Exploratorium
Marshmallow Puff Tube
Let physical science stars experience Newton's first law of motion by blowing marshmallows out of cardboard tubes! Using different lengths of tubing, they find that more force is needed to overcome increasing friction, and they have a...
Curated OER
Reading Graphs
Working independently or in teams, your class practices connecting graphs, formulas and words. This activity includes a guided discussion about distance vs. time graphs and looking at how velocity changes over time.
Curated OER
How do forces combine?
In this calculus-based worksheet, students experiment how to add forces in order to get a net force of zero with no acceleration while following the directions of a variety of different scenarios.
Curated OER
Gravitational Potential Energy
In this energy learning exercise, students use the gravitational potential energy equation to solve for mass, height, or free-fall acceleration. This learning exercise has 10 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Formula Challenge
In this science learning exercise, students name what each of the units listed represent whether it is distance, time, speed, or acceleration. Then they solve each of the word problems that follow, showing all of their work.
Curated OER
Rectilinear Motion
Twelfth graders rewrite word problems using algebraic expressions. In this calculus lesson, 12th graders calculate the velocity, time and acceleration while analyzing real life scenarios. They solve problems related to when the...
Curated OER
MASS
Students distinguish between weight and mass. They examine how in oscillations of a mass against an elastic spring--in the absence of gravity, or in horizontal motion--the length of the oscillation period is proportional to the square...
Physics LAB
Distinguishing 2nd and 3rd Law Forces
In this laws of forces instructional activity, students are given 27 problems to solve given diagrams showing forces acting upon objects. Students find the forces acting upon the objects, the determine the opposing forces acting upon the...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Varying Motion
For this secondary mathematics learning exercise, high schoolers collect data based on a person’s motion. From this data, students create graphs comparing displacement, velocity, and acceleration to time. The five-page learning exercise...
Curated OER
Newton's Laws Review
For this Newton's Laws worksheet, students solve 4 problems using Newton's Laws. Students explain their work and calculations using Newton's Laws and equations.
Curated OER
Weight, Friction, and Equilibrium
In this weight worksheet, students read about weight, friction, and equilibrium. Students then complete 10 matching, 7 fill in the blank, and 8 word problems.
Curated OER
Space Ship Pilot
Students visualize the relationship between acceleration and velocity as they maneuver a model spaceship in a 2-dimensional applet.
Physics LAB
SHM Properties
For this harmonic motion activity, students determine the properties of simple harmonic oscillators and identify the equations for calculating velocity and acceleration of simple harmonic oscillators. This activity has 6 problems to solve.
Teach Engineering
Physics Tug of War
Slide books with a little assistance from Newton. Using books, groups create a demonstration of Newton's Second Law of motion. Pupils compare the distance traveled by one and two books when they apply a force to them.
Curated OER
Unit II: Worksheet 1 - Velocity
Beginning physics scholars interpret two graphs depicting position versus time. For each graph, there is a series of questions to answer. The exercise is basic, but beneficial. Consider using it as an assessment of understanding after...
Exploratorium
Whack-a-Stack
Go wild as you hit a stack of wooden blocks to demonstrate Newton's first and second laws of motion. The blocks at the top of the stack stay put as you knock one at a time out of the bottom. Note, however, that you will need to visit a...
Curated OER
Tracking Speed
Students collect data for a runner by measuring the time it takes for the runner to run equal distances. After collecting data, students average speeds and accelerations for the runner. Assignment is completed by graphing the data.
Curated OER
Time and Motion on Track
Students create a motion diagram for a distance and motion project. In this time and motion lesson, students take turns walking around the track and take pictures of their motion. Students measure the distances and determine each...
Physics LAB
Uniform Circular Motion
In this circular motion worksheet, students determine the magnitude of a coin's linear velocity and the magnitude of its acceleration. This worksheet has 14 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Rotational Dynamics
In this motion worksheet, students calculate the initial angular acceleration, and the angular speed before and after impact for different objects. This worksheet has 3 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Hang Time
Young scholars use the equation to calculate the vertical distance an object fall during 1 second in 1/10 second increments. (The acceleration due to gravity on the Earth=a= 9.8 m/s2) Using a graphing calculator, students plot the path...
Curated OER
Walking on Water
Students use this problem to help them to relate to force vectors: Suspend a meterstick horizontally between two tables. Place a 1kg mass in the middle of the meterstick. Notice the bend of the meterstick. Explain why the meterstick...
Curated OER
Acceleration
Students develop an understanding of velocity and to distinguish it from speed. To determine the difference between a scalar and a vector quantity. To explore how acceleration is derived from velocity and time.
Curated OER
Motion
In this motion worksheet, students will read 8 statements about displacement and velocity and determine if the statement is true or false. Then students will fill in the blank for 8 statements on motion. Finally, students will compare...