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I'm Falling For You!

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders are introduced to the concept of gravity by observing different objects being dropped from a high point. In groups, they complete the same activities Galileo did and record their observations. To end the lesson, they...
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Moving Along With Simple Machines: Introduction

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students observe examples of gravity, friction, and force on the playground. They then experiment and participate in a variety of activities in centers back in the classroom.
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Weights of Objects

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students differentiate between the weights of an object on different planets. In this geometry lesson, students investigate different weights and graph their results as it relates to the different planets. They appreciate the design of...
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Hang Time

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students discuss how all objects fall at the same rate and vertical motion is independent of the horizontal motion. Students apply this information to center of mass activities before solving equations.
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Scrambled Eggs Anyone?

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students listen to Nursery Rhymes highlighting GRAVITY, pull ropes during a Rope Pull Activity and even drop eggs from a height during a Gravity Contest. This is a fantastic lesson which highly motivates Students!
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Saturn’s Moons

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students compare Saturn's moons to the Earth's moon.  For this moon lesson students work in groups and complete a lab activity then answer questions. 
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The Lost Newton's Laws Lesson

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore momentum. For this physics lesson, 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...
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The Shapes Balancing Act

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Young scholars comprehend the concept of balance, specifically the terms "base of support" and "center of gravity". They review the different basic shapes: triangle, circle, square, line, point, and rectangle. Students discuss how we...
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Pop Rocket - Trash to Treasure

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
First off, Newton's laws of motion aren't often taught at 2nd grade, so this instructional activity may be more appropriate for upper elementary learners. It begins with a discussion and demonstration of the laws of motion, and then has...
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Motion and Gravity

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders make parachutes to learn about gravity and the science process. In this gravity lesson, 3rd graders create parachutes and observe their flight in air. Students discuss wind and gravity for the activity.
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TE Activity: The Trouble with Topos

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students study the uses of topographical maps including the many forms that they take. They discover that the map features show its intended use such as city maps, wilderness maps, and state maps. They complete a worksheet in which they...
Lesson Plan
Voyage Solar System

Round and Round We Go — Exploring Orbits in the Solar System

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
Math and science come together in this cross-curricular astronomy lesson plan on planetary motion. Starting off with a hands-on activity that engages the class in exploring the geometry of circles and ellipses, this lesson...
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Star Systems

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study a star system and see how the planets move around stars.  In this star system lesson students complete an activity and see what an eclipse is.
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Rocking the Boat

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students work together to discover the concepts of stability and equilibrium. They examine how equilibrium is related to an item's center of mass. They create their own action scene in a literacy activity.
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Forces and Motion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to analyze gravity as an universal force. They are able to demonstrate ways that simple machines can change force. Students are able to determine how the force of friction retards motion. They are able to describe...
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Universal Gravitation

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students create a KWL chart about gravity. In this astronomy class, students investigate the nature of gravity. They discuss common misconceptions and address them.
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Roll On

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders, in groups, develop models to show how forces such as gravity, friction, equal, unequal forces and change in direction work on marbles.
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Lesson 4 Activity 1: Mapping the Third Dimension

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students work in pairs to construct a simple stereoscope.
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Projectile Motion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers observe projectile motion and calculate the speed of a baseball based on the time and distance traveled. They record the time, measure the distance, and draw the path of the ball's travel on a data table.
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The Weather Classroom - Atmosphere

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Meteorology learners explore the weight of air, layers of the atmosphere, and air pressure action through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on group activities. Enough discussion prompts, background information, student...
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Erosion

For Teachers K - 4th
Students study various types of erosion. The purpose of these activities is to increase students awareness to the point where they can make intelligent decisions on proper land use.
Worksheet
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NUMB3RS Activity: Implicit Orbits

For Students 10th - 11th
In this algebra learning exercise, students solve word problems using algebraic equations and implicit differentiation. There are 16 problems dealing implicit differentiation.
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Circular Motion

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research physical science by completing worksheets. In this gravity lesson, students read assigned text regarding the rotation of Earth and the gravitational force caused by the speed of which it rotates. Students complete a...
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Modeling the Solar System

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars build a scaled model of the solar system. In this space science lesson, students arrange them according to their distances from the sun. They analyze each planet's unique features such as density and relative gravity.