Physics on the Playground

Second graders are introduced to different types of motion. They make rolling spider toys and race them on different surfaces to invsetigate forces and motion. Pupils make glue "spider webs" for their spiders after testing different...

Young scholars investigate friction on a playground slide. In this force and energy lesson, students will predict, plan, and implement a scientific investigation to the problem; What materials will allow me to slide the fastest down a...

Students explore the force of friction between materials. In this physics lesson plan, students participate in an experiment using various materials such as wood, waxed paper, and aluminum foil and explore which item produced the most...

Get things moving with this elementary science unit on simple machines. Through a series of nine lessons including teacher demonstrations, hands-on activities, and science experiments, young scientists learn about forces, motion,...

Understanding geography and government begins at the local level. Using maps and the parts of a newspaper, a unit plan introduces the concept of community. It starts with the creation of classroom and school maps, and then moves through...

Students experiment with force and motion. In this force and motion instructional activity, students test gravity using a variety of objects. Students rotate through a series of stations which use force, motion, friction, and inclines....

Students explore force and friction. In this force and friction lesson, students discover everyday examples of how  friction helps and hinders things we do. Students create a ramp to test the speed of their car. Students use...

Students are introduced to the concept of friction. They each get a penny and rotate to a different station consisting of an incline with a different type of surface to test the friction of it. Students then write down what happens at...

Second graders investigate friction by pulling a cup of marbles across a variety of surfaces, without the marbles spilling out.

Students define reflection and refraction. In this Physics lesson, students compare a variety of items to find properties of reflection or refraction. Students record their findings.