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Lesson Plan
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Friction

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders investigate friction as a force that is present around us. They observe as a ball is rolled on different surfaces and stopped before discussing what happens. Using different surfaces, they make predictions as to what type...
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Lesson Plan
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Fling It

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the best design using technology. In this science lesson, students construct a freestanding object with specific materials to be able to shoot a ping pong ball and a marshmallow. They have to adjust and discuss...
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Lesson Plan
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Blast Off

For Teachers 5th - 8th
In this physical science exploration, small groups place a piece of antacid tablet into a film canister and step back to time how long it takes for the top to pop. They repeat the activity, altering either the amount or temperature of...
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Lesson Plan
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A Clasroom Study of the Life of an Airplane

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students participate in an experiment to discover the properties of lift. They work together to complete calculations and collect data. They share their results with the class.
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Lesson Plan
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3-D Model of Lake Benthos

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students create 3-D models of Lake Benthos. In this scale drawing lesson, students create a 3-D model of Lake Benthos. Students work in groups to create the models. Students use the models to to encourage people to conserve natural...
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Lesson Planet Article
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Mousetrap Cars

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Use mousetrap cars to make hands on connections with concepts such as energy, friction, momentum, and simple machines.
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Lesson Plan
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Artificial Limbs & Robotics

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students design and build a mechanism to retrieve wrapped candy through a small hole (e.g. through the top of a water cooler jug). They gain an appreciation for the challenges faced by people who have lost the use of their limbs. They ...
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Lesson Plan
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May the Force Be With You

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders participate in a variety of hands-on activities that involve the effects of force on an object: What a Load, Over the Edge, Collision Zone, and Straw Rocket. They practice describing and comparing attributes of...
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Lesson Plan
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Oscillations

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Students construct and compare the actions of various pendulums. In this pendulum motion lesson, students build and test different types of pendulums. They conduct experiments with the length of the swing arm and apply mathematical...
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Lesson Plan
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Simple/Complex Machines

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Learners make a simple machine. In this physics instructional activity, students learn about six types of simple machines and the purpose of each and brainstorm examples of simple and complex machines in the classroom. Learners create a...
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Lesson Plan
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Up, Up and Away

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders experiment with gravity and air pressure. In this geometry lesson, 10th graders build their own kits and fly it. They investigate the questions: what keeps a kite in the air and what are some important factors when flying a...
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Lesson Plan
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MTV no PTV

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars study the gas laws in particular the three variables; pressure, temperature and volume.  In this gas laws lesson students complete an activity and discuss their findings. 
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Lesson Plan
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Biomechanics of Joints

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars build a model of a human arm and shoulder.
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Lesson Plan
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How Can We See Inertia?

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Young scholars conduct 8 experiments to gain an understanding of inertia. Students use a variety of materials to conduct these experiments. Young scholars learn the difference between objects at rest and objects moving in a straight line.
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Lesson Plan
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Newton Car

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students demonstrate Newton's Second Law of Motion by showing the reaction of a rolling car by increasing its mass and propulsion.
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Lesson Plan
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Rocket Activity

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars explore Newton's Second Law of Motion. In this rocket activity lesson, students experiment with Newton's Second Law of Motion as they use a slingshot device to force a car to move.
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Lesson Plan
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Roller Coaster Simulator for the Magnetic Chalkboard: Construction Plans

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Students watch a demonstration that allows the teacher to show Galileo's inertia experiment and how and why the hills on roller coasters are designed as they are. The roller coaster simulator can be mounted on a magnetic chalkboard;...
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Lesson Plan
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Festivals and Fairs

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Students celebrate May Day. In this Medieval festivals instructional activity, students research May Day and information about may poles. Students build their own may poles and discuss the significance of the May Day festival.
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Lesson Plan
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Airline Carry-On Luggage

For Teachers 3rd - 4th
Students pretend they are taking trip to tropical rainforest of South America, and design and build luggage that fits within standard size requirements for most airlines. After researching requirements, design and build pieces of soft...
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Lesson Plan
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Balloon Rockets

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students build pinwheel airplanes and balloon rockets to determine which ones fly faster and which fly farther.
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Lesson Plan
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A Place In Space

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Pupils work together to create a 3D coordinate system. They plot points that are given to them and asked to find these points in space. They discover how engineers use coordinates in their careers.
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Worksheet
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Problem Solving: Draw a Picture

For Students 2nd - 4th
In this problem solving strategies worksheet, students sharpen their problem solving skills as they solve 6 story problems by drawing picture to help them.
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Lesson Plan
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Don't Lose Your Load!

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Pupils create graphs using collected data. In this algebra lesson, students use spreadsheet in Excel to create graphs to interpret their data and make predictions. They rewrite word problems using algebraic expressions.
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Lesson Plan
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Newton Car

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students demonstrate Newtons law of motion by examining the reaction of a rolling car when its mass and acceleration is increased.  For this acceleration lesson students complete and activity that shows them how Newtons Law of Motion...