Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trajectory and Range of a Projectile

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students investigate the factors affecting projectile trajectory. In this physics lesson, students calculate the range, time and speed of projectiles using mathematical equations.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Lost Newton's Laws Lesson

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students explore momentum. In this physics lesson, students perform an experiment in which two balls are released on slanted boards while students observe which ball will go the farthest and the fastest. Students define and explain...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Model Rockets

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners build a model rocket. In this model rocket lesson, students explore a rocket launch cycle. Learners investigate the laws of physics for each part of the launch. Students build model rockets and launch at school.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Machines

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Students explore the concepts of force and effort by observing simple machines. In this physics lesson, students attempt to sharpen a pencil without any help, bite into an orange with their lips curled over their teeth, and other...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Build Your Own Hovercraft

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students construct a hovercraft following specific procedures. In this technology lesson, students explain the physics principles behind hovercraft. They compare and contrast this machine with the aircraft.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gyrocopter - Describing Rotary Motion

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students calculate angular displacement, velocity and acceleration of gyrocopters. In this physics lesson, students compare data taken from 3 different gyrocopters. They explain how differences in construction material affect rates of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Observing Motion

For Teachers 1st
First graders explore movement and motion. In this motion lesson, 1st graders how objects can move as well as how the Earth is in constant motion and the force of gravity. Students complete a coloring sheet.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Motion, Force, and Gravity

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars write a research paper about human space travel. In this space travel instructional activity, students watch a video and research issues related to space travel. They use their research to write a paper about whether human...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Free Up the Ketchup!

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students, in teams, use given materials and their knowledge of Newton's First Law to create a device that will remove a sticky ping pong ball from a 16-oz. cup (which represents ketchup stuck in a bottle.)
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Crash Course in Flight

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High school physicists demonstrate Bernoulli's Principle by blowing on different items and finding that they do not move in the expected direction! They apply Bernoulli's equation to the flight of an airplane. This well-organized lesson...
Lesson Plan
NASA

Gravitational Waves

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scientists participate in a hands-on experiment to explore Einstein's theory of relativity in a creative manner. They investigate various waves and compare their characteristics as they discuss how each wave is created....
Lesson Plan
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Teach Engineering

Just Plane Simple

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
It is plane to see that simple machines help reduce the force needed to perform a task.  This resource introduces three of the simple machines--the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw, and  the formulas in order to be able...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Animation Flip Books

For Teachers 1st - 7th
Students investigate examples of animation made from a flipbook technique in order to learn how to create their own flipbook and to learn how this process looks like an animated cartoon. In this animation lesson, students will observe...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Physics Rewind

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders differentiate speed and velocity. In this physics lesson, 8th graders explain Newton's laws of motion. They calculate speed using a mathematical formula.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Scientific Inquiry: Periodic Motion

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars construct their own pendulum. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Motion Through the Ages

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders conduct internet research to produce a timeline of man's growth in understanding of concepts of motion and planetary motion through history.
Lesson Plan
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Animating Motion

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Learners apply what they recall about objects in motion by animati ng sequences of pictures that model a set of physical conditions. They animate the orbital motions of the Earth, the space shuttle, and the Moon based on calculations of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Newton's Third Law

For Teachers Pre-K - K
Students use inquiry and observation to explore Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is a reaction. In this physics lesson, students rotate through six stations set up with materials and picture directions illustrating an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electricity and Magnetism

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders compare electricity and magnetism. In this science lesson, 4th graders discuss the concepts of electricity and magnetism and brainstorm examples of electrical and magnetic forces.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

PHYSICS OF FLIGHT

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the basic principles of flight, including the Bernoulli Principle and Newton's Laws. They construct and study model aircraft
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Balsa Wood Airplane Flight and Speed Correlation

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders calculate the average speed of their balsa wood airplane. In this physics lesson, 9th graders build their own airplane and make necessary modifications to to make it fly straight. They interpret distance and time graph...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Simple Harmonic Motion

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students study harmonic motion and its oscillation.  For this simple harmonic motion lesson students demonstrate a series of regular oscillations and explain the theory behind the experiment. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bounce (Projectile Motion And Collisions)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners analyze the motion of an object as it moves through a complex path that includes rolling, falling, and bouncing. They answer questions related to what forces are acting at any given time.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Football Physics "Having A Ball With Projectile Motion"

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the concept of projectile motion and identify the 3 components of projectile motion. They explore how physics applies to punting a football through punting activities and internet research.