In this physics 240:10 instructional activity, students calculate the speed and distance as presented in the given word problems. Students apply their understanding of Hooke's law to answer the questions provided.

In this wave worksheet, students compare the different ways a wave can react: absorption, reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Students also read about constructive and destructive interference. This worksheet has 13 matching, 10...

Students investigate friction between different surfaces. In this physics lesson, students research biomaterials that can reduce friction. They calculate efficiency using a mathematical formula.

Beginning with definitions of mass and foce, this excellent set of slides summarizes Newton's Laws of motion and universal bravitaions. Components of each law are explained along with examples and questions to inspire discussion. This is...

In this simple machines vocabulary activity, students match the vocabulary term found in the first column with the correct definition found in the second column. There are 23 words and definitions to match.

Perform an activity on performance testing with a lesson focused on the purpose of wheel bearings on skateboards. Learners conduct performance testing on a skateboard to collect and interpret data.

Everything that happens is an interaction, from the wind blowing a sail to a cannon ball being thrust out of a cannon. A simulation shows the interactions involving a sail, air, ball, pirate, cannon, deck, ocean, and the Earth and...

Glide into the study of flight. An engaging lesson has scholars research information on the Wright brothers. They develop props and produce a recreation of the first flight at Kitty Hawk. They then report on the event as if they were...

In this weight worksheet, students read about weight, friction, and equilibrium. Students then complete 10 matching, 7 fill in the blank, and 8 word problems.

Students examine the effects of packaging decisions and the engineering advancements in packaging materials and waste management. They observe biodegradation in a model landfill.

Fourth graders investigate the principles and uses of gears, and examine how gears can be used to alter the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They observe two cars with different sized wheels roll down an inclined plane,...

Learners design and make a flying device. They work in small groups to brainstorm ideas for the design of their device. They choose an idea or combination of ideas to use for their design and create a sketch of their design. The students...

Students study scientific names and descriptions of forces.  In this motion lesson plan students organize information into a graphic organizer then teach it to other students. 

Students study friction and inertia, make predictions, and compare data.  For this investigative lesson students view a demonstration on friction, divide into groups, and complete an activity. 

Students perform three activities that each demonstrate one of Newton's Laws of Motion. They use a ramp and toy car to demonstrate inertia, calculate acceleration due to gravity, then use a medicine ball and rolling chair to demonstrate...

In this physics learning exercise, students identify and locate vocabulary terms related to Newton's Laws of Motion. There are 16 words located in the puzzle.

Students design and begin building a car out of K'NEX parts after a class discussion on the components of the car, the constraints and goals of the design, the type of testing that will be performed, and a demonstration of a basic...

Students study harmonic motion and its oscillation.  In this simple harmonic motion lesson students demonstrate a series of regular oscillations and explain the theory behind the experiment. 

Be careful on curvy roads. An interesting STEM activity challenges scholars to design a safe road system. The goal is to help ensure that cars coming down a hill will be able to make a right turn without sliding off the road. Pupils test...

Learners, in hands-on activities, explore how a dump truck might be made to negatively accelerate or slow down. They participate in activities using friction force to modify the truck-and-ramp system. Student groups test ideas for...

Students use the design process to investigate physical science.  In this force and motion instructional activity, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and...

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....

Eighth graders examine avalanches after reading excerpts from John Muir's book, "The Yosemite." In small groups, they conduct experiments with flour, sugar, and potato flakes representing different snow consistencies. Then, 8th graders...

Eighth graders distinguish between and apply Newton's Laws. They take a quiz reviewing Kinetic and Potential Energy. Students explain that they have just demonstrated Newton's three laws of motion. They also explain what forces are...