Lesson Plan
Physics Classroom

A Wiggle in Time Lab

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Though an alternative method is suggested, the best way to carry out this investigation is with the use of a computer-interfaced motion detector. Physics fanatics hang a mass on the end of a spring and analyze its motion verbally,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Speedy Spaghetti

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore the principles of motion by constructing a car out of pasta that will carry a large marshmallow and travel down a ramp. They discuss the formula for calculating speed, design and build their cars, and calculate...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Unit III: 3

For Teachers 8th - 11th
In this unit III: 3 worksheet, young scholars describe motion in words and graph drawings. Students calculate the instantaneous velocity and average velocity. Young scholars also graph the displacement of the object in the word problems.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Great Tin Race

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners construct and race tin can cars. In this motion lesson plan, groups build tin racers, complete timed runs, and record their data on the provided worksheet. The teacher leads a discussion comparing data between groups. Specific...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Do You Move Along the Earth?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students determine their own walking and running velocity. In this physics lesson plan, students calculate velocity using distance and time information. They compare human and animal speeds.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Going the Distance

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Young scholars experiment in small groups to answer the question, "Is there a relationship between ramps and speed?" They apply a formula to calculate the speed of the cars used in the experiment, complete the associate lab report, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Medieval Catapults

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students design and build a working catapult or trebuchet to explore the concepts of force, motion, and distance.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock-A-Bye Pendulum

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders analyze the effects of force on an object in motion and its relationship to a change in speed. This lesson uses a pendulum to demonstrate the principle.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Volcanoes are a Blast-Working with Simple Equations

For Students 9th - 12th
For this projectile motion worksheet, students solve 3 problems and an inquiry problem using three equations that describe projectile motion. One equation is for the maximum velocity to reach a height, H, the other is the maximum...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Position, Velocity & Acceleration vs. Time

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
In this motion worksheet, learners use a graph showing the velocity of an object over time to describe the motion of the object and to determine the position of the object at different intervals. Then students create speed vs. time and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Momentum

For Students 9th - 12th
In this momentum worksheet, students use the equation for momentum to describe an object's motion. This worksheet has 4 problems to solve.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Laws

For Teachers 9th - 12th
In this motion worksheet, young scholars read about the 3 laws of motion and then complete a graphic organizer describing the laws and giving an example for each one.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blast Off!

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the third law of motion. For this third law of motion lesson, 4th graders explore the forces necessary for a rocket to launch. Students compare and contrast propellant and fuel. Numerous resources are provided.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Newton: Force and Motion

For Students 9th - 12th
In this forces instructional activity, students use the equations for acceleration and Newton's second law to learn about different motions and forces. This instructional activity has 7 problems to solve.
PPT
Urbana School District

Physics Intro, Kinematics, Graphing

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed Standards
Some consider physics the branch of science concerned with using long and complicated formulas to describe how a ball rolls. This presentation, while long, is not complicated, yet it covers rolling, falling, and more. It compares vectors...
Website
American Museum of Natural History

Train of Thought

For Students 6th - 12th
Hop aboard the train of thought. A remote learning resource has learners consider thought experiments to consider scientific theories. It provides two examples, one on orbiting bodies and the other on the speed of light, for them to work...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Laws of Motion

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore centrifugal and centripetal force. In this motion instructional activity, students expand on their knowledge of motion to study velocity, acceleration, and friction. Students examine multiple objects to demonstrate the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Speed Trap

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conceptually explore motion graphing by producing motion at different speeds and directions. They experience the lab and then graph the motion of the truck at various speeds and directions. The procedures of velocity are...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Motion Through the Ages

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders conduct internet research to produce a timeline of man's growth in understanding of concepts of motion and planetary motion through history.
Organizer
Curated OER

How Can Motion Be Described?

For Students 2nd - 5th
In this motion worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer by describing the different ways an object can move: position, distance, direction, and speed.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Second Law of Motion

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders study Newton's second law of motion and verify it.  In this force and motion lesson students complete a lab activity and collect data, analyze it and graph it. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Straight Line Motion

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders compare/contrast and interpret data concerning different objects straight line motion. They observe several round or spherical objects of various materials and sizes. Students make predictions, observe and collect data...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Investigating Motion

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Learners determine velocity using the slope of a time distance graph. They investigate a motion cart using a CBR unit and a TI 83 calculator setup. Using the graph generated, they calculate velocity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Walking Home II

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students explore the relationship between distance and time. They analyze a situation involving distance traveled in a given period of time, represent the situation graphically and algebraically, and discuss the concept of slope as a...