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Newton's Third Law

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Learners use inquiry and observation to explore Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is a reaction. In this physics lesson, students rotate through six stations set up with materials and picture directions illustrating an...
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2D Kinematics w/ String Racers

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students calculate the speed of string racers. In this physics lesson, students measure the time in several trials and get the average. They graph their results using a spreadsheet.
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Marvelous Magnets

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students identify and classify magnetic and nonmagnetic materials and metals. After determining which materials and metals are magnetic, students create a data table and classify items by two different criteria. Students e-mail various...
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VECTORS

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore vectors.  In this vectors lesson students complete a lab activity. 
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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.
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The Pork With Torque

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Pupils determine the torque of CEENBoTs wheel hub. In this physics lesson, students reinforce their learning by exploring interactive websites on torque. They give real life applications of torque.
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Earth's Orbit Lesson

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders devise a computational model to explore how the orbit of the Earth might change if its velocity were different. Using accurately recorded data, 10th graders defend a scientific argument.
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Fundamental Terms

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore Newton's Laws of Motion and how they apply to flight.
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Toying Around with Newton's Laws

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify balanced and unbalanced forces that affect the movement of objects and Newton's three Laws of Motion. Students also design a contraption utilizing Newton's Laws of Motion that will launch a marshmallow five meters.
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How Does a Satellite Stay in Orbit?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars explore placing a satellite into orbit, then about forces needed to keep an object in orbit. They examine how satellites orbit in elliptical paths and about properties of ellipses. They learn Kepler's 3rd Law of Planetary...
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Discovery Science Library: The Basics Physical Science

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine  friction and gravity. affect four sports. In this scientific discovery lesson, students examine how friction and gravity affect sports. They discuss, write, and illustrate the effect of different forces on...
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New Wave Aztec

For Teachers 2nd - 12th
Learners create animation symbols on the computer based on The Aztec Empire work of Keith Haring. In this animation lesson plan, students use drawings and put them into the computer over a series of 8 weeks.
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Vectors: Follow That Arrow

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Vectors and their connection to motion. A video will be presented to provide information for the class to use methods of solving vectors with and without grids. Real-world physical concepts will be explored in reference to vectors.
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Spuds in Space

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Young scholars explore the effects of velocity on an object when it collides with another object. They design and outfit a potato astronaut in a spacesuit to withstand the hazards of high velocity impacts from space debris and meteoroids.
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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...
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Shake, Rattle and Erupt

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students study myths regarding four earthquakes myths. They receive a list of supplies each family should have at home to prepare for an earthquake and construct an "Earthquake Preparation" poster showing some of the most important items...
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Hurricanes 1: The Science Of Hurricanes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students are introduced to the science of hurricanes in an effort to highlight how forces change the speed and direction of motion. They list facts about hurricanes; including insights about the formation, movement, and impact hurricanes...
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Crash Test Physics

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students design and test balsa cars.  In this crash tet lesson plan, students design and build their own cars to specifications.  They explore the physics of motion and vehicle crash safety.
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Bernoulli's Principle

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students explore Bernoulli's principle, how it is related to flight, and the effect of lift, thrust, and drag on flight. They design and develop an experiment that tests for distance traveled by their paper airplane, and record and...
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Electricity's Attraction

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners explore the different features of a roller coaster using an interactive website. In this physical science lesson, students explain the role of science to make this thrill ride possible. They develop a creative presentation about...
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Hot Air Balloon Design Lesson Plan

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders discuss what they know and what they want to know about hot air balloon using a KWL chart. They then use a wide array of materials to design a hot air balloon that will lift successfully in cooperative groups referring to...
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The Galapagos Spreading Center

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the basic concept of seafloor spreading. They describe the processes involved in creating new seafloor at a mid-ocean ridge. They investigate the Galapagos Spreading Center system.
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Speed

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students explore speed by calculating the average speed of several snowmobiles, and predicting which of them is the fastest. They watch a race to verify their calculations.
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What is the Attraction?

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders investigate the law of polarity. In this magnets lesson, 2nd graders discover how magnets are used in everyday life and which objects in our environment are magnetic. Students experiment with bar magnets and record...