Curated OER
Momentum
Students explore the concept of "transfer of momentum". In this physics lesson plan, students observe the results of two objects or people as they make contact in different ways. Students on roller blades and model cars of different...
Curated OER
Mechanical Monsters
Students experiment try to build a Lego car. In this physical science lesson students present and demonstrate the vehicle that they constructed.
Curated OER
Earthquake Activity
Students design and build a vehicle using Lego. In this earth science lesson, students analyze the factors they need to consider when building their vehicles. They present their finished project in class.
Curated OER
A Tall Ship and a Star to Steer Her By
Students create a water transportation device powered by wind. In this wind power lesson, students research transportation concepts after reading the poem "Sea Fever" by John Masefield. Students design the fastest sailboat they can...
Curated OER
Junkyard Wars: Mechanical Monsters
Students examine slope and build a Lego car that can take a steep slope. In this mechanics lesson students build a car and demonstrate them in class and describe what they did.
Curated OER
Introduction to Robotics
Students explore robots as it relates to artificial intelligence and mechanics. In this introduction to robotics lesson, students examine the technology related to design, research the concept of fabrication theory and the application of...
Curated OER
Carbon: Structure Matters
Young scholars read the Who We Are Section on Calfee Designs Webpage and discuss carbon usage. They work in pairs to look up the minerals diamond and graphite then create a chart on the properties of each mineral then compare how they...
Curated OER
An Automobile Phylogenetic Tree
Students study a list of cars and trucks and think about characteristics that can be used to show an "evolutionary relationship". From the characteristics they identity, students construct a phylogenetic tree to show how the automotive...
Curated OER
Catapults!
Young scholars work together to discover the relationship between the angle of catapults and the flight of different objects. They discover the heavier the object the more force is needed. They examine how engineers use this...
Curated OER
Help! Someone Has Destroyed My Home!
Fifth graders use a mystery bag to discover ways in which humans endanger the life of animals by changing their habitat. In this animal habitat lesson, 5th graders work with a partner to design a solution to the problem of habitat...
Curated OER
Concentration and Reaction Rates
Learners investigate how varying the concentrations, volumes, and other factors affects reaction rates. Students design and conduct investigations to obtain data used to create graphs of an uncatalyzed reaction vs. a catalyzed reaction....
Curated OER
Where in the World is Carbon Dixoide?
Students conduct experiments designed to detect the presence of CO2 by using a BTB that changes color (blue to yellow) in the presence of CO2. First, students experiment with the CO2 from combining vinegar and baking soda. In part two,...
Curated OER
Robot Earth
Students construct a simple robotic energy transformer. In this space science lesson, students explain how energy is transformed from one form to another. They identify the different uses of robotic devices.
Curated OER
The Designed World
Students study the classification system used in a library. In this sorting and classification lesson, students visit their library and define the classification system in place. Students discuss the sorting method and then come up with...
Curated OER
Engineering: Lego Cars and Light Sensors
Students build Lego cars with attached light sensors. They program the car to enter a tunnel and reverse out when it records a darker light reading.
Curated OER
Everything Has Parts
Students investigate and explore common objects to discover and identify their parts. They also are encouraged to discuss the need for specific parts and what happens when a part is missing from the whole.
Curated OER
Want to Drag?!
Students use the Metric system and engineering software to design a scale model car. In this scale model car making lesson, students design a scale model car using computer software, the Metric system, and properties of aerodynamics....
Teach Engineering
Sliders (for High School)
Slip sliding away. Groups investigates the two types of friction by running an experiment that allows them to calculate the coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of kinetic friction. The experiment uses a box, a...
Colombia University NSEC
Lesson #3 ~ Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Here is a six-page script for your biology, chemistry, or physics class to read out loud as a way of investigating nanoscience. This particular lesson plan is actually a continuation of "Lesson #2 - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,"...
University of Colorado
Distance = Rate x Time
Every year, the moon moves 3.8 cm farther from Earth. In the 11th part of 22, classes use the distance formula. They determine the distance to the moon based upon given data and then graph Galileo spacecraft data to determine its movement.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Making a Liquid Crystal Thermometer
Introduce your classes to a fourth state of matter! Liquid crystals have a colorful sheen that changes based on different physical factors. Learners use this information to create a liquid crystal thermometer where the color of the...
Curated OER
Unit VIII: Worksheet 2 - Centripetal Force
Circular motion can make you loopy! On this physics learning exercise, learners practice solving problems regarding centripetal force, rotational period, speed, acceleration, and more. A flying aerobat and a couple of amusement park...
Teach Engineering
Bouncing Balls
How high will it bounce? Groups determine the height different balls bounce off of different surfaces. By performing the necessary calculations, they determine the initial and final momentum of the balls. The included worksheet provides...
Curated OER
I Don't Believe My Eyes!
Students develop their understanding of the effects of invisible air pollutants. In this invisible air lesson, students complete experiments with a rubber band air test, a bean plant experiment and by exploring engineering roles related...