Ring and Disc Demonstration
The ring and disc investigation is a classic physics demonstration designed to introduce the concepts of rotational inertia, rotational motion, and rolling motion. Both the disc and the ring have the same diameter, width, and mass. When simultaneously released from rest at the same point on an inclined plane, the disc accelerates faster, reaching the […]
Demonstration of Constant Acceleration
Kinematics is the study of the motion of an object without consideration of the force or energy that cause the motion. This is one of the first topics covered in most physics and physical science courses and is addressed in NGSS PS2: Forces and Motion: A: Forces and Motion B: Types of Interactions C: Stability and […]
Historical Sunspot Activity: Finding Patterns
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Earth and Space Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Overview Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Overview Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Overview When studying the Sun, students are often […]
A Model of Interacting Fields
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins Physical Science, Physics Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Data Observations Analysis Resources Kit Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Data Observations Analysis Resources Kit Introduction This activity is a […]
Earth’s Gravitational Field
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 15 mins Activity: 30 mins Physical Science, Earth and Space Science Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Looking at Earth’s gravitational field […]
Minimizing Forces During a Collision
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 20-30 mins Activity: 45-60 mins Physical Science, Physics Grade Level 9-12 High School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Introduction Many students have had the opportunity to participate in an […]
Newton’s Laws, Friction, and Hovercraft
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 60 mins Prep: 30 mins | Activity: 30 mins Physical Science 6-12 Middle/High School Total Time: 60 minutes [ Prep: 30 mins | Activity: 30 mins ] Subject: Physical Science Grade: Middle and High School Overview Students can engineer a simple hovercraft that illustrates Newton’s laws of motion and […]
The Physics of Vision
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 30 mins Prep: 10 mins | Activity: 20 mins Physical Science 8-12 Middle/High School Total Time: 30 minutes [ Prep: 10 mins | Activity: 20 mins ] Subject: Physical Science Grade: Middle and High School Overview Understanding vision requires a knowledge of physics, anatomy, and physiology. This activity emphasizes […]
A Model for Heat Capacity of Metals
A Carolina EssentialsTM Activity Total Time: 60-70 mins Prep: 15 mins | Activity: 45-55 mins Physical Science | Chemistry 9-12 High School Overview This simple activity models how kinetic energy is transformed into heat or thermal energy on the particle level. Additionally, by comparing data for 3 different metals—aluminum, copper, and lead—students construct a model […]
Investigating Interactions Between Electric and Magnetic Fields
A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION Total Time Prep: 30 mins Activity: 30-45 mins ea Physical Science | Physics Grade Level 6-8 Middle School Quick Links Close Quick Links Open Quick Links Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction Essential Question NGSS Materials Procedures Analysis Kit Resources Introduction A foundational concept in physics is […]