NASA
What's the Frequency, Roy G. Biv?
While all light travels at the same speed, each color in the visible light spectrum contains a different wavelength and frequency. Scholars determine the relationship between frequency and wavelength as they complete the activity. They...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function of...
Curated OER
Light and Geometric Optics
It's time to see the light with a unit that focuses on light and geometric optics, including concave and convex mirrors. A variety of experiments, worksheets, and online activities are included.
Curated OER
Which Wrap Is Wrapped Right?
Students investigate the integrity and strength of different types of food wraps. They test the wraps and create a graphic organizer for the data. Once it is organized then a lab report can be written. The lesson contains background...
Curated OER
Communication Methods
Students explore communications by participating in a science class activity. In this communication technology lesson plan, students discuss the process of morse code, its history, and the electromagnets used to create the device....
Curated OER
Worksheet 4-1 Atomic Spectra
In this atomic spectra worksheet, students answer eighteen questions about wavelengths of light, the emission spectrum, energy of photons, the frequency of electromagnetic radiation and electrons in the excited state.
Curated OER
Galaxies
Tenth graders explore the structure and content of galaxies. Through discussion, lab, and hands-on activities, they discover the general structure of the three types of galaxies as well as the effect they have on the structure and...
Curated OER
Reed Switch
Students build simple electromagnetic reed switch motors. In this physics activity, students explain how it works. They cite real world applications of reed switches and relays.
Curated OER
Using "Student Power" to Generate Electricity to Run a Portable Compact Disc Player
Young scholars explain the relationship between magnetism and electricity. In this physics lesson, students describe the transformation of energy. They create an electromagnet and investigate the factors affecting its strength.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Powers of Ten with the Blue Morpho Butterfly
Explore the powers of ten while examining a Blue Morpho butterfly wing. Learners discover there is a lot more than meets the eye when one looks close enough.
Virginia Department of Education
Atomic Structure: Elements
It's all relevant, really. Individuals use the scientific method to learn more about elements, atoms, and their placement on the periodic table. They conduct experiments using materials common in nature to explore how elements affect our...
Curated OER
Investigation of Hooke's Law Lab
Young scholars determine the spring constant by conducting an investigation. In this physics lesson, students collect data and create a graph of force vs. displacement. They compare the results of two different methods to find spring...
Curated OER
Ballistic Pendulum Lab
Young scholars determine the muzzle velocity of projectile launcher. For this physics lesson, students compare the pendulum method and kinematic method in calculating the initial velocity. They analyze data and discuss results in class.
Curated OER
Potato Launcher Energy Lab
Students investigate conservation laws using a potato launcher. In this physics lesson, students measure angles, time and distance of the potato. They discuss applications of experiments like this.
Curated OER
Beams Word Search
In this word search worksheet, students search for 32 hidden words found vertically, horizontally, backwards or diagonally. Words are words encountered during visits to "The Jefferson Labs."
Curated OER
Properties and Behavior of Waves
Students explore the different properties of waves. In this physics lesson, students differentiate mechanical and electromagnetic waves. They explore each lab station and write their observation about the wave behavior they see.
California Institute of Technology
Physics of Light
Gummy bears are tasty, but did you know they are also used to determine color and light properties? Use the activity as a way to demonstrate light absorption, light reflection, and refraction with high schooler. Pupils conduct small...
Cornell University
Optical Simulation of a Transmission Electron Microscope
Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on lesson asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the function of each...
Curated OER
Energy and Energy Conversion
Third graders investigate different energy conversions through hands-on activities. In this energy lesson, 3rd graders move through four stations and conduct experiments illustrating energy conversions. Wave energy, chemical energy,...
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics instructional activity, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
Curated OER
Luminous Efficacy (Efficiency)
Students examine the basics of luminous efficacy and why it is used. In this light source lesson students test energy efficiency and the luminous efficiency for babies.
Curated OER
Permeability (Magnetism)
Students investigate magnetic permeability and saturation. In this physics lesson, students explain how current carrying wire coils create magnetic forces. They interpret normal magnetization curves.
Curated OER
Science Lesson: Home-made Generator
High schoolers are able to design and conduct an experiment related to electrical generation. They are able to list the factors that affect the amount of current that can be generated by a simple generator, such as the number of turns...
Curated OER
Motion Experiment
Students experiment with the laws of motion. In this motion lesson, students explore Newton's Laws of Motion. Students work in groups experimenting with different objects and observing different types of motion.