This activity utilizes an online interactive simulation (PhET.colorado.edu) that allows students to …
This activity utilizes an online interactive simulation (PhET.colorado.edu) that allows students to explore and manipulate the subatomic particles that comprise the atom. Students also explore atomic mass, ions, nuclear symbols, and the periodic table. A link to the simulation and a downloadable file that includes a pre-lab, a student activity guide, and a post-lab assessment. The simulation also includes other inquiry opportunities and a game.
In this hands-on activity, students explore the electrical force that takes place …
In this hands-on activity, students explore the electrical force that takes place between two objects. Each student builds an electroscope and uses the device to draw conclusions about objects' charge intensity. Students also determine what factors influence electric force.
Students build their own small-scale model roller coasters using pipe insulation and …
Students build their own small-scale model roller coasters using pipe insulation and marbles, and then analyze them using physics principles learned in the associated lesson. They examine conversions between kinetic and potential energy and frictional effects to design roller coasters that are completely driven by gravity. A class competition using different marbles types to represent different passenger loads determines the most innovative and successful roller coasters.
To better understand the role of mass and gravity in the formation …
To better understand the role of mass and gravity in the formation and existence of black holes we will model the collapse of a star into a black hole using aluminum foil. Along the way students will measure the decreasing circumference, and constant mass of their star as it collapses.
Students create and decorate their own spectrographs using simple materials and holographic …
Students create and decorate their own spectrographs using simple materials and holographic diffraction gratings. A holographic diffraction grating acts like a prism, showing the visual components of light. After building the spectrographs, students observe the spectra of different light sources as homework.
Students design and construct electromagnets that must pick up 10 staples. They …
Students design and construct electromagnets that must pick up 10 staples. They begin with only minimal guidance, and after the basic concept is understood, are informed of the properties that affect the strength of that magnet. They conclude by designing their own electromagnets to complete the challenge of separating scrap steel from scrap aluminum for recycling, and share it with the class.
We are surrounded everyday by circuits that utilize "in parallel" and "in …
We are surrounded everyday by circuits that utilize "in parallel" and "in series" circuitry. Complicated circuits designed by engineers are made of many simpler parallel and series circuits. In this hands-on activity, students build parallel circuits, exploring how they function and their unique features.
This activity is a guided discovery where students gather information on how …
This activity is a guided discovery where students gather information on how to add a seat belt to a clay figure that is sitting on top of a toy car. The clay figure should stay in place when it hits a speed bump placed after a ramp.
When will objects float and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy …
When will objects float and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy works with blocks. Arrows show the applied forces, and you can modify the properties of the blocks and the fluid.
When will objects float and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy …
When will objects float and when will they sink? Learn how buoyancy works with blocks. Arrows show the applied forces, and you can modify the properties of the blocks and the fluid.
Students conduct a simple experiment to see how the water level changes …
Students conduct a simple experiment to see how the water level changes in a beaker when a lump of clay sinks in the water and when the same lump of clay is shaped into a bowl that floats in the water. They notice that the floating clay displaces more water than the sinking clay does, perhaps a surprising result. Then they determine the mass of water that is displaced when the clay floats in the water. A comparison of this mass to the mass of the clay itself reveals that they are approximately the same.
This activity is a lab where students gather data on buoyant force …
This activity is a lab where students gather data on buoyant force and height of and object being submerged in two different types of fluids. The slope of the buoyant force and height is proportional to the density of the fluid. Students compare the densities of the fluids calculated with the actual densities.
Students bury various pieces of trash in a plotted area of land …
Students bury various pieces of trash in a plotted area of land outside. After two to three months, they uncover the trash to investigate what types of materials biodegrade in soil.
A web adventure featuring characters from the popular CSI series in which …
A web adventure featuring characters from the popular CSI series in which students participate in completing a crime scene investigation using proper forensic technique.
Students will discover the terminal velocity to mass relationship and use this …
Students will discover the terminal velocity to mass relationship and use this information to calculate the air resistance constant. They will evaluate the accuracy of their lab using the Monte Carlo method.
This activity is a project-based inquiry where students design and create a …
This activity is a project-based inquiry where students design and create a machine to complete a task. Then students will be asked to calculate velocities, kinetic energy and potential energies of various parts of their machine.
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