Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Slime!

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students participate in a science experiment in which they try and move gelatin cubes with and without a lubricant. They examine the concept of friction and resistance to motion.
Lesson Plan
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Bobsled Challange

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students investigate the effects of materials on the friction between a "bobsled" and the track. They explore the effects of weight on the motion of the bobsled. Students design a bobsled for either fast or slow movement. They discuss...
Lesson Plan
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The Rubber Band Problem

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students work in groups and view a rubber band demonstration.  In this friction lesson plan students then complete the experiment themselves.
Lesson Plan
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A Hair Raising Experience

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers rotate through various lab stations in groups as they experiment with the concepts of conduction, induction and friction. They use a generator, aluminum pie pans, paper, plastic, styrofoam and other materials to complete...
Lesson Plan
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Rules of Force and Motion

For Teachers K - 5th
Students view a video and complete experiments with force and motion.  In this force and motion lesson, students examine small pieces and how they affect the motion of a toy car.  Students also experiment with sand paper,...
Lesson Plan
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Newton's Ist Law

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore Newton's First Law of Motion. They conduct an experiment to observe what happens to a ball that is placed carefully on slippery ice. They also observe what happens to a dowel on the ice, then draw and label...
Lesson Plan
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Toting the Log and Lifting the Babe

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students use simple machines that demonstrate force, friction, work and power. They investigate and explain simple machines.
Lesson Plan
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The Physics of Skateboarding

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are able to analyze gravity as an universal force. They are able to determine how the force of friction retards motion. Students are able to apply Newton's Laws of Motion ot the way the world works.
Lesson Plan
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Gravity Gets You Down

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students design an experiment to investigate how objects with different masses fall. In this physics lesson, students predict how these objects will fall in a vacuum tube. They write a report explaining experimental results and conclusion.
Unit Plan
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The Motions of the Oceans

For Teachers 6th
Students examine the topics of ocean waves, currents, and tides. They locate and label ocean currents on a world map, conduct experiments, analyze key vocabulary, view demonstrations and record the data, and complete handouts.
Lesson Plan
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Stormy Weather

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students conduct various experiments to explore the concepts that static electricity is the cause of lightning.
Lesson Plan
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Bernoulli's Principle

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students explore Bernoulli's principle, how it is related to flight, and the effect of lift, thrust, and drag on flight. They design and develop an experiment that tests for distance traveled by their paper airplane, and record and...
Lesson Plan
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Simple Machines V - Wheels and Axles and Gears

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate the principles and uses of gears, and examine how gears can be used to alter the direction of motion or the speed of an object. They observe two cars with different sized wheels roll down an inclined plane,...
Lesson Plan
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Stormy Weather

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers conduct experiments. In this weather activity, students review what they know about weather elements such as cloud formation and storms. Middle schoolers conduct demonstrations and learn how lightning strikes.
Lesson Plan
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What is Lightning?

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students experiment with electricity to understand lightning. In this lightning lesson, students show how static electricity causes lightning. Students discuss questions about their experiment and gather important facts. Students...
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Making Life Easier

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students use a chart of the six simple machines and become aware of how the machines improve our ability to meet the following needs: shelter, food, water, and transportation. Students use model cars to experiment with force. They divide...
Lesson Plan
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Race the Track! Design Challenge

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students use the design process to investigate physical science.  In this force and motion lesson, design a track to achieve a specified outcome. Students complete additional experiments with speed and distance.  Students...
Lesson Plan
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Rocks and Soils

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Students compare the properties of rocks and relate these properties to their use. They perform a virtual experiment to describe and group rocks on the basis of their characteristics.
Lesson Plan
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Reversible and irreversible changes

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students experiment with solids and liquids to find which solids will dissolve in water. This dissolution and mixtures lesson can be completed online or in class as all materials are connected to the lesson plan for both settings.
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Estuarine Currents

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students experiment observing a demonstration on models of density-driven currents which are typically found in an estuarine system of water flow. They compare/contrast water temperature and salinity to the formations of estuarine currents.
PPT
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Newton's Laws

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Beginning with definitions of mass and foce, this excellent set of slides summarizes Newton's Laws of motion and universal bravitaions. Components of each law are explained along with examples and questions to inspire discussion. This is...
Lesson Plan
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Newton's First Law of Motion with a Glider

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine, analyze, study and memorize Newton's First Law of Motion utilizing a glider to demonstrate the process. They state, sing, draw or enact an example/illustration of Newton's First Law of Motion in front of their...
PPT
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Motion and Force

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
This physics PowerPoint defines the concepts of motion and force. The slideshow consists of an explanation on how motion and force work and give students the chance to demonstrate motion and force through an experiment. The directions...
Lesson Plan
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Matter in Motion

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders examine matter, what it is and what the different states are. In this matter lesson students view The Magic School Bus Meets Molly Cule and answer questions.