What's the Matter? (Grades 6-7)

Students investigate the water cycle by performing a simple hands-on activity using a plastic container, plastic cup, a rock, and a reflector lamp. They observe the model and measure the water level from time to time.

Young scientists get to the heart of the matter as they complete this learning exercise on the properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

Young scientists inductively derive Ohm's Law of voltage, resistance, and current by creating series and parallel circuits with 9-volt batteries and light bulbs. A week's worth of experiments, observation, and hands-on activities are...

An educational lesson focuses on the idea of conservation of matter through a demonstration of the water cycle, a discussion of digesting food, and the path of carbon and oxygen atoms as they change form. 

Does matter really matter? Properties of matter are discussed by Sam and RJ: mass, volume, and density. They differentiate between mass and weight. They explain how to measure these properties. Make sure to teach your class about other...

Learn about the center of mass and projectiles by examining the movement of Olympic figure skaters! Physics and skating fans will be delighted as they watch super athletes perform unbelievable feats. Arrows and text appear to highlight...

Have you heard of the Fosbury Flop? It was invented by a college high jumper in and has become the standard technique for high jumpers world wide. Learn the physics of this move and why it is more effective for clearing the bar than the...

Four types of air masses interact in the atmosphere above the US. The collision of these air masses forms a front, which, in turn, creates our weather. Concepts are explained by Sam and RJ, thus preventing a snowball fight. Your class...

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This unit includes seven lessons starting with physical change and moving through to chemical change. Conservation of matter is explained clearly with multiple hands-on activities and...

Poor Sam! His graham crackers have undergone a physical change, so he can't make his s'mores! Mia explains that their molecules haven't changed, therefore they are still graham crackers. The two teens then discuss clues that would...