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Energy: The Universal Currency
Science stars examine the concept of energy by thinking about everyday situations. The lesson plan is incohesive. It lists goals for the student, but doesn't address all of them in the content. The best use of this resource would simply...
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Naturally Magnetic Elements
Students explore naturally magnetic elements. In this magnets instructional activity, 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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Water and Ice
Students explore the physical properties of water. In this water instructional activity, students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state. There are 2 extensions for this instructional activity that one can access...
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Race the Track! Jump the Gap
Students record data of using a track system with variables and how those variables affect a ball used in the track. In this track lesson plan, students design their own track in groups, test the ball's rates of speed, and record their...
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Simple Machines III - Pulleys
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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Simple Machines IV - Wheels and Axles
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, they see how a spring scale shows a force pulling...
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Machines at Work
Students discuss how simple machines have made our lives easier and construct a compound machine. For this machines lesson plan, students watch a video on machines, look at websites, and follow task cards in order to make a simple machine.
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Simple Machines I - Inclined Planes, Wedges, and Screws
Fourth graders examine the physics behind and uses for inclined planes, screws, and wedges. They determine examples of how these simple machines are used in daily life. Working in three small groups, they move from station to station...
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Up, Up, and Away
Middle schoolers investigate the laws of physics that govern the flight of helicopters and airplanes. They build and launch a model rotor, simulating rotors used on helicopters to provide lift.
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Dinosaurs 1: Where are the Dinosaurs?
Learners study dinosaurs and explore the concept of extinction. In this dinosaur lesson students create dinosaur eggs and view dinosaur dioramas.
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Electromagnetic Wave Spectrum
Fifth graders examine electromagnetic wave spectrum. In this science lesson, 5th graders discuss the aspects of the electromagnetic wave spectrum and complete a worksheet identifying the parts of the spectrum.
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Gravity
Students explore gravitational force. Through experimentation, students observe the acceleration of objects when they fall. They examine air resistance, and how the human body is attracted to the earth. Students discover the...
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People and Space
Students eat dehydrated foods that the astronauts would eat in space. In this dehydrated foods lesson plan, students make lists of food they could eat, discuss how dehydration takes place, eat food, and complete discussion questions.
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Planets in Balance
Students study the solar system by researching the planets. In this exploratory lesson students divide into teams and create mobiles.
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Magnetic Experiment
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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Shipwreck Alley
Students examine the different types of vessels used in commercial shipping. In this commercial shipping lesson students apply force and motion to problems of marine safety.
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Magnetism
Student participate in magnetism demonstrations. In this magnetism activity, students dangle paper clips near magnets and explain what happens. They work with steel wool, metal filings, and aluminum foil to see which items can be...
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Sediment Sleuths
Students classify sediments based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape and color. They identify and describe rocks and minerals that are common to their region of the state.
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Interactive Notes - "Sound"
Third graders view a PowerPoint and participate in an experiment about sound. For this sound lesson, 3rd graders press on a slinky with different amounts of force to understand energy waves moving and echoing back. Students discuss...
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Ancient Greece (Sparta)
Students identify that Spartan civilization was founded upon a militaristic point of view that allowed no tolerance for contrary views or physical limitations. They take turns listing positive and negative qualities of the main...
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I Am More Than You See
Students examine their personal interests in culture/ethnicity and what they value in terms of physical vs. Personal characteristics. They discuss the forces in society that cause gender discrimination.
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Study of Projectile Motion using Straw Rockets
High schoolers design and launch their own rockets. In this experimental lesson students launch their own rockets and record the various angles and distance that they go. Each student has time to redesign their rocket and...
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Magnetism
Students explore physical science by participating in a class science activity. In this magnet attribute lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms associated with magnets and participate in hands on magnet activities....
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Magnetism
Students study magnetism. In this science lesson, students participate in an activity to discover how electrons in a magnet move. Students identify items around the classroom that are magnetic.