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Race the Track! Jump the Gap

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
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

For Teachers 4th
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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Machines at Work

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students discuss how simple machines have made our lives easier and construct a compound machine. In 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

For Teachers 4th
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

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students 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?

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students study dinosaurs and explore the concept of extinction.  For this dinosaur lesson students create dinosaur eggs and view dinosaur dioramas.
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Electromagnetic Wave Spectrum

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders examine electromagnetic wave spectrum. For 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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Planets in Balance

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students study the solar system by researching the planets.  In this exploratory lesson students divide into teams and create mobiles.
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Gravity

For Teachers 8th - 12th
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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Shipwreck Alley

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers 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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People and Space

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
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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Magnetic Experiment

For Teachers 3rd
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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Magnetism

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Student participate in magnetism demonstrations. In this magnetism lesson plan, 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

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars 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"

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders view a PowerPoint and participate in an experiment about sound.  In 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)

For Teachers 5th - 8th
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

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
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

For Teachers 1st - 4th
Pupils study magnetism. For this science lesson, students participate in an activity to discover how electrons in a magnet move. Pupils identify items around the classroom that are magnetic.
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The Day the Atom Died (Grade K-1)

For Teachers K - 1st
Students investigate what is wrong with the Rutherford atomic model. In this chemistry instructional activity, students answer questions about the atomic model after watching a video. They draw conclusions from the video and discuss how...
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Diameter, Radius and Area

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students calculate the diameter, radius and area of a circle. In this geometry lesson, students investigate the different ratios of a circle. They calculate the surface are of each circle.
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The Far Reaches of Greek Culture

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders study the culture of Greece.  In this World History lesson, 9th graders research specific data in relation to Greece.  Students create a presentation of their findings for their class.  
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Response to Stimuli

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students study the process of detection, coordination and response. In this biology lesson, students design an experiment to test stimuli response. They participate in a game-show style quiz after the activity.