Explore the Lessons
Aligned to national standards, these exciting inquiry-based lessons address key areas of life science, physical science, earth science, and technology/innovation using common materials you can find in your classroom. Help students make real world connections to science and ignite the spark that may eventually lead students to a scientific career!
3-5 Lessons
Don't Slip FrictionIn this lesson students will investigate frictional forces between a block of wood and 3M™ Sandpaper. They will measure, record, and graph the force needed to move the block of wood across various grades of 3M™ Sandpaper using either spring scales or rubber bands. Download activity |
How Strong Is It: AdhesiveIn this lesson, students will work in small groups to gather quantitative data about the amount of force needed to pull a Post-it® Notes from the surface of a CD along the plane of the CD. Download activity |
Interaction at a Distance: MagnetsStudents come in contact with and use magnets every day. They often don't consider that there are different types of magnets and that they are made for different purposes. In this class activity students explore magnetic strength and how combining magnets can increase it. Download activity |
Strong as NewspaperArchitecture is a practical application of design and engineering, which utilizes applied math and science principals. In this lesson, students make a simple but strong structure from tubes made from rolled up newspaper. Download activity |