National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Understanding Wave Motion - Slinky vs. Snaky: Which Spring is Dominant?
Ride the wave to an understanding of refraction! The first in a series of two inquiry-based lessons challenges learners to create transverse waves with two different types of springs. As their wave hits an object, they observe the change...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Reflections of Light
Why can we see our reflection in a window but not a brick wall? Young physicists learn the Law of Reflection and various light properties that help them answer this and other questions about reflection. Use the PowerPoint to introduce...
Las Cumbres Observatory
Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve
Data can tell us a lot about celestial objects that are just too far away to study otherwise. Learners examine data on the brightness of an asteroid to predict its rotation rate. Graphing the data reveals a periodic pattern that allows...
Curated OER
Light Reflections
Students explore light. In this physical science light lesson, students display objects on a projection screen and investigate how light absorbs, refracts, transmits and reflects. Students discuss common features of light based on their...
Curated OER
Linear Motion
High schoolers are able to build an understanding of linear motion. They are able to define and calculate the speed and acceleration of various objects. Students are able to differentiate betweeen instantaneous speed and average speed....
Curated OER
Wavelengths of Light
Explore physical science by participating in a visual spectrum experiments. Budding scientists identify the colors in the color spectrum and view the colors in class by utilizing cellophane, flash lights, and other arts and crafts...
NASA
Eclipse Activity Guide
Ever made solar s'mores? Or recreated the solar system using peanuts? Astronomers young and old investigate all things solar using a variety of activities. Explore how the sun works, types of light it emits, and methods of charting the...
Curated OER
Newton's Laws of Motion
Sixth graders explore Newton's laws of motion with their own bodies. In this relative motion lesson students will use a wide range of materials bringing them from the concrete to the abstract on video. Students will draw inferences about...
Curated OER
What Does Motion Have to do with Sound?
Second graders investigate and explore sound energy. They investigate how the vibrational motion moves through matter in waves. Students describe sounds and vibrations. They observe that vibrational motion creates sounds. Students record...
Curated OER
Motions and Forces
Students explore motions, forces and magnetism. They investigate magnetism as a force and examine the construction of a magnet. Students examine the force that magnetism produces.
Curated OER
Simple Harmonic Motion
Students explore the theory of simple harmonic motion (SHM) by performing hands-on, practical application experiments. In this harmonic motion lesson, students use strings of various lengths and bobs of different weights to create a...
Curated OER
Incandescent Light Bulb
Students study the history of the light bulb and how an incandescent light bulb works. In this electricity lesson plan students complete several experiments on the light bulb.
Curated OER
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Students move through five stations demonstrating Newton's Third Law of Motion. For this Newtonian physics lesson, students watch as the instructor uses a firecracker to demonstrate action and reaction. The students travel to five...
Curated OER
Red Light, Green Light
Students investigate the friction between tires and the road and how it affects the movement of cars while driving. They discuss and define friction, experiment with sandpaper and wax paper to determine which material provides the least...
Curated OER
WHAT MAKES A LIGHT BULB LIGHT?
Students are able to use inquiry to answer the essential questions. They are able to predict and test configurations of a battery, bulb, and wire that make the complete circuit. Students craft a group and individual theory of a...
NASA
The Science of the Sun
There's more to that glowing ball of light in sky than most children realize. From the overall structure of the solar system, to the changing of the seasons, these hands-on lessons open the eyes of young scientists to the important role...
Curated OER
The Wonderful World of Waves (Wave Basics)
Students define amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period, calculate period given frequency, and calculate frequency given period, define crest and trough and locate both on diagram of wave, differentiate between latitudinal and...
Curated OER
Newton's 2nd Law
Fourth graders explore Newton's second law of motion, testing and identifying the characteristics of objects that makes them easier or harder to push. They identify what types of objects are the hardest to move, then test a variety of...
Curated OER
When Things Start Heating Up
Students explore how and why heat is produced from things that give off light, from machines, or when one thing is rubbed against another. They participate in several hands-on activities designed to help them realize that heat is related...
Curated OER
Forces in Action
Students investigate questions centered around force and motion by going through the scientific process and creating fair tests and experimentation. For this lesson about forces-in-action, students diagram their findings and explore...
Curated OER
Friction
Learners compare and contrast the movement of objects on different surfaces, experimenting with friction and forces of motion. This friction lesson plan has numerous online tools including worksheets and virtual activities; the option is...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function of...
IOP Institute of Physics
Physics in Concert
What do physicists and musicians have in common? A lot more than you might think. After first viewing a slide show presentation and completing a series of skills practice worksheets on the physics of light, sound, and electricity, young...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Light the Bulb!
Third graders investigate electrical circuits and how light bulbs are powered. In this electricity and power lesson, 3rd graders study the vocabulary necessary which includes the different types of circuits, electrical currents, and...