Curated OER
Forces and Newton's Three Laws
Students watch demonstrations of forces and Newton's Three Laws. In this forces lesson, students watch four demonstrations and complete the associated worksheets associated with Newton's Laws. There is a PowerPoint that can be accessed...
Curated OER
Propulsion Pop!
Students demonstrate an understanding of the text by completing a propulsion activity, charting the results, and answering questions that demonstrate an understanding of rocket propulsion.
Curated OER
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Seventh graders are introduced to Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this physics instructional activity students examine the concept of thrust as one of the forces acting on aircraft.
Curated OER
Aqua-Thrusters!
Students construct their own rocket-powered boat called an "aqua-thruster." These aqua-thrusters will be made from a film canister and will use carbon dioxide gas - produced from a chemical reaction between an antacid tablet and water -...
Curated OER
Out of This World
Fifth graders animate their own planets. In this solar system lesson, 5th graders use smartphones and the software, GoKnow Sketchy, to create images for presentations on their created planets that appear to be animated when played...
Curated OER
Periodic Table of the Elements: Noble Gases
Students research how neon signs are made and design their own. In this periodic table lesson, students familiarize themselves with the noble gases on the periodic table. They watch a video, research how neon signs are made, and design...
Curated OER
Energy Forms
Young scholars explore energy by participating in a science lab in class. In this energy form lesson, students define the different types of energy such as light, mechanical and sound while examining energy measuring tools in class....
Curated OER
Toying Around with Newton's Laws
Eighth graders identify balanced and unbalanced forces that affect the movement of objects and Newton's three Laws of Motion. Students also design a contraption utilizing Newton's Laws of Motion that will launch a marshmallow five meters.
Curated OER
Introduction to Graphical Representation of Data Sets in Connection to Cellular Growth
Students practice graphing relationships between variables by studying topics such as exponential growth and decay. They conduct a series of numerical experiments using a computer model and a variety of physical experiments using mold,...
Curated OER
Help! I'm Under Too Much Pressure!
Students play with a ping pong ball sized piece of modeling clay observing what happens to the clay as they play with it and write their observations in their notebooks. They share the results of their observations introducing the term...
Curated OER
Keep in Touch: Communications and Satellites
Students investigate how satellites help people communicate with others far away and in remote areas. They discuss a scenario of someone travelling to an area with no mode of communication, observe a teacher demonstration, and create a...
Curated OER
Speed and Acceleration
In this speed and acceleration worksheet, students complete math word problems having to do with speed and acceleration. Students complete 13 problems.
Curated OER
Balloonautics
Students are introduced to basic aerodynamics through a discussion of thrust and drag and a hands-on activity. They examine the forces of thrust, drag, air pressure, aerodynamic shapes and Newton's Third Law Of Motion.
Curated OER
Air: Demonstrating Its Presence and Effects
Students explore the concept of air. In this gravity lesson plan, students perform various experiments that deal with gravity, air resistance, and air pressure.
Curated OER
A Tour of the Solar System
Students construct a spacecraft out of Lego blocks and other materials. They work on their models in small groups while building. They become familar with the planets while working cooperatively.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Solid Motor Rocket Propulsion
What does it take to launch a satellite to explore Mars, or a mission to the moon? This project has several possible variations for exploring the physics of rockets. This is rocket science.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Water Rocket Launcher
Follow the directions in the lesson plan to construct a water rocket launcher made from off the shelf hardware and wood.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: A Pictorial History
View pictures, descriptions, and dates of rockets throughout history. Learn about rockets and how they have evolved throughout time.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Heavy Lifting
A lesson plan for students to construct balloon powered rockets. Students will be given the same materials to construct their own rocket and then have a contest to see who can launch the highest paperclip from their rocket.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: How Rockets Work
In this article, learn how rockets work. Discover Newton's Law of Motion and learn how it supports rocketry.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Applying Newton's Laws
Learn how Newton's Laws apply to rocketry. Discover how rockets work, including the engines and propellants.
NASA
Nasa: Rockets Educator Guide: Newton Car
This lesson gives students direction on how to experiment using gravity and force. Students will make a wooden car and use different forces to make the car propel.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Physical Science
The Discovery Channel provides numerous lesson plans dealing with the physical sciences. Content is organized by grade level, but all lesson plans include suggestions for adaptations for older or younger audiences.
Read Works
Read Works: Nj Physics Professor Has the 'Right Stuff'
[Free Registration/Login Required] A biographical text about Dr. Greg Olsen, the third private citizen to travel to outer space. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.