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Super Gelatin
High schoolers investigate the refraction properties of gelatin to calculate its index of refraction. They discover that as the light travels through the gelatin, its speed and wavelength also change. Students find th indes of refraction...
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Investigation of Hooke's Law Lab
Students determine the spring constant by conducting an investigation. In this physics lesson, students collect data and create a graph of force vs. displacement. They compare the results of two different methods to find spring constant.
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The Catepillar Song
Students remember the orderly changes of a butterfly by performing physical motions to a song.
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Falling
Students should describe the path that the motion would take as well as what might begin or stop the motion. The common characteristic of all the motions that students have experienced directly is that one or more forces are acting on...
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Pure Substances and Mixtures
Students compare and contrast the properties of substances and mixtures. In this chemistry lesson, students simulate spontaneous mixing by performing a short class activity. They differentiate heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures.
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Hang Time
Students discuss how all objects fall at the same rate and vertical motion is independent of the horizontal motion. Students apply this information to center of mass activities before solving equations.
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Where Will It Go?
Students predict the path of a ball bouncing off an object. For this physics lesson, students conduct the rolling ball experiment to test their prediction. They perform several trials for accuracy.
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Ballistic Pendulum Lab
Learners determine the muzzle velocity of projectile launcher. In this physics instructional activity, students compare the pendulum method and kinematic method in calculating the initial velocity. They analyze data and discuss results...
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Potato Launcher Energy Lab
Students investigate conservation laws using a potato launcher. In this physics lesson, students measure angles, time and distance of the potato. They discuss applications of experiments like this.
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Phases of Matter
Students describe the motion of solids, liquids and gases. In this chemistry lesson, students describe how temperature affect motion of the particles. They determine the physical properties of each phase.
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Bungee Man Lab
Students explore the motion of a toy bungee jumper using the scientific method. They view a video of a bungee jumper and discuss what can be measured about a bungee jump. Students discuss the scientific mehtod and how to design an...
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Types of Forces
Students study scientific names and descriptions of forces. In this motion lesson students organize information into a graphic organizer then teach it to other students.
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Simple Machines or Are They?
Students discover basic machines and how they make completing work easier. They identify two basic machines, the inclined plane and the lever and the functions of these simple machines.
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Intro to 1D Kinematics with Physlets
Twelfth graders examine illustrations and animations on a Physlets CD in which they must describe motion, analyze graphs, and calculate initial velocity. The Physlet assists in providing active class participation in discussion.
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Stargazers and Skywatchers
Students are introduced to the apparent motion of the Sun across the sky and the way it changes in summer and winter.
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Wave Types and Characteristics
Ninth graders identify the different parts of a wave. In this physics instructional activity, 9th graders observe wave behavior as it travels through a boundary. They determine the relationship between wavelength, frequency and...
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What Changes Occur When Ice Melts?
Young scholars explore the physical process of melting. They observe melting ice and answer questions related to energy transfer during phase changes.
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The Path of the Sun, the Ecliptic
Learners are introduced to the ecliptic, the zodiac and the apparent motions of the Sun, Moon and planets across the sky.
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Map Field of Current
Students determine that moving charges create a magnetic field. They discover that the speed and direction of motion, the amount of charge, and the deflection angle observed are closely linked. A voltmeter, pendulum, and a constructed...
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#22 Frames of Reference: The Basics
Students explore the concept of frames of reference in physics.
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Frames of Reference: The Basics
Students learn the concept of frames of reference in physics. They examine how two frames of reference, each moving with respect to the other with a constant velocity v (constant speed, constant direction).
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Nature of Game Balls
Fourth graders see how, when balls are dropped from the same height, mass and size affects the motion of the balls.
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Bouncing Balls
Students make observations of a bouncing ball and study how it travels. In this height instructional activity students complete a lab activity and describe and explain the motion of the ball.
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Accelerated Frames of Reference: Inertial Forces
Learners examine how when applying the laws of motion to an object in an accelerating frame, using coordinates defined in such frame, one must always add an "inertial force", representing forces caused by the frame's acceleration.