Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Centripetal Force

For Teachers 4th - 6th
In order to investigate cetntripetal force and angular momentum, youngsters compare the motion of erasers hung from a string. It is not clear what type of Amish toy is needed in the warm up activity, so you may not be able to use it. The...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measures of Circular Motion

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Physicists become Olympians in a competition using centripetal force. They ride a bicycle to comprehend relationships between linear and rotational motion. If you have an old-fashioned record player, it can be used to help pupils...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Playing With Science

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scientists investigate the scientific concepts and principles that help make common toys such as hula hoops, yo-yos, slinkies, and silly putty work. As a class, they read "Backyard Rocket Science, Served Wet" to get a look behind...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Circling Around the CEENBoT Way!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the forces present in a rotating body. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate centripetal force using a mathematical equation. They answer a quiz and writing prompt at the end of the instructional...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Circular Motion

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore circular motion.  In this centripetal force lesson students complete a lab activity while in groups. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spin, Spin, Spin That Body!: Figure Skating, Physics, Science, Winter Sports, Olympics

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students learn the scientific principles of centripetal force through research and experimentation.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Phat Shredders and Phony Phorces: Snowboarding, Winter Sports, Olympics, Sport Safety, Science, Physics

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Pupils study about the history, physical science, and safety issues involved in snowboarding.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weight No More

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students relate the concept of gravity to math. In this algebra lesson, students define scientific terminology relative to gravity, weight and centripetal force. They measure the different dimensions of a cylinder as they discuss...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Action-Reaction! Rocket

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students construct a rocket from a balloon propelled along a guide string. They use this model to learn about Newton's three laws of motion, examining the effect of different forces on the motion of the rocket. They measure the distance...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Commotion About Motion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders are introduced to different types of motion. They make rolling spider toys and race them on different surfaces to invsetigate forces and motion. Pupils make glue "spider webs" for their spiders after testing different...
Lesson Plan
University of California

Marble Rollercoasters

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Don't let your classes coast through school! Engage them in their learning as they build their own roller coasters to study potential and kinetic energy. Young scholars complete several challenges that require them to consider the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A New "Spin" on Nuclear Energy

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explain how the spin cycle of a washing machine operates. They explore other applications of the centrifuge by reading and discussing the article "Slender and Elegant, It Fuels the Bomb."
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Classical & Relativistic Trip to a Black Hole

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers calculate distance, velocity, acceleration and time on their fantasy trip to the black hold. They apply Newton's Laws of Motion and calculate circular motion. They discuss any questions that may arise.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of Swinging

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Learners learn how a pendulum works in the concept of an amusement park ride. In this pendulum lesson, students are introduced to Newton's first law of motion and how it works in an amusement park ride. Continuous motion and inertia are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Circular Motion: Target Practice

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students demonstrate direction of velocity of an object in circular motion. They discuss the mathematical formula, and demonstrate the formula using a string, rubber stopper and a target.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Centripetal Force Activity

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this physics activity, young scholars will simulate a race car on a circular track. Velocity, acceleration, and force vectors will be analyzed at various places along the track. As the students progress in the activity, prompts for...
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Centripetal Acceleration Lab

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lab students will explore multiple variables of centripetal acceleration. Students collect data on distance from the center of rotation and angular speed, in order to determine the Centripetal Acceleration. Student also research...
Lesson Plan
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Centripetal Acceleration

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this activity, students observe the centripetal acceleration of an object in uniform circular motion. Relate the changes in velocity and radius to the centripetal acceleration.