Curated OER
Compact Fluorescent Lamp Experiments
Students conduct a series of experiment on incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. In this physics lesson plan, students explain how they operate. They compare the efficiency and power rating of both bulbs.
Curated OER
Permeability (Magnetism)
High schoolers investigate magnetic permeability and saturation. For this physics lesson, students explain how current carrying wire coils create magnetic forces. They interpret normal magnetization curves.
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics lesson, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
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Can You Get A Charge Out Of Matter?
Students observe and demonstrate how objects can be charged positively and negatively and how static electricity works. They observe a teacher-led demonstration, and in small groups rotate through various static electricity activities,...
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Understanding Power using Kirchhoff’s Rules
Twelfth graders cite real life applications of Kirchhoff's rules. In this physics lesson, 12th graders calculate current, power and voltage using Kirchhoff and Ohm's laws. They explain the different components and uses of transformers.
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Electromagnets
Students are introduced to the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Using a compass, they observe and record the effects of placing the object near magnetic fields and electric currents. They also experiment using a steel and...
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Fossil Fuels, Who Needs Them
Ninth graders explore how electricity is created and distributed through alternative production methods. Students participate in hands-on activities, research, lecture based instruction, and CD ROM resources.
Curated OER
3-D Magnetic Field
Young scholars create a magnetic field. In this investigative lesson students design their own magnetic field so that they can see how magnetism and electricity work.
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Magnets, Electromagnets, and Motors
Learners investigate the concepts of magnetism and its properties. They construct a magnet and test foods for iron content. Then students define the use of a motor and make their own electric motor while working in small groups. Then...
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What's a Capacitor?
Students explain concepts of charge storage, how a capacitor works and how DRAM uses capacitors to store memory. They construct a capacitor and use a multimeter with capacitance meter capability to measure the stored charge in the...
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The BristleBot
Here you will find detailed instructions for constructing BristleBots, simple robots run by miniscule vibration motors. There is no lesson plan, just a procedure for producing these fun little contraptions. They could be used as an...
Curated OER
Creating Energy From Water
Students study water and its energy. In this water energy lesson, students discuss hydroelectricity and make models of water turbines.
Carnegie Mellon University
Renewables Workshop
Youngsters examine resource maps to find out which states are using solar and wind power and discuss as a class various other renewable energy sources. They use a provided data table to record pros and cons to each technology, build and...
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Electrical Engineers for a Day
High schoolers build a robot out of a 3-¿¿ inch floppy disk drive, two floppy disks, and some other miscellaneous supplies. They apply information they gather about electrical circuits from a web-based circuit design program.
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Reliability Check of Power Grid
Students complete a simulation on power grid reliability check. In this physics instructional activity, students discuss the consequences of power grid failures. They complete a simulation worksheet.
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The Invention of Faraday Cage
Students demonstrate how Faraday's cage work by building their own electroscope. In this physics lesson, students explain how Faraday's cage work. They cite several applications of this principle in the real world.
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Let There Be Light
Fifth graders explore electricity. For this electricity lesson, 5th graders experiment with open and closed circuits. Students determine how to properly connect a battery and bulb to illuminate the bulb.
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Parallel Circuits
Students investigate the way an electrical circuit works. In this physics instructional activity, students use voltmeters and ammeters to measure voltage. They construct a circuit using provided circuit kits.
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Unknown Element Project
Students work with a partner to determine the identity of an unknown element based on given descriptions. Groups use classroom textbooks, encyclopedias, and science internet sites to identify their unknown element then write a report as...
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Solar Kit Lesson #13 Solarize a Toy
Students work in teams they select a low-power toy, game, or electrical deive to "solarize," or convert to solar power. They determine the operating voltage of their chosen device and design a solar array to provide this level of...
Curated OER
Solar Energy Connection
Students conduct solar experiments. They calculate the solar gain and operate a solar cell devise used to generate electricity. Students compare and contrast solar energy gain with students in India. They analyze the difference...
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Corrosion to Corals
Students study galvanic exchange and how it produces electric currents. In this ocean lesson students predict what metals deteriorate in salt water.
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Will the Lights Go Out?
Students diagram nuclear power plant, describe process for generating electrical power, discuss nuclear disasters in the 20th century, and draw conclusion about value of nuclear power for the future.
Curated OER
Parts of a Solar Panel-Part I
Students examine electrical contacts, solar cells, and rechargeable batteries and compare and contrast the characteristics of a solar cell to a rechargeable battery in a hands-on activity. Students complete a worksheet as they...