laws of Motion

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students investigate the effect of thin films to surface friction. In this physics lesson, students calculate the coefficient of friction using mathematical formulas. They discuss its importance in their everyday lives.
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Electric Field Mapping in 3D

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students create a 3D vector field map of an electric field. In this physics lesson, students measure the voltage inside an aquarium with water. They present their findings and map to class..
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Newton's Three Laws of Motion Lesson Plan

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students explore Newton's three laws of motion using a variety of activities. In this physics lesson, students calculate the average speed of a vehicle they constructed using distance and time information. They identify and draw the...
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Eggs On My Head

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students apply math skills using formulas to solve a Physics equation. Working individually, students create an equation to calculate the drop rate of an egg from a tower so it will hit a specified target, the teacher. Students test...
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One Two three Isaac Newton and Me

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study Newton's Laws and apply these concepts to travel in space.  In this space lesson students complete several lab activities. 
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Model Storage Facility

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students design a storage facility that can withstand extreme wind loads. In this physics lesson, students decide how to build their facility considering budget constraints. They evaluate their design and present it to class.
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Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, after reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you demonstrate an understanding of the text by applying it to questions involving the theories of how a wing produces lift.
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How Does Altitude Relate To Density?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students demonstrate an understanding of the properties of matter by applying them to density, pressure, and temperature. The educational software program, "Foilsim" is used in this inquiry.
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Structure of Earth

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders study and make a model of the significant formations of the ocean floor. They examine images and illustration and apply their imagination while creating the model. They are challenged to complete further research as an...
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Poster Assignment: Sports Chemistry

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders distinguish between chemical and physical properties and changes in matter when given specific examples. They view a video of sports activities. Students chose their favorite sport and design an experiment to improve sports...
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Car Wash

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students determine the most appropriate site for a car wash, based on each site's soil characteristics (chemical, physical) and topographic features. They perform an experiment to determine the changes to three different soil types when...
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High Jump

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils 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.
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Natural Indicators: How Do They Work?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Pupils describe characteristics and common uses of acids and bases. They describe the role of natural indicators in the chemistry of acids and bases after testing and making observations on a variety of plant extracts. Students observe...
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Sports and Exercise Activity

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders practice utilizing motor skills by participating in different sports activities.  In this physical education lesson, 8th graders participate in racquetball, shuttle cock, and baseball style activities in order to...
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Biodiesel Combustion and Its Influences in NOx Emissions

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders evaluate the physical mechanisms that cause a change in NOx emissions. In this combustion lesson, 10th graders participate in a research project. Students create a presentation of their findings. 
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Oh Panther

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students play a game that replicates the balance of prey and predators in an ecosystem. In this physical education lesson, students follow the instructions to play "Oh Panther!" Students collect data regarding the game and discuss the...
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Up, Up, and Away

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers investigate the laws of physics that govern the flight of helicopters and airplanes. They build and launch a model rotor, simulating rotors used on helicopters to provide lift.
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Paths of Electrical Currents

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine the paths that electrical currents travel. They create a current of electricity using flashlights, bulbs, batteries, wires and tape. They determine how to create a closed circuit that will light the bulb. They...
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Emotional Speed with Balls and Ramps

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate the relationship between mass and speed. In this physics lesson plan, 5th graders experiment with motion by being given a ramp, two balls, and blocks or books for elevation. Students determine how different...