Curated OER
Exploring Mars
Students, working in small groups construct scale models of the planets and solar system. They examine images of Mars and discuss what might have caused the features. They record facts about their planetary research in their journals and...
Curated OER
Junior Solar Sprint Series: Gears and Drive Belts
Activate middle schoolers' minds with this physical science activity. Learners vary the diameter of gears and the number of teeth on them to find how energy output is affected. This writeup features well-developed background...
US Department of Energy
Building the Basic PVC Wind Turbine
Here is a comprehensive and well-written lesson plan that results in learners building a standard wind turbine. Once built, teens can design a variety of experiments to test different factors. This activity is a noble undertaking that...
Curated OER
Symmetries of Rectangles
Learners explore mapping a rectangle onto itself using rigid motion concepts, geometric intuition and experimenting with manipulatives in a collaborative task.
Sunlight Cal-Tech
Chromatography of Plant Pigments
Through a hands-on activity, an acetone-spinach solution is pre-made and learners use this solution to separate the pigments found in spinach using chromatography. The comprehensive resource includes an analysis and conclusion...
CK-12 Foundation
Earth's Magnetic Field: Compass Poles
You'll be strangely drawn to this activity! Physical science pupils learn how compasses work in an interesting interactive. The content covers magnetic poles, Earth's magnetic field, and what would happen if Earth's poles swapped places.
Curated OER
Let's Make a Map
Second graders draw maps of their playground, noting objects such as trees and play equipment. Working in groups, they make maps of different parts of the school and assemble them into a schoolwide map. They make maps on a field trip to...
Curated OER
Interpreting Aerial Photographs
Students interpret aerial photographs. They view aerial photographs or satellite-produced images to locate and identify physical and human features. They study satellite images and label their images for bodies of water, clouds,...
Curated OER
Exploring the Properties of Matter in the Preschool
Students study the properties of the physical and natural world. For this properties of the physical and natural world lesson, preschool students work at discovery tables to see how simple machines work, what happens when items are put...
Curated OER
Bean Bag Challenge
Students explore the human body by participating in a physical education activity. For this bean bag lesson, students identify the hand eye coordination skills necessary to throw and catch a bean bag with a partner. Students throw,...
Curated OER
Action and Reaction
Students experiment with Newton's Third Law of Motion. In this physics and motion lesson, students complete two experiments to illustrate force and its equal and opposite reaction. Students first work in pairs to exert an equal force on...
Curated OER
Ionocraft Lifter
Students explore the different types of lifters through a series of activities. In this physics lesson, students explain the mechanics involved in the lifter designs. They compare aluminum versus zinc lifters.
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Spark of Imagination
High schoolers consider the power of physics. In this current events lesson, students listen to a lecture that explores the power garnered by iPod batteries and how they work.
Curated OER
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Young scholars participate in a running/concentration game on teams and learn the expectations of physical education class. This is a great first day of the year physical education instructional activity.
Curated OER
Hula Hoop Hoopla
Students practice the skills of using a hula hoop in order to expand other skills like following directions. They are given and experience a variety of locomotor and manipulative movements. They work as an individual and a team member.
Curated OER
Design Project: Sensitive Microphone Amplifier
In this physics worksheet, students construct and test an amplifier circuit given a schematic diagram. They answer 2 short answer questions about the circuit they constructed.
Curated OER
3-2-1 Blast Off!
Students explore physics by participating in a flight experiment. In this rocket design lesson, students discuss the scientific process and how chemical reaction can create the energy needed to boost a rocket. Students utilize...
Curated OER
Density and Buoyancy Lesson Plan
Young scholars investigate why some objects float or sink in water. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the density of clay ball using a mathematical equation. They write a complete lab report about the experiment.
Curated OER
Mass vs. Weight
Students explore physical science by conducting a measurement experiment. In this mass lesson, students identify the differences between mass and weight and define a list of other vocabulary terms. Students utilize electronic scales and...
Curated OER
Investigation: Blast Off!
First graders explore physics by participating in a class experiment. In this flight lesson plan, 1st graders create a spinner using construction paper and snap cubes which fly when spun right in class. Students make predictions as to...
Curated OER
Impulse/Momentum Lab
Students investigate the relationship between force and momentum using motion detectors and sensors. In this physics lesson, students graph experimental results. They calculate impulse using the area under the graph.
Curated OER
Stop Pulling My Bot Around!
Students investigate the relationship between work and mechanical advantage. In this physics lesson, students calculate the work and efficiency of pulleys. They identify the different types of pulleys.
Curated OER
Newton's Laws of Motion
Students investigate the effect of thin films to surface friction. In this physics lesson, students calculate the coefficient of friction using mathematical formulas. They discuss its importance in their everyday lives.
Curated OER
"Performance Qualities" Dance Lesson Plan
Eighth graders move across a space practicing a dance as they work on focus and energy.