The cat's out of the bag (or off the leash, in this case) regarding the expansion of the universe. In this intriguing episode, the narrator explains that space is expanding, not the objects within it. He also tells how expansion...

Is it possible to defy gravity? Not really. With force and inertia, we can act against it for a little while, but, eventually, gravitational force will pull us back to Earth. The relationships among mass, force, and inertia are all...

A random sequence of events are recorded, then shown very slowly (with added emphasis). From a water balloon popping to a slap in the face, see exactly what happens at each stage of an event when it is slowed down enormously. Great for a...

Here is a nifty worksheet on energy transfer. Physics fanatics analyze a diagram and state whether or not friction is involved. They sketch bar graphs and draw energy flow diagrams for each system as well. Circular motion, movement up...

Students apply their knowledge of friction, drag, mass and gravity as they design, build, and test mini-bobsleds.

In this math worksheet, students are given 8 questions regarding Kepler's first law of motion. The questions include definitions, short essay explanations, and formulaic expressions.

Three memorable activities build on each other to give physics masters a firm grasp of Newton's Second Law. Pupils play with a lab cart on a flat surface and on an incline to confirm that force is equal to mass times acceleration. In the...

What a great idea for scientific inquiry. This lab was intended for use as children explored a college campus, but it could be used anywhere. They go to three different places on campus and conduct a simple experiment that shows an...

This PowerPoint is a gem! Seventy-eight slides present an entire introduction to matter in bullet-point fashion. Viewers learn about everything from mass and inertia to phase changes and gas laws! The only glitch is that the links to...

Give every type of learner in your physics class an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year. From analyzing tables and graphs, to evaluating diagrams and solving problems, there is an outstanding variety of...

Twelve pages of mostly multiple-choice questions comprise this comprehensive New York Regents physics exam. It covers an entire year's worth of physics curriculum and requires about three hours for completion. Review the questions to...

Stop and drop what is in your hand! Pupils investigate how form effects drag in the 12th part of a 22-part unit on aviation. Groups create equally weighted objects and determine which one falls the fastest by collecting data.

Groups simulate an orbit using a piece of string and a water balloon. Individuals spin in a circular path and calculate the balloon's velocity when the clothes pin can no longer hold onto the balloon.

Twisting and turning through the sky, roller coasters are popular attractions at amusement parks around the world, but how exactly do they work? Explore the physics behind these thrilling rides with an engineering design activity....

It's hard to explain stuff you can't see! But, this animated stick-figure drawing describes dark matter and how we know it exists. It likens the galaxy to a merry-go-round, holding the stars on their circular path. The one-minute...

Some commonly accepted concepts are not completely valid. In this video, the following ideas are thoroughly explained away: Light cannot be effected by gravity Velocity is additive The earth appears to be flat Not only is this an...

Gravity is thoroughly defined in this short, but weighty, featurette. The relationship of mass to force is incorporated, and the idea that gravity can also attract energy is introduced. In a flipped classroom situation, have learners...

This lesson certainly will not be a drag! Little engineers design parachutes that make use of air resistance and, as a result, slow the descent of the payload as much as possible. It is an opportunity to teach about many motion concepts:...

Travel through space as you learn about the galaxy, solar system, planets, and much more. An extensive resource for studying astronomy in upper-elementary and middle school classrooms.

Being an astronaut takes not only high mental acuity, but also a high level of physical fitness, especially for those who spend a long amount of time away from Earth, such as the astronauts serving on the International Space Station....

Wow! Your class will love experimenting with the laws of inertia. Steve Spangler shows how to remove a tablecloth filled with dishes and glasses of water without spilling a drop. Use this resource to lead into a discussion of gravity and...

What a fun demonstration! Show the video, or better yet, have your physics learners construct this hex nut pendulum and test it themselves. Then have them discuss in groups why the single hex nut wraps around the finger. See if they can...

Explore the effects of gravity using this demonstration on surface tension. Learners fill a glass with water, put a handkerchief over the top creating a seal, and then turn the glass over without losing a drop. This is a terrific way to...

The science of roller coasters is explained along with Newton's Laws of Physics, to an extent. Show to your physics class for a little fun explanation of gravity.