Students explore physics by creating data graphs in class. For this flight properties lesson, students read the book Flying Machine and identify the force, resistance and construction necessary to keep a glider in the air. Students...

In this simple machines worksheet, learners review how simple machines are used to do work. Students understand the distance of resistance and apply this to answer 6 problems.

In this work learning exercise, students will match vocabulary words with definitions: joule, Newton, force, and work. Then students will answer 8 problems based on the equation: work = force x distance.

Students discover how air pressure effects flight.  In this physics instructional activity, students create two types of airplane wings so they can observe the way air pressure creates lift.  Students utilize a printout to...

Second graders experiment with simple machines. In this machine lesson, 2nd graders go to different labs to see examples of a lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, gears, and wheel and axle. They discuss how a machine makes work a lot...

Fourth graders conduct an investigation in order to determine a way to change the strength of an electromagnet's magnetic force. After conducting "control" lifts with their electromagnet, groups make initial changes, record data, and...

In this levers instructional activity, students compare the three classes of levers. Students determine how the location of the fulcrum effects the amount of force needed. Then students complete 20 fill in the blank questions and 6 word...

Students explore the building of a pyramid and how pulleys were used to change the direction of applied force. They demonstrate the mechanical advantage of using a pulley and apply it to modern engineering.

Students explore aerodynamics. In this aerodynamics lesson, students study the flight patterns of three paper airplanes and discover the underlying principles of aerodynamics. Resources and grade level modifications are present.

Students investigate the properties of air through inflated objects. In this physical science activity, students examine gas as a state of matter. Student push on inflated objects and note the space the gas has taken up inside. Students...

Eighth graders investigate the relationship between force, distance and time.  For this physical science lesson students compute the work done, graph and find the relationship between work and power. 

The best part about spin art is that is demonstrates the concept of centrifugal force. Explore the magical spin of gravity as you make colorful art. This lesson idea is short, very simple, and requires a spin art machine.

Ninth graders study the basic principles of flight, including the Bernoulli Principle and Newton's Laws. They construct and study model aircraft

In this forces in fluids worksheet, students identify the principles behind the forces acting upon objects in fluids that make them float, lift and spray.

Young scholars identify and analyze how levers work by raising a brick with a shish kebab skewer. Students present their work, explaining what did and did not work, including illustrations of the lever lift from different angles. Young...

Learners investigate the properties of inclined planes and how implementing them can reduce the force necessary to lift objects off the ground. In this inclined planes lesson, students are introduced to the concept of simple tools and...

Learners use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.

Middle schoolers investigate how levers can be used to lift objects. They participate in hands-on activities to explore the distance a load is lifted when comparing the amount the lever arm was pushed down. Students discover the how...

Students use FoilSim to complete the activity and investigate the factors that affect lift and how wing area and lift are related.

Seventh graders are introduced to Newton's Third Law of Motion.  In this physics instructional activity students examine the concept of thrust as one of the forces acting on aircraft. 

Balloons will go where you want them to. Young pilots first add paper clips to a balloon to make it neutrally buoyant. They then use cardboard to steer the balloon in different directions, taking air pressure into account.

Work, energy, and their relationship to power: what is the common thread? Explore this with your class as they learn the concepts of work and energy, both kinetic and potential, before completing multiple practice problems to...

Reduce the work it takes to plan a physics lesson on energy with the help of this instructional presentation. Beginning with clear explanations of kinetic and potential energy, this resource continues on to familiarize young...

How can an object as heavy as an airplane fly? Turns out the answer is quadratic! Your classes explore the Bernoulli Effect through an interactive graph representation. As a plane increases in speed, the lift force also increases. Young...