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Simple Machines Worksheet

For Students 2nd - 3rd
In this simple machines worksheet, students complete a chart. They look at a picture of a simple machine, draw/paste an example of each one for homework. They use a web quest to find 2 more facts about each one and write it in the chart....
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Floating and Falling Flows

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students discover fluid dynamics related to buoyancy through experimentation and optional photography. Using one set of fluids, they make light fluids rise through denser fluids. Using another set, they make dense fluids sink through a...
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Exploring Pendulums

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students observe the movement of pendulums, they begin to understand the relationship between gravitational forces and the mass of objects, the changes in speed and direction of objects, and the distance between objects. They understand...
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Simple Machines III - Pulleys

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders are introduced to a spring scale to show that the forces on both sides of the pulley are the same. They break into groups to lift objects with fixed pulleys and with multiple looped pulleys and then measure the force...
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Naturally Magnetic Elements

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students explore naturally magnetic elements. In this magnets lesson, students examine the periodic table of elements. Students discover the parts of an atom and determine which three elements are magnetic.
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Simple Machines IV - Wheels and Axles

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders study everyday examples of simple machines. They examine how the combination of a wheel and axle works more efficiently than either in isolation. In a demonstration lesson plan, they see how a spring scale shows a force...
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Hot Wheels

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students observe the action produced by toy cars. In this geometry lesson, students discuss motion and distance as they relate to the movement of a spherical object.They collect data and make conjectures based on their data.
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Magnets 2: How Strong is Your Magnet?

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Pupils work together to test the strengths of various types of magnets. After testing, they create a graph showing how the strength changes as the distance from the magnet increases. They discuss how forces can act from various...
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Catapults!

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Young scholars work together to discover the relationship between the angle of catapults and the flight of different objects. They discover the heavier the object the more force is needed. They examine how engineers use this...
Lesson Plan
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Magnets 1: Magnetic Pick-ups

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students are introduced to the power of magnets. In groups, they look at different objects and make predictions on whether they believe they are magnetic or not. They test their predictions and share their results with the class.
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Planetary Orbits

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore space science by completing a solar system identification worksheet. In this planets lesson, students discuss the different planets in our star system and identify their traits. Students complete an orbital system...
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The Nutrients Public Transportation System

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students investigate the human circulatory system by experimenting with hoses.  In this human body lesson, students create a system of hoses simulating the circulatory system which they utilize to pass objects through....
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Dayna Lykins, Leanna Prater

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders compare and contrast gliding flight and true flight. They investigate the basic principles of aeronautics. The class participates in activities to observe lift and the effect of air. Students design and fly their own...
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Solar System: Let's Take a Trip

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders consider outer space. In this introductory solar system lesson, 3rd graders complete a KWL chart and listen to the story The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen. They will contribute...
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Recycled Racers

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars research automobile operating systems in relation to racing. They design and construct vehicles from recycled material which they race to study the concept of propulsion.
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Hold on Tight!

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the close connection between plant roots and the soil in which they grow. They investigate the roots of plants, make models of plant roots using pipe cleaners, and examine photos and images to explore the connection...
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Mass, Volume and Density

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Pupils compare and contrast the mass, volume, and density of various objects. They use a triple beam balance, measure and record the volume of a cup of water, and discuss the results.
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Space Ship Pilot

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students visualize the relation between acceleration and velocity in 2 dimensions. They are introduced to Newton's first law,and Newton's second law. Students work on an exploration activity where they condsider an example of a...
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Simple Harmonic Motion

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners explore the theory of simple harmonic motion (SHM) by performing hands-on, practical application experiments. In this harmonic motion lesson plan, students use strings of various lengths and bobs of different weights to create a...
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Black Holes

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore what black holes are and how gravity is associated with them.  In this space lesson students are given enough information to imagine a journey to a black hole. 
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How Things Fly

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars explain basic principles of aeronautics such as gravity and lift. In this How Things Fly lesson, students visit the interactive, hands-on How Things Fly gallery at the Smithsonian. Young scholars perform three experiments...
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Magnetic Experiment

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders experiment with magnets. In this magnet experiment lesson, 3rd graders explore magnetic attraction and repulsion. Students rotate through four stations and investigate the properties of magnets.
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Kites

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students build a kite while integrating math and science. In this kite building lesson plan, students construct a blueprint and apply mathematical formulas while constructing a kite. They use appropriate flight and kite terminology to...
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Newton's Third Law

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students describe an everyday situation which demonstrates Newton's Third Law. They state Newton's Third Law;"Every action has an equal and opposite re-action, or every force has an equal and opposite force" in their own words. ...