Lesson Plan
Science Matters

May the Magnetic Force Be with You

For Teachers 4th
Attraction and repulsive forces might seem mysterious to young learners. Have your classes experiment with these forces in the second installment of a 14-part unit on magnetism and electricity. Individuals test different...
Lesson Plan
Science Matters

Magnetic Fields: The Earth Acts as a Giant Magnet

For Teachers 4th
Attract learners to an interesting lesson! The third in a 14-part series of lessons on electricity and magnetism uses a hands-on approach to exploring magnetic fields. Scholars experiment with a compass to test Earth's magnetic field and...
Lesson Plan
Science Matters

Static Electricity

For Teachers 4th
Working with static electricity is sure to give the class a charge! Budding scientists experiment with balloons and different materials to discover how to create static electricity. They learn about the transfer of electrons and the...
Lesson Plan
Science Matters

Motors

For Teachers 4th
It's time to get moving! The 13th lesson in a 14-part unit on electricity and magnetism explores the relationship between electricity and mechanical energy. Budding scientists build motors and experiment with different components to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Bouncing Ball

For Teachers 1st - 7th
Students use the scientific method to conduct an experiment to test how a ball bounces. In this inquiry-based physical science and scientific method activity, students drop a ball from specified heights and record the rebound, then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Surface Friction and Wear Characteristics of Common Materials

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers identify the factors affecting friction. In this physics lesson, students construct their own rocket car and race them. They graph the average speeds and discuss how lubricants affect friction between rubbing surfaces.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weathering

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders explore weathering and how the water cycle plays a part in weathering. For this weathering lesson, 2nd graders put gravel and sugar cubes in a jar and shake, simulating weathering. Students use the scientific method...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical Fun

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders observe and conduct a variety of experiments to differentiate between physical and chemical changes. They mix cabbage juice with different liquids and record their observations on a chart. Students write down their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weathering

For Teachers 7th - 9th
For this weathering worksheet, students investigate the effects of water and acid on limestone. They form a hypothesis for both and experiment to find the results.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fun with Surface Tension!

For Teachers 5th - 9th
Students explore physical science by participating in a water properties experiment. In this surface tension lesson, students utilize pennies, water, a dropper and soapy water to test the different surface tensions with numerous objects....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Properties of Water with a Splash of Color

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore the properties of water. In this cross curriculum art and physical science activity, students experiment with a variety of materials to demonstrate the cohesive forces and adhesion of water. Students create a water color...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Magnets

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students complete a series of experiments using magnets. In this physical science and magnetism lesson, students first predict and test the magnetic properties of various objects, then students determine if the size of a magnet impacts...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Hot and Cold Colors

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine how temperature effects changes in materials. In this physical science lesson, students use food coloring and cups of water of varying temperatures to observe the effects temperature has on matter. Students predict and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gravity Launch

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students examine how gravity affects launching rockets into space. In this physical science lesson, students review the concept of gravity and use an interactive online site, "Gravity Launch," to simulate a rocket launch.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Junkyard Wars: Wild Watercraft

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students develop a fast travelling hull for a boat. In this physical science lesson plan, the students' hulls will be tested in a channel (built by the teacher) with a fan as the driving force. The students will compete for who has the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Teen Driving: Skills, Responsibilities and Reactions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
As an introduction to the skills required for and responsibilities of driving, pre-teens and teens engage in a series of activities, chart their response times, and analyze how variables effect these reaction times. Class...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Applied Science - Physics Pos Lab (Air Pressure)

For Teachers 6th - 7th
Students examine physics. In this air movement lesson plan, students conduct an experiment that shows how air moves based on the pressure it's under. They watch the teacher complete the procedure and then try it on their own in a small...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chemical or Physical?

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders make observations of the reactions that happens between calcium carbonate and various liquids. During the experiment the students determine if there is a chemical change, a physical reaction, or no reaction when they mix...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mathematical Modeling and Physics

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders use a web site to investigate roller coaster physics. In this mathematical modeling lesson, 12th graders are grouped according to their performance on a test. Each group is given an activity to complete on a web site...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physical properties of matter

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders find the physical properties of matter. In this matter lesson, 6th graders measure mass, volume, and density. Students are broken into 3 tiers with 3 different activities based on their understanding of mass and volume. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Science Project

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Students research a topic in the various fields of science that interests them. Using a computer, they type their information to use on their project and use a scanner to place pictures or articles in the document. They use the steps...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Interactions of Science and Technologies

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore how science and technology interact. They discuss important inventions, discoveries and technologies. They research a specific technological advance, or invention, and prepare a presentation that includes the...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Physics Quiz

For Students 6th - 12th
For this physics worksheet, students complete short answer questions about physics concepts such as electricity, space, light, and more. Students complete 20 short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Magnetic Experiment

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders experiment with magnets. In this magnet experiment lesson, 3rd graders explore magnetic attraction and repulsion. Students rotate through four stations and investigate the properties of magnets.