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Work
Ninth graders determine when work is being done on an object. They define work and calculate work for several examples. They define and give examples of force and distance and define power and calculate power. They determine the...
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Science: Gravity, Mass, and Weight
Third graders discover the interrelationship between weight, mass, and gravity by conducting several simple experiments. After individually weighing objects, they graph the weights on worksheets. Extensions include making flip books...
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Helium Balloon Race
Students determine the force of a helium balloon that allows it to rise a specific distance. In this helium lesson plan students calculate the amount of paper needed to construct a weight and determine the density of a piece of paper.
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Stop Pulling My Bot Around!
Students investigate the relationship between work and mechanical advantage. For this physics lesson, students calculate the work and efficiency of pulleys. They identify the different types of pulleys.
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Galvanometers
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.
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Our Desert Backyard
Young scholars make observations of their own backyard. In this environment lesson, students keep records of the plants and animals they see in their home or school yard. Young scholars make notes of how the weather and environment...
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The Lost Newton's Laws Lesson
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...
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Toting the Log and Lifting the Babe
Students use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.
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School Neighborhood Walking Tour
Students list specific boundaries in their school neighborhood and explain their possible purpose. They examine a neighborhood and see what connects us and what divides us. They, in groups, make maps of various neighborhoods and present...
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The Sun as the Driving Force of the Water Cycle
Students study the water cycle and how the sun is an important factor. In this water cycle lesson students investigate how to desalinate water and explore the different densities of fresh versus saltwater.
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Density
Students determine the density of different substances. In this physical science lesson, students rank them according to their density. They discover the relationship between volume and density.
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Newton's Third Law
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...
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Inclined Plane
Students using clay and a toothpick, shape the clay into a "mountain" upon which they make a road that is the shortest in distance. They measure the length of their road and then make a road that is the longest in distance without...
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Making Sense of Density
Students identify the concepts of density, mass, and volume that define the property of a substance. They also determine that the properties of materials, such as, density and volume, can be compared and measured by using rulers,...
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Buoyant Force
Students illustrate Archimedes' Principle of Buoyant Force. In this graphing instructional activity, students will observe that the buoyant force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Students will then create a...
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CD Slide
Students identify the different types of friction. In this physics lesson, students explain how weight affects friction. They calculate normal force and coefficient of friction using a mathematical formula.
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Butterfly Round-Up
Students classify the characteristics of butterflies and moths moths. In this life cycle lesson, students identify butterflies and moths common in the state of Iowa as well as their characteristics. Students then learn the proper catch...
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Necessary Nitrogen
Students view a video that presents the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen. They compare types of soils and consider how different fertilizers affect soil composition.
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How Much Does a Bear Weigh?
Students estimate how many children in their class it would take to equal the mass of one adult bear. They then weigh and record their measurement on a chart to check their estimate.
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Biodiversity in Our Watershed
Eighth graders create a database of animals and birds in the area in which they live. They use molded prints to make a cast of an imprint from a specific animal. They identify and research animals and prepare an outline for an oral...