NASA
Gravitational Waves
Young scientists participate in a hands-on experiment to explore Einstein's theory of relativity in a creative manner. They investigate various waves and compare their characteristics as they discuss how each wave is created....
Curated OER
Laws of Motion
Students explore centrifugal and centripetal force. In this motion instructional activity, students expand on their knowledge of motion to study velocity, acceleration, and friction. Students examine multiple objects to demonstrate the...
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Pangaea Puzzle: Exploring the Tectonic Forces That Shape the Earth
Sixth graders follow in the footsteps of early scientists as they put the pieces of Pangaea back together and discovered the forces that create the variety of landforms and sea-floor features of our Earth.
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Newton's 2nd Law of Motion
Students investigate how mass affects the speed of an object. In this physics lesson, students record data on the data table and graph results. They analyze findings and formulate a conclusion.
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Exploring Simple Machines
Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines instructional activity, students study how simple machines work. Students determine the function of various simple machines.
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Types of Forces
Students study scientific names and descriptions of forces. In this motion lesson students organize information into a graphic organizer then teach it to other students.
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Circular Motion
Ninth graders explore circular motion. For this centripetal force lesson students complete a lab activity while in groups.
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Newton’s Laws of Motion
Eighth graders explore the three laws of motion. For this physics lesson, 8th graders observe teacher demonstration and explain what happened in terms of Newton's Laws. They complete worksheet at the end of the lesson.
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Football Physics "Having A Ball With Projectile Motion"
Students examine the concept of projectile motion and identify the 3 components of projectile motion. They explore how physics applies to punting a football through punting activities and internet research.
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Forces in a Climb - Vectors
Students read Forces in a Climb from the Beginner's Guide to Propulsion, and explain each of the formulas using vectors.
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Race the Track! Design Challenge
Students use the design process to investigate physical science. For this force and motion lesson, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and distance. Students...
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Freestanding Structures: A Tech Museum Floor Activity
Students attempt to design the tallest structure that they can with the given materials which are wooden dowels and rubber bands. They discuss the physics of their structure and how they would improve it the next time they built a...
Curated OER
F = ma, Inertia, and Action-Reaction
Fourth graders apply concepts of Newton's Laws in scientific inquiries. Use this lesson to have your charges test and identify the characteristics of objects that make them easier or harder to push. After a teacher-led demonstration,...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Fun with Speedboats!
After reading about marine engineers and naval architects, it's all hands on deck to design and test a speed boat. This lesson is designed for the Next Generation Science Standards in engineering and can be a centerpiece for a STEM...
Curated OER
Exploring Pendulums
Students observe the movement of pendulums, they begin to understand the relationship between gravitational forces and the mass of objects, the changes in speed and direction of objects, and the distance between objects. They understand...
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Rock-A-Bye Pendulum
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...
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The Science of Hurricanes
Students are introduced to the science of hurricanes in an effort to highlight how forces change the speed and direction of motion.
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Look Ma! I'm a Rocket Scientist!
Students use a ball to push and pull to demonstrate the concept of force. In this force lesson plan, students talk about the importance of force in space and use balls to demonstrate this phenomena.
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Work
Ninth graders determine when work is being done on an object. They define work and calculate work for several examples. They define and give examples of force and distance and define power and calculate power. They determine the...
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Exploring Buoyancy
Students use materials found at a resource table to design simple devices that will house instruments to take water samples from a tub of water. They design 3 instruments, each varying in density so that one will float, one will hover...
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The Raw of Newton’s 3rd Law
Students identify the action and reaction forces acting on the CEENBoT. For this physics lesson, students describe everyday applications of Newton's 3rd Law. They create a cluster word web about this law.
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Newton and his Laws
Students explore Newton's laws, including what they state, and what the intuitive meaning is of the first and third laws.
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Simple Machines on the Move
Third graders explore simple machines. In this simple machine lesson students experiment with motion and force. Students have hands on activities and resources are provided.
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Hot Wheels
Students observe the action produced by toy cars. In this geometry instructional activity, students discuss motion and distance as they relate to the movement of a spherical object.They collect data and make conjectures based on their data.