Back to the basics (of surface tension). The first installment of a nine-part series teaches young scholars about the basics of surface tension and how it relates to water droplets. They also learn how this concept allows for the...

Our final proposal for the cost of the bridge requested is ... In the last segment in a series of 10, pairs work together to develop a proposal for a city bridge design. The class completes a cost comparison between concrete and steel to...

Engage your class by showing them how silly putty and human tissues are alike. Pupils learn more about tissue mechanics by reflecting upon their experiences with silly putty. The lesson covers   collagen, elastin, and...

Wheeeee! Young thrill seekers build a bungee jump—not for themselves, though, but for an egg. The egg must fall from a height of five feet and rebound within two inches of the ground or floor.

Second graders explore simple machines. In this technology lesson, 2nd graders look at pulleys and gears and what the uses are for each. They complete a worksheet comparing the two. 

Students identify the different types of bridges. Using the internet, they research information on how they are built by completing a scavenger hunt. Locating a specific area, they determine which type of bridge would be appropriate and...

Magnets are a source of amazement for young learners. It seems like magic the way they can attract certain things. This worksheet gives some background on which materials can be attracted to a magnet. Then, learners must circle the words...

Students explain the concepts of kinetic and potential energy and how it can change forms.  In this energy, motion, and frictional forces activity students participate in a hands on activity that includes calculating energy.

Fourth graders explore friction. They examine the effects of friction in the movement of objects. Students discover how friction helps and hinders us in our daily lives. They answer questions and participate in activities to demonstrate...

Learners examine the connection between the habitat needs of endemic species to the habitat needs of humans.  For this habitat lesson students research the habitat requirements of a given family then develop an idea to improve the...

Students investigate the forces of compression, tension and torque on common birthday balloons.

Young scholars identify, describe and indicate direction and relative magnitude of forces.  For this motion lesson students work in groups to identify the force that is described to them. 

Learners investigate the atom and how it is formed. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then construct a model of the atom. Then students have class discussion. The lesson includes background information for the...

Geology rocks — literally! A geology chapter offers eleven activities at four different levels. Scholars enjoy completing hands-on experiments before applying critical thinking skills following a share, process, generalize, apply,...

Students work together to test the strengths of various types of magnets. After testing, they create a graph showing how the strength changes as the distance from the magnet increases. They discuss how forces can act from various...

Students review what force. In this science lesson, students determine which surfaces are rough and which are smooth by observing how an object moves on each surface.

Young scholars describe how volcanoes are formed. They name the types of boundaries where volcanoes occur. They utilize models to illustrate the occurence of volcanoes and earthquakes along plate boundaries. They compare and constrast...

In this levers worksheet, students review how to calculate mechanical advantages using forces and using distance. Students explore the three types of levers. Then students complete 20 fill in the blank questions and 6 problems to solve.

Students build a model of a bridge and test the amount of weight it support. They identify different types of bridges: suspension, arch, girder, truss, cantilever, cable-stayed and moveable.

Students conduct an experiment to find out how well different wires radiate heat when voltage is applied across the wire. They use the results of their experiments to consider how the gauge of the wire and the type of wire affect the...

Eighth graders utilize Internet research skills, and practice their communication skills by presenting their research to the clas. They actively consider the types of hazards for humans associated with Natural Disaters and ways that...

Students design a bridge. In this science lesson, students research different types of bridges and create a bridge using marshmallows, toothpicks and construction paper.

Ninth graders explain how atoms and molecules form different substances during chemical reactions and how these processes require losing, gaining or sharing electrons. They correctly write chemical formulas and show how a balanced...

Learners discover how to create a model of tectonic plates and study the interactions of these plates as they slowly move on the asthenosphere. They see and experience what happens at each type of plate boundary and why there are certain...