Young scholars work together to discover the relationship between the angle of catapults and the flight of different objects. They discover the heavier the object the more force is needed. They examine how engineers use this...

Students examine Newton's Laws. In this law of motion lesson, students observe Newton's three laws of physics demonstrated by the teacher. They apply other examples to Newton's first law of inertia.

Students describe how electric charges exert forces on each other as well as compare the strengths of electric and gravitational forces. They distinguish between conductors and insulators. In addition, students examine voltage and...

Students explore the principles of flight. In this flight lesson, students construct a model plane and investigate the forces acting on the flier. They will measure the thrust and calculate the stored energy.

Students explain basic principles of aeronautics such as gravity and lift. In this How Things Fly lesson, students visit the interactive, hands-on How Things Fly gallery at the Smithsonian. Students perform three experiments that...

Ninth graders explain how a scanning tunneling microscope works. In this chemistry lesson, 9th graders construct atomic models and simulate how their images appear under the STM. They discuss the limitations of their atomic model.

Students explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...

Students study the solar system by researching the planets.  In this exploratory lesson students divide into teams and create mobiles.

High schoolers research documents and photographs by Lewis Hine on child labor. They examine documents and summarize them. Students complete several photograph analysis worksheets. Their research and documents begin after the Civil War.

Students study Georg Ohm and how he changed mathematics with his law.  In this experimental evidence and stastics lesson students complete an experiment on the characteristics of Ohm's law. 

Students, in groups, design and construct an air car capable of acceleration. They view a video on acceleration, test their cars and make adjustments as desired.

Fourth graders experiment with gravity and lift by building paper airplanes. In this physics lesson plan, 4th graders compare the falling rate of a crumpled vs. flat sheet of paper. Then after class discussion and demonstration of...

Sixth graders study friction and drag. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders use different models of gliders and test to see which of the gliders fly the farthest. Students analyze their data and construct a graph.

Students discover how water expands when frozen during a glacier. In this matter lesson, students fill a glass jar with water, leaving no room for air in the jar and place it in the freezer.  Students retrieve the jar and notice the...

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.

Fifth graders examine the impact of World War II on South Carolina. In this American history lesson, 5th graders analyze primary documents that include political cartoons and advertisements that were published in South Carolina during...

Students explore the concept of biomimicry. In this cooperative design lesson, students consider how cooperation is connected to nature and then collaborate to create their own cooperative designs for the future.

Students explore the geography of the Sahara region of Africa and identify characteristics of a desert habitat. They explore the culture of the people living there and how it has adapted to desert life.

Students assess and apply recurring patterns in natural systems. They evaluate the wave properties of frequency, wavelength, and speed as applied to sound. Students develop a relationship to quantify aspects of wave motion. They predict...

Students explore physics by participating in a flight experiment. In this rocket design lesson, students discuss the scientific process and how chemical reaction can create the energy needed to boost a rocket. Students utilize...

Students study Rube Goldberg machines.  For this investigative lesson students design and build a machine that uses several steps to move an aluminum can. 

Students calculate the potential energy of a glider, the kinetic energy of a moving glider and the change in velocity when potential energy changes to kinetic energy.

Students analyze maps of Africa. They label physical features, tribal kingdoms, and European settlements, among other topics on the maps. They write reflective paragraphs on their work.

Students perform various demonstrations for each of Newton's Laws, collect data, and write a conclusion for each.