Using a bicycle wheel and a rotating stool, young physicists experiment with angular momentum. This is a simple, fun, and educational activity that demonstrates a foundational concept. If you can secure the materials, it is definitely...

Students balance a wheel using one of the wooden handles. In this physics lesson, students predict what direction the wheel rotates after the teacher lets it go. They explain how this demonstrates angular momentum.

Students explain that air pressure applies a force. If any of students have flown in an airplane, they have felt the "popping" of their ears caused by the change in atmospheric pressure because of the altitude changes.

Fifth graders investigate the relation between vibrations and pitch. They observe and discuss an experiment involving a bicycle and a piece of cardboard in the spokes, listen to a comb with cardboard, and listen to various sounds and...

Students examine physics by completing a bicycle experiment in class. In this gravity lesson plan, students measure the characteristics of different bicycles and compare their different race times. Students utilize a shoebox,...

High schoolers are given the difintion of translational motion, which is the object in motion stays in motion. If you are in a car and the car stops, you keep moving. They then discuss rotational motion, which is a spinning object...

Students discuss how people are reducing their fuel consumption, then read a news article about a new bike-sharing program in Washington, D.C. In this current events and alternative transportation lesson, the teacher introduces the...

An excellent lesson awaits your young scientists! In it, learners are invited to explore the world of pulleys, levers, and planes; simple machines that make lifting heavy things much, much easier. They watch video, and engage in hands-on...

Written for a college physics course, this midterm examination deals with electric and magnetic fields. When taking this test, learners answer multiple choice questions, solve problems, and analyze a variety of attractive diagrams....

Students discuss that the conservatin of energy states that the energy imput must equal the energy output. They then figure out how can a machine help you to perform task otherwise considered impossible? Students discuss the six simple...

How can you launch an object that isn't propelled by air? The resource provides directions to build a launcher to launch rockets made of two-liter bottles. The launcher, built mainly from materials found at the local hardware...

Here is a word search that has more educational value than most. After finding the 14 words that have to do with natural resources, learners must then use the words in context. They answer 14 questions on the second page of the...

Middle schoolers use common and unusual objects to make observations of details, design, and functionality. They describe and draw each object while working in small groups. The differences between observation and perception is covered...

Torque--a teachable moment? Here's a lesson on torque (or moment) and variables that include size, reinforcement, structural bracing, and material that affect torque.

Consider the effects of green transportation. In this environmental stewardship lesson, determine how transportation has changed throughout history and then collaborate to solve New York City transportation issues.

Using a hands-on approach, learners explore the effect of friction on objects. Learners use toy cars, shoes, wood, metal, and more to experiment with the causes and effects of friction. Afterwards, they conduct experiments in which they...

Learners explore speed by calculating the average speed of several snowmobiles, and predicting which of them is the fastest. They watch a race to verify their calculations.

Students explore simple machines.  In this simple machines science lesson, students work with a partner to identify what kind of simple machine is represented by a variety of household objects placed in paper bags.  Students...

Young scholars learn along with Ms. Frizzle's class. In this Magic School Bus lesson plan, students get a bugs-eye view of the flower world and find out how seeds are created, how they travel, and how they grow into plants.

In this momentum learning exercise, high schoolers use the equation for momentum to describe an object's motion. This learning exercise has 4 problems to solve.

In this Gulf oil spill worksheet, students examine a 4-page article regarding basic facts about the oil spill as well as photographs of clean-up efforts.

Middle schoolers view a video on friction and examine how friction and gravity affect some sports.  In this investigative lesson students write a paragraph and draw a picture that illustrates how friction and gravity affect sports.

High schoolers explore how rechargeable batteries work by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discuss the benefits of using rechargeable batteries over disposable ones. They build their own battery...

Pupils write a sketch of an artist or athlete that has pushed the limits on gravity. They explore concepts of rhythm, balance and friction. They examine how engineers design sports equipment.