Curated OER
Building the Pyramids: No Light Task
Eighth graders perform experiments with simple machines and write up the results. They research the construction of the step pyramid and the three pyramids at Giza. Students research how the ancient Egyptians used simple machines in...
Curated OER
Lifting a Load
Students experiments with levers to determine if the amount of force needed to lift a load is always the same. For this physics lesson, students use Lab-Pro data collector as they experiment with the fulcrum placement to measure the work...
Curated OER
Introduction to Work
Fifth graders define work, force, and energy and calculate work done using a simple formula. They observe the teacher using an Equi-beam and identify the fulcrum, calculate different work problems, and participate in a class discussion.
Curated OER
Up, Up and Away
Fourth graders design and launch rockets. In this rocket lesson plan, 4th graders observe the changes in outcome caused by size and fuel variables. Students navigate the NASA website to learn the parts of a rocket. Students load the...
Curated OER
Building a Car: Mechanical Engineering
Students use common materials to build a car. In this car building mechanical engineering lesson, students build a car using a milk cartoon and plastic wheels. They discuss what mechanical engineers do and what makes a car run.
Curated OER
DNA Extraction
Students extract and observe a visible amount of DNA from Escherichia. coli cells. They discuss the properties of DNA. Confirmation of the presence of DNA by a reaction with an indicator is confirmed within this lesson. Many hands-on...
Curated OER
Water 1: Water and Ice
Students discover the forms water can take. In this hands-on science lesson, students examine how water can change from a solid to a liquid and then back again.
Curated OER
Sparky's Engineer: A Story Book Introduction to Engineering
Students investigate what an engineer does. In this engineering lesson, students read the book "Sparky's Engineer" and analyze the different types of engineers that are referenced in the book. The students identify tools and machines...
Curated OER
Magnetic Discovery Bottle
Students examine how to conduct simple investigations and use simple equipment to gather data. In this magnet lesson students decide what types of objects are attracted to magnets.
Curated OER
Inertia
Pupils conduct an experiment to apply Newton's first law of motion. They observe the inertia of an object in regard to its mass. The students record and graph the outcomes of their investigation and present the relationship between...
Curated OER
DNA Extraction
Students are able to extract and observe a visible amount of DNA from Escherichia coli cells. They discuss the properties of DNA. Students confirm the presence of DNA by a reaction with an indicator.
Curated OER
Construction Worker Book
Students examine simple tools that are used in everyday life. In this construction worker tools lesson, students decide which tools should be used to solve the construction worker's problems in a manner that demonstrates the Simple...
Curated OER
Forces Applied to an Object
Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. In this forces lesson, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.
Curated OER
Demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Linear Momentum
Young scholars observe a demonstration of linear momentum. For this linear momentum lesson, students observe a series of demonstrations of linear momentum and qualitative observations.
Curated OER
Upside Down and All Around
Second graders discuss what a line of symmetry is, then demonstrate how to fold shape cutouts to generate lines of symmetry. They demonstrate slides, flips, and turns with objects, and write explanations of changes they observe in pictures.
Curated OER
Levers and Wedges in the Human Body
Students identify the various parts of the body that serve as wedges and levers, identifying the fulcrum for each body lever. They bite into carrots and apples to analyze how their jaws and teeth work, then complete three worksheets that...
Friends of Fort McHenry
Cannons During the War of 1812
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, only 25% of the bombs and rockets fired at Fort McHenry actually reached their target. Using an interactive online simulation, combine your historical study with physics and discover why...
Curated OER
Cross Country Adventure
Students practice measurement and geography in this lesson. They build a Lego vehicle using an RCX. They predict how many seconds it will take their vehicle to reach a specific state on the United States of America map that each group of...
Curated OER
Systems, UP, Up and Away!
Young scholars discuss rockets and how they work. Students research basic information about the Space Shuttle. Young scholars work in collaborative groups creating "rockets" with empty film canisters. Students launch their "rockets" and...
Curated OER
Fire Safety in the Home
Students discover the importance of fire safety. In this fire prevention instructional activity, students identify problems in a house that could lead to a fire and draw their own homes that include the appropriate fire prevention tools....
Curated OER
Friction Flyers
Students explore the principles of magnetism and friction. They complete an interactive puzzle on the Gizmos and Gadgets computer software, construct a vehicle, build and modify ramps and vehicles to produce various outcomes, and...
Curated OER
What Is That Thing?
Could your class identify an old-fashioned can opener? What about a rotary phone, or a VCR? Learners take a look at several gadgets and devices to infer the name and purpose of each item.
Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.