Curated OER
Roll On
Second graders, in groups, develop models to show how forces such as gravity, friction, equal, unequal forces and change in direction work on marbles.
Curated OER
That Mu You Do
Learners are told that the weight of a car is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. When a car is at react on a horizontal road, there must be a normal force with which the road pushes up on the car to keep it...
Curated OER
How Fast is "Fast"?
In this movement activity, students will complete 5 sentences by filling in the blank with vocabulary words associated with movement: acceleration, gravity, and speed. Then students will be given 3 units of measurement and they will...
Curated OER
Power and Conservation vs. Non-Conservative Forces
In this power worksheet, 12th graders solve four problems including calculating work done by friction, determining work done by gravity and the calculating the minimum horsepower needed to save a ship that is sinking.
Curated OER
Marbles in Motion
Fourth graders explore how to play marbles while learning the scientific concepts of force, motion, mass, acceleration, friction, and inertia.
Curated OER
Aerodynamics
Students discover the basic principles of aerodynamics, including the roles and identity of natural forces involved. They examine how the force of gravity is overcome by the curved shape of an airplane wing and air pressure.
Curated OER
Forces and Machines
In this forces and machines worksheet, students will review vocabulary associated with forces including friction, inertia, and work. Students will also explain how simple machines help to do work easier. This worksheet has 10 matching, 6...
Curated OER
Forces: Key Words
In this forces: key words learning exercise, 8th graders fill in 8 blanks about forces in physics, then copy 12 key words 4 times each, rewrite these words in alphabetical order, and write sentences for 2 of the words.
Purdue University
The Represented World: Recreational STEM
How are forces and motion important to a swing set? Scholars explore the concepts of force and motion using swing sets. In preparation for their own STEM design project, individuals take surveys and data from peers, complete labs on...
Purdue University
Simple Machines
What's the best way to use a simple machine to solve a real-world problem? Scholars construct their own simple and complex machines to explore the concepts of work and force. They discuss examples of simple machines they have found in...
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Conservation of Energy
By rolling marbles down a six-foot length of track, physical scientists determine how much energy is lost to heat. It is recommended that you opt for the foam pipe insulation track because more friction slows the marble, allowing...
Curated OER
Rules of Force and Motion
Students view a video and complete experiments with force and motion. In this force and motion activity, students examine small pieces and how they affect the motion of a toy car. Students also experiment with sand paper, bubble wrap...
Curated OER
Mr. and Miss Big Feet
Third graders experiment with gravitational force. In this physical science lesson, 3rd graders send matchbox cars off a ramp while changing the amount of weight attached to the car. Students record their data and discuss the results.
Physics LAB
Distinguishing 2nd and 3rd Law Forces
For this laws of forces instructional activity, students are given 27 problems to solve given diagrams showing forces acting upon objects. Students find the forces acting upon the objects, the determine the opposing forces acting upon...
Curated OER
Forces and Motion
Middle schoolers build parachutes for chicken eggs. In this physics lesson, students describe the forces acting on a falling object. They predict which of the three parachute models they made has the best chance of keeping the egg intact...
Curated OER
Building a Parachute
Fourth graders construct a parachute using specified materials in a set amount of time. They observe a toy parachute attached to a toy man and discuss what makes him move slower or faster. Then in small groups they design, construct,...
Curated OER
Balloon Rockets
Learners, after reviewing and analyzing Newton's third law of motion, make balloon rockets and experiment with a variety of models. After the experiment, they chart the results and form conclusions. In addition, they compare/contrast...
Curated OER
That Mu You Do
Students discussion frictional force, kinetic friction, and static friction and the role each plays in acceleration and velocity in relationship to a car and the road on which it is traveling. Students complete lesson answering review...
Curated OER
Four Forces of Flight
Students explore the four forces of flight. They investigate the four forces of flight: lift, drag, thrust and weight (gravity). They experiment with flight-testing various objects commonly found around the house and constructing paper...
Curated OER
Acceleration, Drag, Gravity, Motion, Forces, and Friction
Eighth graders build and run mousetrap cars in order to measure distance, time, and mass for their cars. They use these measurements to calculate average speed and kinetic energy, then create a slide show to visually explain how the car...
Alabama Learning Exchange
This Is How We Roll!
Students research how roller coasters work. In this physics lesson, learners research the history of roller coasters and the safety factors in the design of a roller coaster on the website www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics. They...
Curated OER
Peak Performance
Students design and build a car that is capable of traveling across the floor quickly, and also up a steep ramp.
Curated OER
Lesson: Hovercraft Racers
Now, this lesson would be a blast! When your engineering or physics class is examining the reduction of friction or fluid dynamics, you can have them make these hovercraft racers. Using a balloon, a bottle cap, and a compact disc, middle...
PHET
Pendulum Lab
How would a pendulum work on the moon or Jupiter? To answer that question scholars control up to two pendulums including their location, length, mass, and amplitude. Added controls include changing the friction and strength of gravity....