Lesson Plan
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Who Turned on the Lights?

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders discuss how energy is transformed from one form to another. In this physics activity, 7th graders design and build their own hydro generator. They identify the factors that affect its energy production.
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Howdy Neighbor

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students role play a power grid set up to show how increased load affects the grid. In this physics lesson, students explain the importance of electricity in their daily lives. They identify the key components of the power grid.
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Energy Efficiency: It really IS important!

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students compare the energy needed to produce new products versus recycling. In this physics lesson, students brainstorm ways to save energy. They create a presentation about the correlation between conserving energy and energy costs.
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Energy Efficiency Ambassadors

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Young scholars consider how to cut their energy use. In this physical science instructional activity, students investigate the connections between energy use and climate changes. Young scholars compute the actual electrical energy...
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Spin the Saltine!

For Teachers 2nd - 7th
Young scholars investigate chemical energy. In this physical science instructional activity, students blow on saltine crackers to demonstrate how chemical energy in food can be converted to motion. Young scholars compare the saltine...
Lesson Plan
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Making a Battery

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders make a battery. In this physical science lesson, 5th graders word in pairs make the battery. Students follow 4 steps to create the battery.
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Alternative Energy

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners identify the five major alternative energy sources. For this physical science lesson, students assess the advantages and disadvantages for each type of energy. They complete a concept map using information they researched.
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Magnetic Field

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars explore how compass and Gauss meter detect a magnetic field. In this physics lesson, students build their own Gauss meter and sensor based on given procedure. They cite real world applications of magnetism.
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Electromagnetic Radiation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore the nature of electromagnetic spectrum through a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students determine how light behaves under certain circumstances. They explain how humans perceive colors.
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Homopolar Motor Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students construct a homopolar motor following certain procedures. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how generators and motors work. They compare and contrast the characteristics of both.
Lesson Plan
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Thermoelectricity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on thermoelectricity. In this physics activity, students investigate how thermocouple works. They determine the voltage generated when different conductive materials are held at different...
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Triboelectric Series

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners conduct a series of experiments on static electricity. In this physics lesson, students arrange explain how objects become electrically charges. They predict which objects will become charged when rubbed together based on the...
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Reed Switch

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students build simple electromagnetic reed switch motors. In this physics lesson, students explain how it works. They cite real world applications of reed switches and relays.
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Electromagnets

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on electromagnets. In this physics lesson, students build their own electromagnet and explain how it works. They determine the factors that affect its strength.
Lesson Plan
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Electromagnetic Bomb (E-Bomb)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners explain how E-bomb works. In this physics lesson, students simulate the effects of e-bombs on electronic targets. They discuss its potential harmful effects when used as a weapon.
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Battery Charger

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain how battery chargers work. In this physics lesson plan, students discuss the two main ways that vehicles get charged. They build their own battery charger.
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Lenz's Law

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a series of experiments on electromagnetic induction. In this physics lesson, students apply the right hand rule to determine the current direction and electromotive force. They test Lenz's and Faraday's law by observing...
Lesson Plan
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Compact Fluorescent Lamp Experiments

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars conduct a series of experiment on incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. In this physics lesson, students explain how they operate. They compare the efficiency and power rating of both bulbs.
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Permeability (Magnetism)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate magnetic permeability and saturation. In this physics lesson, students explain how current carrying wire coils create magnetic forces. They interpret normal magnetization curves.
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Magnetic Levitation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics activity, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
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Can You Get A Charge Out Of Matter?

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Pupils observe and demonstrate how objects can be charged positively and negatively and how static electricity works. They observe a teacher-led demonstration, and in small groups rotate through various static electricity activities,...
Lesson Plan
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Understanding Power using Kirchhoff’s Rules

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders cite real life applications of Kirchhoff's rules. In this physics lesson, 12th graders calculate current, power and voltage using Kirchhoff and Ohm's laws. They explain the different components and uses of transformers.
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Electromagnets

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students are introduced to the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Using a compass, they observe and record the effects of placing the object near magnetic fields and electric currents. They also experiment using a steel and...
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Fossil Fuels, Who Needs Them

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explore how electricity is created and distributed through alternative production methods. Students participate in hands-on activities, research, lecture based instruction, and CD ROM resources.