Students investigate the effects of weights on the motion of a toy car. In this force and acceleration lesson plan, students use different weights, a toy car, a paper clip and string to determine how a car will move as different weights...

Students build simple mobiles. In this equilibrium lesson, students investigate the functions of three types of levers as they analyze artwork by Alexander Calder. Students then create their own simplified mobiles.

Swimmers know to float by turning their bodies horizontally rather than vertically, but why does that make a difference? In an interesting lesson, scholars explore buoyancy and the properties of air and water. They test cups to see which...

Force acts on objects in mysterious ways ... until now! A comprehensive presentation explains the balance of forces acting on objects. Learners draw free body diagrams to show these invisible forces and make force calculations.

Magnets don't grow in fields, but magnetic fields are important to understand. The lesson covers the effect electricity has on magnetic fields. Scholars use a compass, magnets, and electrical wire to test magnetic fields and energy...

Students draw and sculpt animals in motion. In this artistic drawing lesson, students are introduced to art depicting arrested motion, then observe and sketch animals in motion and use the drawing as they create a balanced sculpture.

Students conduct an experiment to show that air is all around us and that wind is the movement of air. They construct a weather vane to determine which direction the wind is blowing.

Young scholars examine the relationships between force, mass and balance through the lens of clay sculpture. They discuss the definitions and concepts behind Newton's Third Law of motion then individually apply these principles to the...

Students practice increasing their movement and dance vocabulary through axial motion and locomotor step skill-building. They work with a partner and create and perform short sequences utilizing the vocabulary their practicing. Each...

Students create an Alka-Seltzer cannon in this lesson plan. They explore the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces, and how unbalanced forces can cause motion. They then examine how a cannon works and create their own.

Students move through five stations demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this Newtonian physics activity, students watch as the instructor uses a firecracker to demonstrate action and reaction. The students travel to five...

Groups simulate an orbit using a piece of string and a water balloon. Individuals spin in a circular path and calculate the balloon's velocity when the clothes pin can no longer hold onto the balloon.

Young engineers consider how to apply accelerometers and sensors to help prevent falls in elderly people. They consider forces of motion and gravity as part of the engineering design process.

Students weigh objects using a triple beam balance. In this mass lesson, students use an inertial balance made with a metal rod to measure and graph vibrations of varying numbers of pennies in a bucket. References and discussion prompts...

High schoolers explore the basic underlying concepts of Newton's first law of motion. They discuss forces and brainstorm different examples of force and what they act on. Students examine force by observing springs and gravity. They...

What do Newton's Laws have to do with getting from Earth to Mars?The activities in this resource show how Newton's Laws work with rockets to get them into space. Background information includes facts about orbits and how orbits...

Geology beginners examine three different rock samples and determine their origin by their characteristics. By making and recording observations, they become familiar with features of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock types....

Footbag, also known as hacky sack, is a fun activity for many age levels. It can be played outdoors, in a park, or in a parking lot; just a little space is needed. But it takes some skill to keep the footbag moving. Lesson 1 (out of five...

Digging in volleyball refers to passing a hard hit, as in a spiked, ball. Since the ball is intended to be hit hard at the floor, positioning is important when attempting to dig it. The player needs to be low to the ground to dig a ball...

Learn how to perform the inside kick in footbag (aka hacky sack). There are some basic skills to learn and this is one of them. Seems easy enough to learn, but takes a bit of practice to really do it well. So grab that footbag and start...

Agile athletes can master the game of Footbag, or Hacky Sack. It's a quick game of reflexes and flexibility. Balance is of utmost importance when performing the skills. Lesson 3 teaches them how to perform the outside kick. Note:...

Footbag (hacky sack) lesson two of five is about learning how to do toe picks. Learn toe picks, practice toe picks, and then practice some more. Footbag is not as easy as some might think. Foot-eye coordination must be developed. But...

In this acceleration worksheet, students experiment with varying amounts of mass to observe the effects on the force needed to move an object. Students apply Newton's Second Law of Motion to describe the relationship between mass and...

Fourth graders explore Newton's First Law of Motion. They conduct an experiment to observe what happens to a ball that is placed carefully on slippery ice. They also observe what happens to a dowel on the ice, then draw and label...