Physical Science Unit Resources

Each of our self-paced mini units covers one NGSS standard and includes a student slideshow and work packet, assessment project with rubrics, extension activity and complete educator lesson plans.

Additional resources, helpful websites and phenomena ideas are found on this page for each unit listed.

Forces and Interactions Katherine Moore Forces and Interactions Katherine Moore

Newton’s First and Second Laws Mini Unit Resources

Students reflect on the physics of their favorite childhood activity and play with toys (balls, marbles, toy cars, ramps and anything else you have!) to construct their own understanding of force and motion. Then, students use the PhET simulations Balancing Act and Force and Motion to increase their knowledge of Newton's first and second laws. Students practice calculating the net force on an object. Then, they plan and carry out their own investigation to answer the question “How do mass and force affect an object’s motion?” Finally, students share what they learned in a written claim, evidence and reasoning.

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