Lesson Plan
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Build a Tesla Coil

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore tesla coil through various experiments. In this physics lesson plan, students build their own tesla coils based on a given procedure. They discuss its real world applications.
Lesson Plan
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Old Solutions - New Solutions

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners examine descriptions of a mining company's land-reclamation project. They share information to analyze the environmental impact of the project. Independently, they answer questions on environmental and economic issues...
Lesson Plan
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Adventures in Electrical Engineering

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students explore electricity by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson plan, students discover the relationship between current, voltage and resistance. They calculate voltage and power in a given system.
Lesson Plan
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Fit for Our Future

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Students understand the importance of physical fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle.  In this health lesson students create a display and presentation about what they learned. 
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Simple/Complex Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students make a simple machine. In this physics lesson, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Students create a simple or...
Lesson Plan
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Floating and Falling Flows

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students discover fluid dynamics related to buoyancy through experimentation and optional photography. Using one set of fluids, they make light fluids rise through denser fluids. Using another set, they make dense fluids sink through a...
Lesson Plan
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Bridges

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the different types, designs and nature of bridges. They observe a historical look at the bridges in and around the Pittsburgh area through a video presentation. Connections are made between science and...
Lesson Plan
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Meet One Picky Bird

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students complete a research project  In this endangered species lesson plan, students use the "Think, Puzzle, Explore" method to learn about endangered species. Students research and write a report on the red-cockaded woodpecker.
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The Hand Drill: An Example of a Screw

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students examine how a screw works as an inclined plane and a hand drill works as a screw. In this physics lesson, students complete two hands-on activities working with simple machines including screws and hand drills. This lesson...
Lesson Plan
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Kite Experiments and Building Information

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Learners build their own kite following certain procedures. In this physics lesson plan, students explain the aerodynamics concepts involved in flying kites. They trace the development of aviation.
Lesson Plan
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The Tell-Tale Plume

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine hydrothermal vents. In this ocean lesson, students identify changes in physical and chemical properties of sea water caused by hydrothermal vents.
Lesson Plan
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Magnets

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders classify objects and create hypotheses regarding their magnetic properties. They watch a video about magnets and finally use a magnet to test their hypotheses created earlier.
Lesson Plan
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Earth's Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers investigate the magnitude of Earth's magnetic field using PASCO. In this physics lesson, students describe the features of the magnetosphere. They explain how atmosphere layers protect the Earth.
Lesson Plan
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Understanding How Potatoes Grow

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders make a KWL chart and brainstorm what they need for the project of growing potatoes. They choose one potato and plant it in water or peat moss cups and choose a location in which meets the needs of the plants and make their...
Lesson Plan
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Sound Waves

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students explore sound. In this "sound" science lesson plan, students define sound and explain how sound travels. Students experiment with paper cups and string to conclude how sound travels. Students research a chosen aspect of sound...
Lesson Plan
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Lenz's Law

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars 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...
Lesson Plan
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Van de Graaff Generator

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore static electricity using the Van de Graaff generator. In this physics lesson plan, students construct their own Van de Graaff using simple materials. They explain how charges accumulate on this device.
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Galvanometers

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners construct their own galvanometer. In this physics lesson, students explain how it is used to detect electric current. They conduct an experiment to measure how much electricity flows through the circuit.
Lesson Plan
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Resistor and Resistance

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore electrical resistance through various experiments. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate resistance using a mathematical formula. They explain how colors identify the resistance value of a resistor.
Lesson Plan
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Thermoelectricity

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

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners 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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Rechargeable Batteries

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery...
Lesson Plan
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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.