Creativity in Mind

Here is a mini circuits unit for you. It includes my guided reading and vocabulary for series and parallel circuits (use as preview or review) as well as a nice little conceptual lab for the topic. Both can be used at the middle or high school level. Enjoy!

I have started doing weekly readings with vocabulary because our assessments have changed to ones in which decoding from informational text is an imperative skill. This is my reading and vocabulary for introduction to electric current, which bridges the gap between static electricity and current electricity. It covers the basic circuit and Ohm's law.

I have started doing weekly readings with vocabulary because our assessments have changed to ones in which decoding from informational text is an imperative skill. This is my reading and vocabulary for graphing in science. This is my edition for series and parallel circuits, which also includes electrical power. I also have a conceptual lab for this material which could be used at the middle or high school level. I will bundle it to this reading separately if you are interested in a mini unit on

I used this at the end of my Motion, Forces and Energy Unit. While I have accumulated marble run sets over the years in order to have six lab setups, I have also used pipe insulation and marking tape (with books and ring stands) in the past. Or, you could purchase one set (about $25-$40) and include this as a station in a larger review setup. It was HIGHLY engaging and students loved it, yet at the same time, they stopped to make all necessary calculations and observations. Prior to the lab, we

I created this lab to reinforce the concept of friction. This is my middle level version as it is conceptual rather than mathematical. While it uses basic lab supplies ( spring scales, masses), there are some lab-specific materials that are easy to acquire. Hooked blocks can be made very easily by screwing in hooks to little blocks of wood. Your tech ed teacher can probably help you here if you don't already have these. Also, I used pre-fab friction boards, but you can use any surfaces you can f

I have started doing weekly readings with vocabulary because our assessments have changed to ones in which decoding from informational text is an imperative skill. This is my reading and vocabulary for electric charge, which I used during my electricity unit. Add some mini static electricity experiments with balloons, hair and rice krispees and it's a fun way to start the unit! :)

I used these throughout my electricity unit for initial exposure to the content, but they can be used for review or homework or, if you need to be out for the day as well. Enjoy!

I've done this activity from 7th through 12th grades and it's always entertaining to see what they come up with. Since they're not actually building it, they can really think out of the box (ex- nuclear energy and thermal energy become popular). I usually do this after a lesson on energy and then I will show then the OK Go, "This Too Shall Pass" video as that is the ultimate contraption to model (in my opinion). You may also wish to show them Rube Goldberg examples. Or, modify a bit and simply u

What better way to learn about Newton's Laws than to experience them firsthand! In this lab, students are pushed on a scooter (or skateboard) with a constant mass (provided by a bathroom scale). Graphical relationships as well as basic acceleration calculations are analyzed after the masses of two riders are compared. One of my former students once told me that this lab was "the most fun she had in lab during her entire high school career." Note- I scaled back the physics such that this lab is a

I use this lesson at the beginning of my HS Physics Electricity and Magnetism unit, but it can be adapted for middle school too. It is meant to be conceptual. Students build basic circuits, make observations and compare/contrast the circuits. If using for lower grades, just omit the last part about schematic drawings. I used this for an observation lesson with very favorable results!

Elevate your student's understanding of projectiles launched at an angle (a tricky topic!) with this fun, highly relatable lab. I use an over-the-door basketball hoop and the groups takes turn using it. I also have smaller basketball nets that can be thumbtacked to a bulletin board, the the over-the-door version is more desirable. Using standard measuring equipment and their knowledge of kinematics, the should be able to solve the problem- what was the original velocity of your shot?

Skip the PowerPoint notes and have students do a little research on their own for Newton's Three Laws. I use the Prentice Hall review book, but the directions can be modified to say whatever you wish. I also include an annotated answer key.

This project is the piece de resistance of my high school physics course! I've used it for a classroom observation as well as a district-level Staff Development Day presentation. Students design a project to showcase their knowledge of projectiles launched at an angle. This has always been a very challenging topic for students, but after completion of this project, they know it inside and out! Students design, carry out and then present (both orally and with a scientific poster) on their experim

This is a staple for my introductory Physics course. With just a few materials, the concepts of speed, velocity, graphing, and slope calculations are reinforced.