Build learning by breaking atoms! Young scientists study the way energy changes with a hands-on activity. As they roll steel marbles down a ramp, learners test the hypothesis that kinetic energy does not go away with friction...

High schoolers analyze and evaluate evidence that matter is made of tiny particles. They observe a series of phenomena involving solids, liquids, and gases to make inferences about the spacing, interactions and relative kinetic energies...

Third graders investigate different energy conversions through hands-on activities. In this energy instructional activity, 3rd graders move through four stations and conduct experiments illustrating energy conversions. Wave energy,...

Students explore the states of matter. They discuss the different phrases of matter and categorize everyday substances as solids, liquids, or gases. Students explore the relationship between the phases on an atomic level and the role of...

Students investigate the reaction rate of iodine and soluble starch. In this rates of chemical reactions lesson plan, students study the effects of varying concentrations of reactants and varying temperatures of reactants on the reaction...

This simple activity is ideal for upper elementary learners when studying physical science. Using their sense of touch to describe how hot something feels, and then comparing their observations to thermometer measurements, they discover...

Students distinguish between kinetic an potential energy. They recognize that energy is conserved when changing from one form to another. Students compare the scientific meaning of work with its everyday meaning.

Students identify diffusion and its processes through experimentation and calculations. They also use a CBL and conductivity probe to measure the conductivity of various solutions and study the effect of concentration gradients on the...

Heat things up in your physical science class with this interactive lesson series on thermodynamics. Through a series of class demonstrations and experiments, young scientists learn how heat is transferred through conduction,...

Fifth graders explore energy transfer. In this thermal energy lesson, 5th graders stretch rubber bands several times and estimate the band's temperature change. Students identify this action as an example of thermal energy. Students...

Students study cosmic rays and the energy behind them.  For this atmospheric lesson students complete a cosmic ray telescope project. 

Students describe how cosmic rays achieve high kinetic energy via conservation of momentum.

Students categorize items into one of the three states of matter. They participate in a demonstration in which they represent particles of matter. Finally, they complete an experiment in which they "race" top see who can make acetone...

Students experiment with heat. In this physical science lesson, students engage in hands-on activities to develop concepts related to heat. Students offer explanations for their observations using given vocabulary.

High schoolers develop a scientific model of gas behavior. In this gas lesson plan, students observe different balloons filled with different densities of gases. They complete an activity where they model the behavior of gases using...

Students remove heat energy and determine how it causes a phase change.

Eighth graders investigate different gas behaviors. In this chemistry lesson, 8th graders describe how changing volume and temperature affect gas particles motion. They collect data and make a generalization about these variables'...

Students conduct a series of activity that demonstrates Charles' and Boyle's Law. In this chemistry lesson, students determine the relationship among pressure, volume and temperature. They solve problems using mathematical equation.