Curated OER
Attributes of Accuracy
Students explain necessity in using accurate instruments when measuring, and how measurements can be checked for accuracy. They make a six-inch ruler, design, test, and evaluate a system to measure work, and produce a table and graph to...
Curated OER
Forms of Energy
Young scholars, working in expert groups, study a form of energy. They plan a slide show presentation using pictures, clip art, and student taken digital pictures that show the energy type they have become experts in. They use a planning...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Interactive Gumball Machine
Sure, you may be able to build a better mousetrap, but what about a gum dispenser? In a fun engineering challenge, teams must design and build a working interactive gumball machine with specific constraints and criteria.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania’s Energy Supply
Third graders become familiar with the various types of energy and which types are found in Pennsylvania. In this Pennsylvanian energy resources lesson, 3rd graders, identify wind and water as sources of energy. Students...
Curated OER
Transformations of Energy
Seventh graders investigate the relationship between energy and matter, and measure the mass of various objects. They listen to a teacher-led lecture about potential energy, and in small groups measure the mass of various objects such...
Curated OER
Catapult Unit
Students understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. They understand the need for carefully defining the problem before searching for a solution. Students compare a variety of catapults and the...
Curated OER
Kinetic Theory
Students describe how molecules of the different phases of matter move according to the Kinetic Theory. For this chemistry lesson, students observe and participate in teacher demos. They give real world applications of the kinetic theory.
Curated OER
Puttin' It All Together
Students explain the concepts of kinetic and potential energy and how it can change forms. In this energy, motion, and frictional forces lesson students participate in a hands on activity that includes calculating energy.
Curated OER
Roller Coasters in the Classroom
Students define kinetic energy and know the effects of weight and speed on momentum. For this investigative lesson students get into groups and design a roller coaster.
Curated OER
Power, Work and the Waterwheel
Students use a two-liter bottle, dowel rod and index cards to design and construct a water wheel. They then calculate the power created and measure the work done by the water wheel in Watts and Joules.
Purdue University
Rock Steady: Designing a Sensor
Bridge young mathematicians' knowledge of engineering and design. Pupils use two desks and a plastic sheet to simulate a bridge. After learning about energy transformations, they use available materials to design a sensor that detects...
Curated OER
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Students calculate kinetic and potential energy in the lab. For this physics lesson, students demonstrate how energy can be transformed from one form to another. They collect data from the experiment and write a detailed lab report.
Curated OER
Energy Conversion
Students describe how energy can be transformed from one form to another. In this physics lesson, students calculate kinetic and potential energy using mathematical equations. They give real life applications of this lesson.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Energy in Motion
Fifth graders explore energy transfer. In this thermal energy lesson, 5th graders stretch rubber bands several times and estimate the band's temperature change. Students identify this action as an example of thermal energy. Students...
Curated OER
Energy Conservation
Students complete a variety of activities as they examine forms of energy, use of energy, different technologies to harness energy and the ethical implications of these sources and technologies.
Curated OER
Can Races
Students participate in an experiment dealing with kinetic energy. They predict which cans they believe will win the can race and why. They answer questions based on the experiment.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Fun with Speedboats!
After reading about marine engineers and naval architects, it's all hands on deck to design and test a speed boat. This instructional activity is designed for the Next Generation Science Standards in engineering and can be a centerpiece...
Curated OER
Let's Outrage the Bull
Young scholars study kinetic and potential energy. In this energy lesson plan, students in grades K-2 understand the differences between kinetic and potential energy. Young scholars in grades 3-5 demonstrate that kinetic and potential...
Curated OER
States of Matter
Young scholars explore the states of matter. They discuss the different phrases of matter and categorize everyday substances as solids, liquids, or gases. Students explore the relationship between the phases on an atomic level and the...
Curated OER
Energy Sources - Water Wheel Investigation
Young scholars create their own water wheel to show the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. They discover the production of electricity through hydropower and apply it to different situations. They share any data collected...
Curated OER
Mechanical Energy
Students discover the difference between kinetic and potential energy in an experiment using toy cars and tracks. In small groups, they set up the experiment to determine the distance milk cartons will travel when hit by toy car. They...
Curated OER
Design Your Own Rube Goldberg Machine
Students participate in a culminating activity for a unit on Energy and Simple Machines. They are challenged to incorporate simple machines in to a complex mechanical system. While designing and testing their machine they will also...
Curated OER
Designing and Building Catapults
Seventh graders complete a challenge to create a catapult that projects a marble or other projectile at least one meter. While experimenting they apply the Four Question Strategy to answer the question, " How can I make one modification...
Curated OER
A Hilly Ride
Fifth graders investigate situations that show how kinetic and potential energy are exchanged. They determine how friction is a source of energy transfer from kinetic to thermal energy by experimenting with a car and track. They answer...