NASA
Launch It
Launching a rocket with a balloon—that sounds crazy! The class brainstorms design characteristics of a rocket. Individuals build a balloon launcher and a rocket straw. Using the air stored in a balloon, the individuals launch their...
NASA
Touchdown
Individuals design and build a set of shock absorbers to protect their astronauts when they land. Using a limited amount of supplies, pupils build a system that will keep two large marshmallows from flying out of a cup when it lands...
NASA
Roving on the Moon
Take a rover out for a test drive. The challenge is to build a rubber-band-powered rover out of cardboard. Individuals or groups work at making modifications to a prototype rover to increase its efficiency.
Curated OER
E3 Ret Lesson Plan
Students explore friction. In this physics lesson plan, students will cover metal blocks with film to determine the changes caused by static and kinetic friction.
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Alka-Seltzer Rockets: How to Build Your Own Rocket
Students create a rocket using Alka-seltzer of baking soda and vinegar. In this physics instructional activity, students identify the factors affecting the length of time the rocket is propelled. They relate this activity to actual...
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Earth Turns? Prove It!
Students construct a pendulum using a washer and thin fishing line. In this earth science lesson, students simulate Earth's rotation using the pendulum bob and swivel chair. They explain how this activity proves that the Earth is indeed...
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Graphing Inertia: An Oxymoron?
Eighth graders investigate Newton's Law of Inertia in order to create a context for the review of the use of different types of graphs. They practice gathering the data from an experiment and put it into the correct corresponding graph.
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Weighing and Determining the Average Density of the Earth
Some background information about density and Newton's Laws of gravitation and motion assist pupils in the following experiment. The procedure will help them further their understanding of gravity, pendulums, and a drop-ball experiment....
Flipping Physics
AP Physics 1: Linear Momentum and Impulse Review
Help pupils review for the portion of the AP Physics exam that covers linear momentum and impulse review with a short video that covers an extensive amount of material.
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Vectors
Learners are introduced to the bridge building challenge. They perform two labs and work in small groups to finish the vector worksheet. Students review vector additions. They then move onto the Forces on an Inclined Plane Lab. ...
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Pop Rockets
Students study Newton's Third Law of Motion which involves action and reaction. They discover what makes a rocket go and then design and construct a rocket that will launch the furthest using the pressure created by an antacid tablet...
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Kites: Patang - The Indian Fighter Kite
Young scholars investigate the history of fighter kites and build their own. In this aeronautics lesson, students discover how other countries utilize fighter kites and where they originated. Young scholars create their own fighter...
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Challenger's Lost Lessons - The Lost Simple Machines Lesson
Students investigate the characteristics of simple machines. In this simple machine lesson plan, students investigate work as a product of applying constant force. They answer questions about what happens on Earth and what may have...
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F = Ma, Inertia, And Action-reaction
Fourth graders investigate Newton's Second and Third Laws of Motion. They determine what makes objects harder or easier to push. While investigating they determine how applying force in order balance out gravity allows things to stay...
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Vectors
Young scholars describe motion by the use of adding vectors. They identify the difference between the x and y components of vector quantities. Students are given the Paper Bridge Building handout and the instructions as to where to...
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Bobsled Challange
Students investigate the effects of materials on the friction between a "bobsled" and the track. They explore the effects of weight on the motion of the bobsled. Students design a bobsled for either fast or slow movement. They discuss...
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May the Force Be With You
Students work in groups, they investigate how different forces act upon objects and how this information can be used in their day-to-day lives. They wrap the rubber band around the book. Students place the bo.ok and ruler on top of a...
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Rectilinear Motion
Twelfth graders rewrite word problems using algebraic expressions. In this calculus lesson plan, 12th graders calculate the velocity, time and acceleration while analyzing real life scenarios. They solve problems related to when the...
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Gravity In The Universe
Students assess and explore gravity in the Universe via several short video lessons. They analyze why this science matters and the history of Sir Isaac Newton's law of gravity. A variety of questions are asked within this lesson for each...
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Slam On the Brakes!
Fifth graders study the concept of momentum and its application by Newton in his studies. They view a demonstration and complete an experiment with toy cars on a racetrack that shows them the properties of momentum and how velocity and...
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Rover Landing Design Challenge
Students examine the concepts of forces and motion. They work together to design protective devices for their egg rovers as they are dropped from a specific height. They record their observations and discuss.
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Lab for Truss Design and Testing
Students design and build their own truss. In this physics lesson, students calculate the forces and maximum load. They complete a full scale diagram of their design.
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The Law of Inertia
Young scholars practice the 4 question strategy to form more questions and develop further experiments. The four questions are engage, explore, explain, and elaborate. They use the 4 question strategy on an investigation involving the...
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Scientist/ Webelos Activity Book
In this physical science worksheet, students write short responses for each scientific law in 14 different questions to obtain a merit badge.