Lesson Plan
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Superball Physics

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders bounce superballs and measure to see if they can hit the same spot over and over. In this superball lesson plan, 8th graders calculate the weight of the ball with the force of the throw to try and hit the same spot with...
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"Go-Car" Lab

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students construct a car based on directions given. In this physics lesson, students calculate average speed using distance and time information. They collect data and create a graph of distance vs. time.
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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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The Impact

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students investigate the impact inventions have on people. In this technology lesson, students explore inventions, such as the light bulb, and identify ways the invention impacted society. Students design a simple project that could...
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Kure Waste Chase Game Lesson

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners work together to identify marine debris. They explain the effect of the debris on various ecosystems. They draw different types of ocean currents as well.
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Electricity's Attraction

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers 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...
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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...
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What is the Rock Cycle and Its Processes?

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Geology beginners examine three different rock samples and determine their origin by their characteristics. By making and recording observations, they become familiar with features of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock types....
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Motion in a Circle

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study about deriving centripetal acceleration for motion at constant speed around a circle.
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Motion in a Circle

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore uniform circular motion, and the relation of its frequency of N revolutions/sec with the peripheral velocity v and with the rotation period T. They examine how uniform circular motion is a type of accelerated motion.
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Accelerated Frames of Reference: Inertial Forces

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine how when applying the laws of motion to an object in an accelerating frame, using coordinates defined in such frame, one must always add an "inertial force", representing forces caused by the frame's acceleration.
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Newton's Laws

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students give examples of each of Newton's three laws as they occur in everyday experiences. They visually represent and differentiate the difference between a direct proportion and an inverse proportion. Students explain how the...
Lesson Plan
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How Do Probes Get To Space

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students investigate how force works to propel rockets into outer space. In this physics lesson, students use a drinking straw, fishing line, a balloon, and tape to explore how force works in outer space. Students repeat the experiment...
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"Shapes" Dance Lesson Plan

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders create dances by manipulating shapes with their bodies.
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"Orientation to Dance" Dance Lesson Plan

For Teachers K
Students learn their rights and responsibilities within the context of the dance class.
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Introduction to Friction

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
Students study the properties of the frictional force between two surfaces in contact. They inspect various phenomena in nature where friction plays an important role and demonstrate
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Roller Coaster Fun

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders review the effects of gravity on how objects move. In groups, they design a roller coaster and share it with their classmates. Using materials given to them, they build their roller coaster and let a ball roll on the...
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Simple Machines V - Wheels and Axles and Gears

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the principles and uses of gears, and examine how gears can be used to alter the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They observe two cars with different sized wheels roll down an inclined plane,...
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What a Drag

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students learn examples of friction and drag, and suggest ways to reduce the impact of these forces. The equation that governs common frictional forces is introduced, and during a hands-on activity, students experimentally measure a...
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Surface Friction and Wear Characteristics of Common Materials

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers identify the factors affecting friction. In this physics lesson, students construct their own rocket car and race them. They graph the average speeds and discuss how lubricants affect friction between rubbing surfaces.
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Simple Machines

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover the principles and uses of gears noting that they can be used to change the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They may also change the force and/or distance through which an object turns. They then...
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The Moon Made Me Do It!

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research about how lunar cycles affect living organisms. In this biology lesson, students prepare an oral presentation of their research results and analyses. They explore the forces that affect tides.
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Rocket Angles

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders create rockets that be launched at varying angles to determine which angle is best to launch at for the longest distance.
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Clouds

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students explore clouds.  In this weather lesson, students identify the steps in the water cycle, define condensation and evaporation, and relate this information to cloud formation.  Students perform a cloud experiment,...