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Exploring the MapleCopter
Study explore the motion of maple seeds and design experiments to explain their spinning flight patterns. They make observations, explain ideas of motion, use models, analyze previous reports and experiments, identify relevant factors...
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Newton's Three Laws of Motion Lesson Plan
Students explore Newton's three laws of motion using a variety of activities. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the average speed of a vehicle they constructed using distance and time information. They identify...
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Laws of Motions
Seventh graders explore the Laws of Motion. They define friction and explain the concept of inertia. Students explain what happens when a force is exerted on an object that is in equilibrium. They state the second and third laws of motion.
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Gyrocopters-Producing Rotary Motion
Students demonstrate rotary motion by practicing with gyrocopters. For this physics lesson students work in groups to construct a gyrocopter and explore how physics effect it torque and inertia.
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Simple Harmonic Motion
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...
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Buoyant Force
Students investigate the scientific concept of why some objects float when put in a liquid solution. They apply the laws of motion and force while conducting classroom activities. Students also take notes and answer target questions to...
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Newton's Laws of Motion
Sixth graders explore Newton's laws of motion with their own bodies. In this relative motion lesson students will use a wide range of materials bringing them from the concrete to the abstract on video. Students will draw inferences about...
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Faking It
Middle school earth scientists describe the behavior of the Coriolis force. They compare and contrast conditions under which the Coriolis force has a significant impact with conditions under which it has very little. They model the...
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Observing Motion
First graders explore movement and motion. In this motion lesson, 1st graders how objects can move as well as how the Earth is in constant motion and the force of gravity. Students complete a coloring sheet.
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Jungle Gym Drop
Students drop a variety of objects from a jungle gym to explore how different shapes, sizes, and masses relate to forces and motion.
Cornell University
Buoyancy
Swimmers know to float by turning their bodies horizontally rather than vertically, but why does that make a difference? In an interesting lesson, scholars explore buoyancy and the properties of air and water. They test cups to see which...
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Qualitative Aspects of Rotational Dynamics
Explanations for six different physics lab activities and five suggested assessments are contained in this resource by the National Science Teachers Association. Any combination can be used to open learners' eyes to rotational motion....
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Extreme Acceleration
Young scholars explore the concept of acceleration. They determine the acceleration rate of a roller-blader and graph the results.
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Medieval Catapults
Students design and build a working catapult or trebuchet to explore the concepts of force, motion, and distance.
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Rock-A-Bye Pendulum
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.
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Physics and Me
Sixth graders compare and contrast mass and weight. In this physics lesson, 6th graders calculate speed given distance and time information. They construct a rocket and relate this to Newton's 3rd Law of motion.
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Elements of Physics: Motion, Force and Gravity
Students research about different human space explorations conducted by NASA. In this physical science lesson, students discuss why space exploration is important. They write a paper about their thoughts on continuing NASA's space...
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Aeronautics: Bernoulli's Principle
Students explore physics by participating in a science activity in class. In this flight properties lesson, students identify Bernoulli's principle of flight and his theory of statics and motion. Students conduct a demonstration by...
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Force and Gliders
Students explore physics by creating data graphs in class. In this flight properties instructional activity, students read the book Flying Machine and identify the force, resistance and construction necessary to keep a glider in the air....
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Magnet Circus
Young scholars explore the properties of magnets by designing a device that can move as far as possible using only magnets to move it, and design a machine that will stay in motion for the greatest period of time.
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Water Pressure Blaster
Third graders complete an experiment to introduce them to the concept of water pressure. In this water pressure lesson plan, 3rd graders create pressure in a water bottle and observe the force of water that is created.
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Playing With Science
Young scientists investigate the scientific concepts and principles that help make common toys such as hula hoops, yo-yos, slinkies, and silly putty work. As a class, they read "Backyard Rocket Science, Served Wet" to get a look behind...
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Rover Landing Design Challenge
Young scholars examine the concepts of forces and motion. They work together to design protective devices for their egg rovers as they are dropped from a specific height. They record their observations and discuss.
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Rocks Up!
Students will design and build a structure to support a rock. Students will use their knowledge of movement of objects to determine the proper base to be built to support their rock. Students will explore their natural area for...