Students understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. They understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. Students compare a variety of catapults and the...

Young scholars examine energy use and the different construction materials used in their home.  In this sustainable choices lesson students study different materials and what a sound environmental choice would be. 

Students create a rocket using Alka-seltzer of baking soda and vinegar. In this physics lesson, students identify the factors affecting the length of time the rocket is propelled. They relate this activity to actual rocket launched in...

Students explain how the spin cycle of a washing machine operates. They explore other applications of the centrifuge by reading and discussing the article "Slender and Elegant, It Fuels the Bomb."

Fifth graders read information about levers. They complete worksheets to summarize their learning. This lesson relies heavily on the Silver Burdett Ginn text, Science Discovery Works, Energy, Work, and Machines. The lesson will not be...

The 6 slides give a few examples of ways that we use heat and heating systems.  There is a diagram of circulation in a stove and forced air system as well as other examples of heat movers. Great for an introduction.

Students investigate how something at home uses physics to work. In this practical physics lesson plan, students develop a theory of their own to conclude how an object might work. This lesson plan includes a worksheet.

Students investigate simple machines. In this simple machines lesson, students study how simple machines work. Students determine the function of various simple machines.

Seventh graders explore real life activities that demonstrate kinetic and potential energy. They, in groups, classify the activity card statements as kinetic or potential. They should also include where the potential and kinetic energy...

Students apply their knowledge of the physics principles of force, energy and motion to researching the physics behind amusement park rides.

Eighth graders examine two different types of tires and the effects of different factors on the amount of force needed to overcome sliding friction such as when the vehicle tries to stop.

Ninth graders create a model of a hydroelectric generator. In this physics activity, 9th graders discuss how energy can be transformed from one form to another. They make a flow chart for different energy generating plants.

Fifth graders read selected pages from their science text and explain forces affected by wheels and axles. They read and discover that gears transfer forces and that gear combinations relate to compound machines.

Students use string, wire, weights, and a stopwatch to build pendulum clocks. In this pendulum clocks lesson plan, students use the pendulum clocks to investigate weather, climate, force, and motion.

Students explore the properties of electricity. This lab shows students the need for a circuit in order to have a flow of electricity. It demonstrates Ohm's law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance.

Students explore types of motion. In this motion experiment, students observe how objects move. Students work in small groups to discover the laws of motion.

Young scholars investigate the characteristics of the beach environment and explore beach zonation. After gathering samples from different areas of the beach, young scholars discuss how the beaches work and the characteristic of each...

Students study the physics used to design today's roller coasters.  For this engineering lesson students complete several activities including designing their own roller coaster. 

Sixth graders examine how science is used in everyday activities, such as baseball.

Students investigate Newton's Second Law of Motion as they predict the effect of a payload on the amount of energy needed to lift a rocket vertically. The constraints of the weight of the equipment carried to Mars is compared to the...

Let your creativity run wild. Scholars build a sculpture out of basic materials. These sculptures must be able to move in the wind (from an electric fan). However, they must also withstand the wind enough to not fall over—it's quite the...

In this pulleys, levers and incline planes learning exercise, students answer 22 questions about output force, energy loss, and net force on pulleys, levers and incline planes.

Students explore sound, pitch, volume, frequency, and musical notes. In this homemade instrument lesson plan, students use materials such as jars, buckets, strings, rackets, rubber bands, and bottles to create their own unique...

Students investigate technology and its many designs to make our lives easy. In this science lesson, students build a hot air balloon and answer specific questions about weight and rides in the hot air balloon. They analyze their data...