Exploratorium
Antigravity Mirror
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's super student! Physical science stars can fly during a unit on light as they see the reflection of one leg in a mirror, behind which the other holds them up.
Curated OER
Can Cruncher
Students experiment with boiling water and cans to study changes in pressure. For this pressure lesson plan, students use pop cans filled with varying amounts of water heated to boiling. Students drop the cans in cold water and observe...
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Objects Race 500
Young scholars explore the concept of "shape affects speed" through a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students participate in an experiment in which various objects are released on an inclined plane. Speed and distance are...
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Electrolytic Titration
Young scholars observe an electrolytic titration using a conductivity tester. In this titration lesson, students observe a solution of acid conducting electricity using the conductivity apparatus. They observe the acid solution being...
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Measuring the Heat Energy of a Chemical Change
Students investigate the Law of Conservation of Energy and the relationship between heat and temperature. In this heat energy and chemical changes lesson, students observe a candle heating a paper cup of water and make predictions about...
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Balloon Rockets
In this balloon rocket worksheet, students experiment with a balloon, clothespin, straw, string and tape to observe Newton's Third Law of Motion in action. Students explain the action force and reaction force acting in the investigation.
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Monumental Disappearance
Fourth graders compare the emissions listed on the EPA isopleths over the past five-year period for ten key states. They use this information to rank each region according to the degree of acid rain problem in those parts of the United...
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Pen Light Lab
Students study what makes Earth warm and explore how different locations on the planetreceive different amounts of solar energy based on the intensity of the sun's rays. They calculate light intensities and compare the
amounts of light...
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Sewer Lice
Students observe demonstrations that show adhesion, cohesion, equilibrium density, pressure of gases and solubility. For this gases lesson plan, students observe a demonstration of raisins, spaghetti, and popcorn moving up and down in...
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Gases, Pressure, and Volume
Students investigate the relationship between pressure and volume in gases. For this gases, pressure and volume lesson plan, students learn about the meaning of pressure. They observe different nail boards and are able to sit on the...
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Rock Cycle
In this rock cycle worksheet, students simulate the changes that occur during the rock cycle using a sugar cube. They use the sugar cube to represent a rock and perform changes on the sugar cube that represent the stages of the rock cycle.
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Changing Sugar
In this chemical and physical change worksheet, students use a sugar cube and observe its physical properties both when it is whole and after it is crushed. They heat the sugar cube and record 5 properties of the matter while being...
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Oscillations
Students construct and compare the actions of various pendulums. In this pendulum motion lesson, students build and test different types of pendulums. They conduct experiments with the length of the swing arm and apply mathematical...
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Breaking News: Syria Protests Getting Bigger (April 16th, 2011)
Students explore current events by participating in several worksheet style activities. In this Syrian protest lesson, students read a news article discussing the Syrian uprising that took place in April of 2011. Students complete...
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Trapping CO2
Students investigate climate change and how the properties of carbon dioxide and methane play a part. In this climate lesson students use a chemical reaction to trap CO2 and methane.
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How Strong is Your Magnet?
Students measure the strength of a magnet and graph how the strength changes as the distance from the magnet increases.
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Enzymatic Action
Students observe how a cell uses an enzyme to rid itself of a poisonous substance by experimenting with hydrogen peroxide, potatoes, liver and carrots. They record the temperature and changes of the hydrogen peroxide as other elements...
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Periodic Motion - The Pendulum
Students study the concept of periodic motion and relate it to the movement of a pendulum. They discover that the period of a pendulum is dependent on the length of the pendulum and independent of the bob and the amplitude.
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Experimenting with Magnets
Fifth graders complete four different experiments in classroom stations to investigate how magnets attract and repel.
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Local River Life
Students identify rivers in their county, state, or province, and
research various kinds of animals and plants living in or near the rivers.
They write short summaries about the animals and plant life, draw pictures, and compile...
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A Clasroom Study of the Life of an Airplane
Students participate in an experiment to discover the properties of lift. They work together to complete calculations and collect data. They share their results with the class.
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Ultra-simple Electric Generator
Students read this article to discover the secret to making a generator. They understand that there has been lots of projects for making a simple electric motor, but not for a generator.
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Balloon Rockets
Students, after reviewing and analyzing Newton's third law of motion, make balloon rockets and experiment with a variety of models. After the experiment, they chart the results and form conclusions. In addition, they compare/contrast...
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Newton's Laws
Students experiment with and analyze moving objects and explain their motion in relation to Newton's Laws of Motion. Students then work with partners to design and construct cars that are powered by balloons.