Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Swingers

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Young scholars investigate the motion of a swinging pendulum. They experiment with a pendulum to find out why it might swing at different speeds at different times.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pendulum Clocks

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars use string, wire, weights, and a stopwatch to build pendulum clocks. In this pendulum clocks lesson plan, students use the pendulum clocks to investigate weather, climate, force, and motion.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Swinging Pendulum

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students observe a pendulum and graph their observation. In this algebra lesson, students use the TI calcualtor to graph the motion the pendulum makes. They analyze the graph and make predictions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rock-A-Bye Pendulum

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders use the scientific process to explore the effects of force on an object in motion. They demonstrate that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater the change in speed or direction of the object. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Magnets

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore magnetism by observing a series of 8 magnet "tricks" performed by the instructor. In this magnets lesson, students predict which items will be attracted to a magnet and experiment to see if they predicted correctly. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Science of Changing Seasons

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Young scholars explore basic principles of seasonal change, ponder the mechanisms that drive these changes, and perform experiments that show what causes the earth to heat differently during different seasons.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Swinging on a String

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore how pendulums work and why they are useful in everyday applications. In a hands-on activity, they experiment with string length, pendulum weight and angle of release.
Lesson Plan
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Pendulum Motion Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students experiment with simple pendulums to determine the validity of an equation for all angles. Students discover the usefulnes and limitations of approximations in science. Using spreadhseets and a java applet, students observe the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Those Vexing Variables

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students recognize dependent and independent variables in an experiment by practicing manipulation of variables; students practice designing experiments that contain the two types of variables.
PPT
Curated OER

Waves

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Although this was written to accompany a specific textbook, the information can illustrate wave motion for any advanced level physics course. The slides are simple, use plain but colorful fonts, and include diagrams and pictures to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.
Lesson Plan
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Frequency vs. Size

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and interpret sound as a vibration and what period and frequency are. They also divide the various types of objects so that all objects are explored and the procedures are determined by the students. Finally, students...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tales of Edgar Allen Poe

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Analyze the writing of Edgar Allen Poe by reading and then writing in a similar style. Budding authors learn about the life of Poe and read one or more of his famous works online. Partner groups create an original piece of writing using...
Worksheet
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2
K12 Reader

Galileo and His Telescope

For Students 6th - 7th Standards
Readers are asked to identify how a key detail reveals the main idea of a paragraph about Galileo.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rotational Inertia

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students spin themselves to understand rotational inertia. In this Inertia lesson, students will also use ramps, balance beam and pendelum to conduct rotational inertia experiments. Students draw conclusions to explain rotational...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Harmonic Motion

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the theory of simple harmonic motion (SHM) by performing hands-on, practical application experiments. In this harmonic motion instructional activity, students use strings of various lengths and bobs of different weights...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

iChat AV and iSight Camera

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students interact with science and math classes around the world by doing the same experiment and communicating their results. They use iChat AV and an iSight camera to share relevant information about their area, decide on the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Motion of a Bouncing Ball

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders complete a unit of lessons on derivatives as they are applied to motion. They observe and discuss demonstrations, conduct an experiment involving a motion sensor, graph and analyze the results, and summarize their findings.
Lesson Plan
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Kinetic Vs. Potential Energy

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders listen to a teacher lecture and observe a demonstration of both potential energy and stored energy. After discussing the characteristics and examples of different types of energy, 8th graders make predictions and then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wave Motion

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students observe and identify various waves. In this wave motion lesson, student use a Slinky, noise, people, and musical instruments to create waves and observe how each type of wave moves.
Lesson Plan
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Mass vs. Weight

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students make generalizations about weight and mass by engaging in two hands-on experiments. In this weight and mass lesson, students weigh both an empty beaker and beakers with various amounts of weight inside of them in order to find...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Harmonic Motion

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars study harmonic motion and its oscillation.  In this simple harmonic motion instructional activity students demonstrate a series of regular oscillations and explain the theory behind the experiment. 
Lesson Plan
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Map Field of Current

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners determine that moving charges create a magnetic field. They discover that the speed and direction of motion, the amount of charge, and the deflection angle observed are closely linked. A voltmeter, pendulum, and a constructed...
Worksheet
K12 Reader

Galileo and His Telescope

For Students 2nd - 3rd Standards
Learn about Galileo Galilei's contribution to modern science with a reading passage that focuses on reading comprehension. After kids read several paragraphs about his life, they answer five questions about the information they have just...