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Planetary Orbits
Middle schoolers explore space science by completing a solar system identification worksheet. In this planets lesson, students discuss the different planets in our star system and identify their traits. Middle schoolers complete an...
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Newton Must have Been a Sports Fan
Students examine Newton's Laws. For this law of motion lesson, students observe Newton's three laws of physics demonstrated by the teacher. They apply other examples to Newton's first law of inertia.
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Solar System: Let's Take a Trip
Third graders consider outer space. In this introductory solar system lesson, 3rd graders complete a KWL chart and listen to the story The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen. They will contribute...
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Magnets
Students explore the concept of magnetism. In this magnetism lesson, students use bar magnets to conduct experiments regarding magnetism. Students also use a magnetic compasses to examine magnetic poles.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Energy in Motion
Fifth graders explore energy transfer. In this thermal energy lesson, 5th graders stretch rubber bands several times and estimate the band's temperature change. Students identify this action as an example of thermal energy. Students...
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The Water Cycle/States of Matter
Learners engage in a lesson that is concerned with the water cycle and different states of matter. They conduct research using a variety of resources in preparation for taking a quiz. Then students take the quiz in correlation to having...
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Falling Motion
Students design and conduct an experiment on Galileo's Rule of Falling Bodies. In this physics lesson plan, students collect and analyze data. They create a presentation and share it with the class.
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Motion Through the Ages
Eighth graders conduct internet research to produce a timeline of man's growth in understanding of concepts of motion and planetary motion through history.
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Virial Theorem Lesson
Ninth graders describe how equilibrium can occur as the balance of two effects. They model the stability of elliptical galaxies based on how fast stars within the galaxy are moving.
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Discovery Science Library: The Basics Physical Science
Students examine friction and gravity. affect four sports. In this scientific discovery lesson plan, students examine how friction and gravity affect sports. They discuss, write, and illustrate the effect of different forces on...
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Movement of Objects
Ninth graders investigate motion. In this science lesson, 9th graders conduct experiments on objects to analyze motion and speed. They define motion in everyday life.
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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 lesson, students use strings of various lengths and bobs of different weights to create a...
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Black Holes
Students explore what black holes are and how gravity is associated with them. In this space lesson plan students are given enough information to imagine a journey to a black hole.
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How Things Fly
Students explain basic principles of aeronautics such as gravity and lift. In this How Things Fly lesson, students visit the interactive, hands-on How Things Fly gallery at the Smithsonian. Students perform three experiments that...
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Magnetic Experiment
Third graders experiment with magnets. In this magnet experiment lesson, 3rd graders explore magnetic attraction and repulsion. Students rotate through four stations and investigate the properties of magnets.
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Spin Stabilization
Students investigate methods used by aeronautical engineers to keep rockets on target. After exploring the center of gravity and the center of pressure, students build water rockets. Students use various methods to design fins on the...
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Kites
Young scholars build a kite while integrating math and science. For this kite building lesson, students construct a blueprint and apply mathematical formulas while constructing a kite. They use appropriate flight and kite terminology to...
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Newton's Third Law
Students describe an everyday situation which demonstrates Newton's Third Law. They state Newton's Third Law;"Every action has an equal and opposite re-action, or every force has an equal and opposite force" in their own words. ...
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Seed Structure and Seed Dispersal
Third graders plant seeds. In this seed structure lesson, 3rd graders identify parts of a seed and plant a lima bean seed. Students discuss and reflect on the process in their journals.
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Does Shape Affect Drag?
Students study drag and how it affects a parachute in the sky. For this parachutes lesson students build models and compare their drag.
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3-2-1 Blast Off!
Students explore physics by participating in a flight experiment. In this rocket design lesson, students discuss the scientific process and how chemical reaction can create the energy needed to boost a rocket. Students utilize...
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Picket Fence Free Fall
Students measure acceleration using a Picket Fence and a Photogate. In this physics lesson, students drop an object and measure the acceleration of the object free falling. They log their data using the TI.
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Sled Kite
Students make and fly a sled kite out of plastic garbage bags, dowel rods, and more. In this kite lesson plan, students plan the kite to have symmetry and make adjustments as they test it.
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Ionocraft Lifter
Students explore the different types of lifters through a series of activities. In this physics lesson, students explain the mechanics involved in the lifter designs. They compare aluminum versus zinc lifters.