Search Results

Learners use compasses to detect the magnetic field created by current moving through a wire. This is one of four activities learners can complete related to PhysicsQuest 2008.

Learners use the current flowing in a wire to create a magnetic field that turns a magnet. Learners can use this property of electromagnetism to build a magnet-powered pinwheel.

Learners examine what happens when a tube spins in two directions at once. They push on a cardboard tube causing it to spin along its length while at the same time turning from end-to-end.

In this fun and imaginative writing assignment (page nine of the pdf), students will flex the creative side of their brains to learn more about the laws of motion and the scientific process.

Learners examine the properties of light by experimenting with an LED-flashlight and polarizing filters. When two polarizers are used, they block all light when they are placed at right angles.

Learners drop two different masses of play dough and observe how long it takes them to hit the ground.

In this activity (located on page 9 of the PDF), learners are introduced to Aesop's fable, "The Crow and the Pitcher." In the story, a clever crow drops pebbles into a pitcher to cause the water level

Learners experiment to see which colors of light will cause a phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) material to glow.

In this engineering activity, young learners investigate multi-level buildings.

In this activity, learners construct a projector out of cardboard to view their favorite images (such as storybook illustrations) on the wall.

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.

In this activity, learners explore what makes a boat float and sink. They examine and test various objects to determine why objects float or sink.

Learners experiment with water gel crystals, or sodium polyacrylate crystals, which absorb hundreds of times their weight in water. When in pure water, the water gel crystals cannot be seen.

Learners drop a magnet through a coil of wire to create electric current in a circuit. LEDs in the circuit allow learners to detect the direction of current flow.

Learners build a pendulum from a yo-yo, and then design their own experiment to determine what affects the pendulum's period of swing.

In this math-based activity, learners will experiment to find how height and angle affect spatter and then use this knowledge to solve a crime.

In this water activity, learners build boats that float and sink. First, learners listen to the book, "Who Sank the Boat" and practice making predictions throughout the story.

In this activity about the solar system, learners use various light sources to examine ice with different components to understand how NASA studies planets and moons from space.

In this activity, learners explore work, forces, simple machines, and construction. This lesson guide includes simple ways to demonstrate these principles as well as hands-on activities.

In this engineering activity (page 2 of PDF), young learners investigate how a wide base can make a building more stable. Learners use blocks or boxes of different sizes to construct stable towers.