Search Results
Showing results 1 to 19 of 19
Where Will It Go?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners predict where a ball will go after it bounces off another object. Learners discover that the motion of objects is predictable based on laws of motion.
Physics Tug of War
Learners set up books with rubber bands stretched between the books. When two identical books are stretched apart and released, they move back toward each other an equal distance.
Rocket Launchers
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners work with an adult to build a rocket and launcher out of a plastic 2-liter bottle, flexible plastic hose, plastic tubing, toilet paper tube, and duct tape.
Watch It Fly
Source Institutions
Learners observe projectile motion by launching wooden balls off of a table top. They set up a rubber-band launcher so that each ball experiences a consistent amount of force.
Build Your Own Robot Arm
Source Institutions
In this lesson, learners develop a robot arm using common materials. Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork, as well as materials selection and use.
Soaring Satellites
Source Institutions
Working in small teams, learners try to build a satellite that can float for at least five seconds in the marked area of a vertical wind tube.
Newton's 2nd Law: Inquiry Approach
Source Institutions
In this lab activity, learners act as fellow scientists and colleagues of Isaac Newton. He has asked them to independently test his ideas on the nature of motion, in particular his 2nd Law.
Catapult
Source Institutions
Build a catapult that transforms the potential energy of a twisted rubber band into kinetic energy. Experiment with design variations so that you can hit a target with a projectile.
Magnetic Pendulum
Source Institutions
In this activity about magnetism (page 15 of the PDF), learners will explore how opposite and similar magnetic poles affect a swinging (pendulum) magnet.
Chain Reaction II
Source Institutions
In this hands-on activity, learners use an assortment of (mainly household) items to complete Rube Goldberg-type challenges.
Give Me a Brake
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion.
Up and Over
Source Institutions
This is an activity about Newton's First Law of Motion - a body in motion tends to stay in motion, or a body at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force.
How Do Probes Get To Space?
Source Institutions
Investigate how force and thrust work to propel rockets into outer space. Build a rocket: a blown-up balloon taped to a drinking straw threaded through some string.
Thrill Ride
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will build a roller coaster for a marble to run on using everyday household materials such as paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cups, boxes, books, buckets, chairs, etc.
Gymnast
Source Institutions
In this physics activity, learners build a toy with a figure that spins around like a gymnast on the high bar.
Scribbling Machines
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.
Paper Tape Motion Timer
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a recording timer made from simple materials (e.g., small dc motor, sharpie pen, craft sticks, adding machine paper tape, etc.).
Airboat
Source Institutions
In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air.
Newton's in the Driver's Seat
Source Institutions
In this playful physics activity (page eight of the pdf), learners use toy cars to explore how speed and weight affect the results of collision.