Curated OER
Motion of a Bowling Ball
Young scholars experiment with distance, speed, and motion by graphing the motion of a bowling ball. In this distance versus time graphing lesson, students observe the speed and distance of a rolling ball and graph their findings. They...
Curated OER
Force and Motion - Part 2
Students test different objects such as dominoes, marshmallows, slides, and more to test their force, motion, gravity, friction, and the concept of matter. In this force and motion lesson plan, students understand that the force an...
Curated OER
Emotional Speed with Balls and Ramps
Fifth graders investigate the relationship between mass and speed. In this physics lesson plan, 5th graders experiment with motion by being given a ramp, two balls, and blocks or books for elevation. Students determine how different...
Curated OER
Balsa Wood Airplane Flight and Speed Correlation
Ninth graders calculate the average speed of their balsa wood airplane. In this physics lesson, 9th graders build their own airplane and make necessary modifications to to make it fly straight. They interpret distance and time graph...
Curated OER
Circular Motion
Students research physical science by completing worksheets. In this gravity instructional activity, students read assigned text regarding the rotation of Earth and the gravitational force caused by the speed of which it rotates....
Curated OER
Newton in Motion Project
Students investigate Newton's Third Law of Motion as it exits in real world applications. They watch as the teacher makes a simple balloon powered car before explaining how the motion of the car demonstrates Newton's Third Law of Motion....
Curated OER
Crash Test Dummies
Fifth graders are introduced to Newton's First Law of Motion. In groups, they describe the differences between balanced and unbalanced forces. They participate in experiments that demonstrate how equal and opposite forces act upon...
Curated OER
Big Air Rules
Students discuss projectile motion using a basketball player taking off for a slam dunk, a fly ball launched off a hitter's bat, and a snowboarder flying off a pipe as examples. The lesson is expanded by introducing the mathematical...
Physics Classroom
A Wiggle in Time Lab
Though an alternative method is suggested, the best way to carry out this investigation is with the use of a computer-interfaced motion detector. Physics fanatics hang a mass on the end of a spring and analyze its motion verbally,...
CK-12 Foundation
Bobsled
Bobsled riders' safety depends on skill ... and physics! Learners use a simulation to understand the physics behind the sport. They manipulate the speed, mass, and/or turn radius of the sled and watch the effects on the centripetal force.
CK-12 Foundation
Newton's Cannon
Gravity does more than keep our feet on the ground — it holds a satellite in orbit, too. Help learners understand the effects of gravity on an orbiting object through a simulation activity. Individuals adjust a launch speed and watch as...
NOAA
Ocean Waves
Surf's up! What causes the constant motion of Earth's oceans? Scholars discover the origins and types of waves in part nine of a 13-installment series. The resource illustrates wave behavior, their destructive power, and current research...
Curated OER
How Do You Move Along the Earth?
Middle schoolers determine their own walking and running velocity. In this physics activity, students calculate velocity using distance and time information. They compare human and animal speeds.
Curated OER
Build and Test Your Car Continued
Students create and build cars to race in class. In this physics lesson, students calculate the speed using distance and time information. They evaluate their design and make adjustments when needed.
Curated OER
Golf - Lesson 3 - Full Swing, Pitching
Golf lesson 3 is part of an eight lesson unit. There is a link at the bottom of the page to go to the lessons as well as a link to go to the unit homepage. This particular lesson reviews the mechanics of a full swing. The class practices...
Curated OER
Volleyball - Lesson 9 - Winning the Point
Pass, set, spike! Putting all these skills together and running some practice drills is what activity 9 is all about. It's not as easy as it sounds. Passing with accuracy, setting where the hitter can spike, timing the hit. It all takes...
Curated OER
Speedy Spaghetti
Students explore the principles of motion by constructing a car out of pasta that will carry a large marshmallow and travel down a ramp. They discuss the formula for calculating speed, design and build their cars, and calculate their...
Curated OER
F = ma, Inertia, and Action-Reaction
Fourth graders apply concepts of Newton's Laws in scientific inquiries. Use this lesson to have your charges test and identify the characteristics of objects that make them easier or harder to push. After a teacher-led demonstration,...
Curated OER
Race the Track! Shoot the Loop
Students experiment with a steel ball and matchbox car to find the effects of force and motion. In this force and motion lesson, students assemble a track, conduct experiments and record on a shoot the loop worksheet. Students change the...
Curated OER
Let's Get Moving
Young scholars participate in sports activities that relate to motion, velocity and momentum. They produce a PowerPoint presentation after researching the activities.
Curated OER
Race the Track! Design Challenge
Students focus on a force and motion problem, explore it, reflect on it and apply it while completing experiments. In this motion lesson, students experiment with force and motion by creating a track for testing cars.
Curated OER
Blast Off!
Fourth graders investigate the third law of motion. In this third law of motion lesson, 4th graders explore the forces necessary for a rocket to launch. Students compare and contrast propellant and fuel. Numerous resources are provided.
Curated OER
Newton's Laws
In this motion worksheet, students read about the 3 laws of motion and then complete a graphic organizer describing the laws and giving an example for each one.
Curated OER
Friction in Our Lives
Students explore force and friction. In this force and friction lesson, students discover everyday examples of how friction helps and hinders things we do. Students create a ramp to test the speed of their car. Students use different...