Science Matters
Energy Transfer and Transformation
When you take a simple task and create an exceptionally difficult way to complete it, it is known as a Rube Goldberg machine. These machines are filled with many types of energy transfers and energy transformations. Here, pupils...
Virginia Department of Education
Energy and ATP
Take charge of your biology class by using this exciting analogy to relate the ATP process with batteries. Pupils use batteries and rubber bands to simulate the phosphate bonds between molecules in the body. They measure the distance in...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Energy in Motion
Fifth graders explore energy transfer. In this thermal energy lesson, 5th graders stretch rubber bands several times and estimate the band's temperature change. Students identify this action as an example of thermal energy. Students...
Curated OER
Energy Crossword
In this science worksheet, students solve the crossword puzzle using the context of energy to acquire a new understanding of vocabulary words.
Curated OER
Insulators, Conductors, and Energy Transfer
Third graders conduct experiments to determine what types of material make good insulators. They prepare a graph of time vs. temperature for their sample. They choose a graph using each kind of material to display for class analysis and...
Teach Engineering
Spool Racer Design and Competition
Wind it up and let it go. Individuals build a basic spool racer in the second portion of a six-part unit on energy. After receiving three criteria, pupils modify their designs to meet the new challenge. Pairs compete against each other...
Curated OER
Making a Battery and Energy Transformation
Seventh graders determine what makes a battery work. In this battery lesson, 7th graders brainstorm ideas about how they think batteries provide energy. They perform an experiment in which they work as a team to assemble a battery. They...
Science Friday
Make a Model Eardrum to Detect Sound Waves
Make sound waves visible with an experiment that asks middle schoolers to build a model ear drum using plastic bottles, rubber bands, plastic wrap, and sand-like substances.
Curated OER
Heat: Mini Unit
Students experiment with heat. In this physical science lesson, students engage in hands-on activities to develop concepts related to heat. Students offer explanations for their observations using given vocabulary.
Curated OER
Sounds Like Science- Jamboree
Learners explore sound, pitch, volume, frequency, and musical notes. In this homemade instrument lesson, students use materials such as jars, buckets, strings, rackets, rubber bands, and bottles to create their own unique instrument....
Curated OER
Sounds Like Science - Jamboree
Students create a delightful-sounding ensemble. They explore the subjective distinctions between noise and music. They use jars, buckets, boxes, strings, rackets, frames, string, rubber bands and bottles to make their own jamboree.
Curated OER
Vibrations
Sixth graders use rubber bands, textbooks, pencils, rulers and yo-yos to experiment with the concept of vibrations. They observe changes in pitch according to the speed of vibrations and record their observations in a journal.
Curated OER
Elementary Concepts in Heat
Third graders read a thermometer with accuracy, record observations and data, and infer conceptual meaning. They integrate mathematical charting and graphing skills to organize their data. They explore what happens when they touch or use...
Cornell University
Sound Waves
How does sound travel through different mediums? Scholars explore this question by creating and observing sound waves as they learn the difference between transverse and longitudinal wave motion. Using their new knowledge, class members...
University of Colorado
Can Photosynthesis Occur at Saturn?
In the 19th activity of 22, learners determine if distance from a light source affects photosynthesis. Participants capture oxygen in straws and find that the amount of water the gas displaces is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis.
Curated OER
Sound Observations
Students explore sound waves by conducting an experiment in class. In this sound frequency lesson, students utilize a tuning fork in class and identify which objects in class create different sound pitches on the fork. Students conduct...
Curated OER
Kinetic Theory
Students describe how molecules of the different phases of matter move according to the Kinetic Theory. In this chemistry lesson plan, students observe and participate in teacher demos. They give real world applications of the kinetic...
Curated OER
How Does Sound Travel As Waves?
Seventh graders participate in a number of activities designed to increase their understanding of how sound is generated and how it travels.
Curated OER
Fling It
Middle schoolers investigate the best design using technology. In this science instructional activity, students construct a freestanding object with specific materials to be able to shoot a ping pong ball and a...
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Jam Jam Jam With a Rubber Band Band
In this very detailed lesson plan, students explore and create a stringed instrument that demonstrates their understanding of sound waves and how energy is transferred. Multiple videos are included showing this instructional activity in...
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Burn Rubber
Try this at-home science experiment to learn what happens when you repeatedly stretch a rubber band.