Curated OER
How do forces combine?
In this calculus-based worksheet, students experiment how to add forces in order to get a net force of zero with no acceleration while following the directions of a variety of different scenarios.
Curated OER
CheMATHstry That Sticks Right to You
Learners find the percent composition of sugar in the gum. For this chemistry lesson, students calculate percent error from the experiment. They use dimensional analysis to convert between units.
Curated OER
The Gravity Of It All-Newton's Laws
Students experiment with the concept of Newton's second law of motion. After building a ramp, they determine whether a large marble or a small marble will move farther, based on Newton's law. Students record their data on the provided....
Curated OER
Discovering Friction
Students watch a demonstration that introduces them to the idea that friction is a force that impedes motion when two surfaces are in contact. They work in groups to experiment with frictional force using a coffee cup on which they alter...
Curated OER
Mechanically Inclined
Eighth graders examine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane through experimentation.
Curated OER
Main Sequence Stars: A System in Equilibrium?
Fourth graders study the equilibrium of internal forces in a main sequence star.
Curated OER
Star Power! Discovering the Power of Sunlight
Students estimate the energy output of the sun. They estimate how much power sunlight the sunlight provides to the earth. They build a simple device to measure the amount of solar radiation the earth receives from the sun.
Curated OER
Parking Meters
Third graders are introduced to the problem with a short discussion about parking. They then solve with a partner. As they work ask questions that focus on the strategies they are using to make the calculations.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Floating and Sinking: Hot Air Balloons
Why do hot air balloons float? This resource from the NOVA Web site offers a series of interactive activities that illustrates the physics of hot air balloons.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Physics & Chemistry: Mass
Defines inertial and gravitational mass, their scientific history, formulas used in their calculation, the definition of weight, units used for mass, and mass as perceived in the theory of special relativity.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Maths and Sports: Light Weights
Could the location of the Olympic host city have an effect on weightlifting events? This activity provides an interesting context in which to engage with weight, mass and gravitation, and is aimed at A-level students (grades 10, 11, and...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating the Effects of Density and Volume of a Cartesian Diver
In this lesson, students will investigate why the Cartesian diver dives and rises in a 2 liter bottle. They will also, through their own discovery, come up with a question and then change one variable and record their results. Students...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Treasure Trove
In this activity, students use a Dual Range Force Sensor to measure the weight of pennies. They understand the difference between mass and weight. Students also determine the difference in weight of an object on the moon, Mars, Saturn,...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mineral Density: Teaching Accuracy, Slope, and Percent Error
Learners explore the meaning of density and use their math skills to graph mass/volume data, write an equation for a line, and interpret the slope of the line. Students also find the density of two unknown mineral samples and use those...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Mechanics Mania
Through ten lessons and numerous activities, students explore the natural universal rules engineers and physicists use to understand how things move and stay still. Together, these rules are called "mechanics." The study of mechanics is...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Putting Robots to Work With Force & Friction
Students learn about the concept of pushing, as well as the relationship between force and mass. Students practice measurement skills using pan scales and rulers to make predictions about mass and distance. A LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot is...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Masses & Springs
Hang various mass weights on spring scales while you adjust the spring stiffness and damping in this online activity. Slow down the action, take it to another planet, or watch the amount of potential, thermal, and kinetic energy.
Utah State Office of Education
Utah State Office of Education: Force, Energy, & Motion
A unit on energy, force, and motion presented with interactive and classroom activities. Students gain an understanding of weight, mass, potential and kinetic energy, sound, and heat with this engaging resource.
Math Is Fun
Math Is Fun: Activity: Discover Mass (Weight)
The learning activity explores weight. Students weight different items and compare their mass from smallest to largest.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Body Mass What's Your Index? (Pdf)
If you like tackling formulas, then this math challenge is for you. See if you can calculate Helix's BMI (body mass index) and find out if his health is at risk. A one page NCTM Math Challenges for Families activity that engages learners...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Perching Parrot
Students explore the concepts of center of mass and static equilibrium by seeing how non-symmetrical objects balance. Using a paper cut-out shape of a parrot sitting on a wire coat hanger, they learn that their parrot exists in stable...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating Isotopes and Average Atomic Mass Using Pennies
In this activity, students apply what they have learned about weighted averages, isotopes, and systems of equations to a new situation - coins in a sealed container. They learn some historical information regarding the composition of...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Car Collision Testing & Tradeoffs: Don't Crack Humpty
Student groups are provided with a generic car base on which to design a device/enclosure to protect an egg as it rolls down a ramp at increasing slopes. During this activity, student teams design, build and test their prototype...