Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Physics of the Planets: How 16th and 17th Century Physicist Helped Us Understand Our Solar System

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders draw the paths of the planets in the solar system. In this astronomy lesson, 8th graders calculate speed of objects using distance and time information. They research about the work of scientists in the 16th and 17th century.
Unit Plan
Indiana Department of Education

Amusement of the Future

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Take your class on the ride of their lives! Physical science scholars get an in-depth look at potential and kinetic energies in an amusement park-themed unit. Students research, design, and promote their own amusement parks,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy and Work: Transformation Through Engines

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students conduct a webquest on an energy source they chose. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to determine the factors affecting potential and kinetic energy. They calculate speed and create distance vs. time graphs.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Proportions in Flight

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore physics by utilizing their math skills. In this flight properties lesson plan, 6th graders examine the flying capabilities of planes and birds. Students utilize math to find how many wing-beats are needed to keep a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Motion in the Ocean

For Teachers 9th - 12th
How does the formation of currents and waves in the ocean happen? High schoolers will learn about the primary causes for ocean currents and waves by calculating a wave's amplitude and nautical mile speed. Then they will complete a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Air Pressure

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners participate in a series of demonstrations about Bernoulli's principle. They explain how air pressure varies with air speed. They write a detailed lab report about the activity. This is a great way to explore this concept.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Halls are Alive with the Sound of Music

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students discuss physical places in which had good or bad acoustics. After reading an article, they discover the relationship between the physics of sound and concert hall acoustics. They calculate the speed of sound and compare their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stream Study

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students study the characteristics of a stream habitat. In this life science lesson, students use sieves, nets, and jars to collect aquatic organisms. Students also measure the temperature of the stream and calculate the speed of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parabolas in Flight

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students utilize a trajectory formula in order to discover the physics of a thrown ball.  In this physics instructional activity, students videotape the trajectory of a thrown ball or basketball shot and analyze the action by...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

May The Fastest Toy Win

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students determine which wind-up toy is the fastest. However, they can NOT race the toys. They must find another way. On the first day of the activity, students work in pairs or small groups to develop and write a plan.