Heather Henchen

Engaging Lab/activity to explore Newtons First and Second Laws. Students explore these laws by observing a motionless dynamics cart, then changing variables using washers to change the carts mass, then the applied force with smaller washers. Used along with Ted Ed Video of Newtons 3 Laws with a Bicycle to introduce concepts. Scaffolded to support all students.

In the first part of the activity students explore how magnetism works through different liquids. In the second part, students make a temporary magnet and compass. I use this activity to begin exploring earths magnetic field and how it affects compasses and the how the compass unlocked exploration of the world. Use in conjunction with TED Ed video on How the Compass Change the World and video on compasses and earths magnetic fields.

Students use a spring scale, a wooden block with a hook and different surfaces to measure the force required to pull the block across each surface. Works best by making the surfaces longer on length to allow block to be pulled. Scaffolded to support all students.

Students explore Gravitational Potential Energy. Materials include a pie pan, bouncy or stainless steel ball, sand, clamp, stand, ruler. So much fun! You can also do this lab and change the mass of the ball to compare. Scaffolded worksheet.

Lab for Conservation of Mass or Matter. Extension Activity can also be used for Endothermic reactions. Used for 8th grade science. Lab Materials: 5 alka seltzer tablets, thermometer, Digital Scale, 200 ml Beaker, bottle with top -large enough to add an alka seltzer tablet, 100 ml graduated cylinder (or they can use the side of the beaker). Scaffolded to support all students.

A virtual simulation to explore Newton's Second Law of Motion. This resource accompanies a simulation from: https://www.physicsclassroom.com/Physics-Interactives/Newtons-Laws/Force/Force-Interactive

Students visualize magnetic field lines using magnets, iron filings and paper or see through piece of plastic to observe magnetic field lines.

Students will explore the concept of Mass and weight using a triple beam balance, washers and a spring scale. w=mg

Use a Colorado Phet Simulation to explore solubility and conductivity of solutions with your physical science students.

Students learn about solubility and compare 3 different solvents. They determine that water is a universal solvent. Food grade materials are used. I used a micro-scoop (small scoop) to reduce waste and minimize material costs. Students LOVE hands on stuff! Lab can use cups instead of a well tray and micro-scoop. Scaffolded to support all students.

Use an online Oscilloscope Tool to Model sound waves. Students can change Frequency and amplitude to explore different sound waves. Its a great visual and mathematical model. I have students wear headphones. They have SO MUCH FUN with this! Scaffolded to support all students.

Use this Lab for the formation of a Precipitate (Solid). Students use solutions of Magnesium Sulfate + Copper (II) Sulfate +Sodium Carbonate. Create 3 solutions for them to use. I have them put them in little cups to take to the table and use droppers or pipettes to add to the test tubes. You will need 3 test tubes, test tube rack, pipette or dropper, and little cups or beakers to take to the lab stations. Make sure they do not cross contaminate the samples. You can also do this as a demo. Scaff

Practice using a triple beam or other balance and graduated cylinders to find the density of water. Designed for 8th grade physical science class. Students will find the mass and volume of 3 different samples of water and then determine the densities as well as calculate the average density. They will use information from their data table to create a graph: Density=Mass/volume.

Density Lab which uses a simulation. Allows students to practice using a scale to record mass and submerge objects to calculate density using the displacement method.