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Conduct scientific investigations that include testable questions, verifiable hypotheses, and appropriate variables to explore new phenomena or verify the experimental results of others. Inq.2
Independent and Dependent Variables - identify the independent variable, dependent variable, experimental and control groups in three studies [not interactive]
Analyze the components of a properly designed scientific investigation. Inq.4
Challenging Problems - a set of challenging inquiry-based science problems that will allow students and groups of students to design and conduct their own investigations
Online Schoolyard & Classroom Investigations -
online projects that allow students to, collaboratively or independently, conduct scientific investigations in their schoolyards and classrooms, and then submit their collected data using an online form
Plot points on the Cartesian coordinate graphing system. Math.1
Catch the Fly - [all 4 quadrants are used] Use the keyboard to enter the x and y values of an ordered pair to help the fly catch a bug. No score is kept, each question is essentially a one question game.
Coordinate Plane Practice - students type ordered pairs in the blocks on this interactive PowerPoint show
General Coordinates Game - Students investigate the Cartesian coordinate system through identifying the coordinates of points, or requesting that a particular point be plotted.
Graphing Ordered Pairs - Make up any ordered pair of the form (x, y). Write it on paper. Use the mouse arrow and click the point on the coordinate graph below.
Grid Graph - [this link opens on a new page] Students identify and plot points on a grid. (Author - Paulette Boggs) [Quadrant 1 only]
Maze Game - Students use their knowledge of points on a graph to move a robot to the target, while avoiding mines.
Simple Coordinates Game - Students investigate the first quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system through identifying the coordinates of points, or requesting that a particular point be plotted.
Simple Maze Game - Students investigate the first Quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system by directing a robot through a mine field laid out on the plane.
Simple Plot - enter ordered pairs then generate a graph
Stock the Shelves - [this link opens on a new page] You are the clerk. Stock the shelves using a special coordinate plane.
Worksheet Generator - Print your own blank coordinate plane worksheets, you determine the number of grids on a sheet and whether the grids are numbered or not.
Graph basic relations and functions. Math.2
3D Function Graph-in-a-Box - This applet graphs selected mathematical functions in 3-D Drag your mouse over the graph to rotate it.
Graph, Domain and Range of Common Functions - tutorial using a large window applet to explore the graphs, domains and ranges of some of the most common functions used in mathematics
Graph of Exponential Functions - Graphing and sketching exponential functions: step by step tutorial. The properties such as domain, range, horizontal asymptotes and intercepts of the graphs of these functions are also examined in details. Free graph paper is available.
Linear Function Machine - Students investigate linear functions by trying to guess the slope and intercept from inputs and outputs.
Positive Linear Function Machine - Students investigate linear functions with positive slopes by trying to guess the slope and intercept from inputs and outputs.
Solving addition and subtraction equations - Try a workout of 10 problems. If you get at least 8 correct on your first attempt, then you're ready to move on. If not, review "In Depth" and try again.
Determine the frequency, range, mode, median, and mean from a data set. Math.4
Basketball Debate - [this link opens on a new page] explore the meaning of average (or mean) and relate these concepts to real world experiences. (Author - Michael Naylor)
Bicycles Ala Mode - [this link opens on a new page] understand and apply the concepts of mean, median and mode. (Author - Michael Naylor)
Exploring Histograms - The interactive data analysis tool in this investigation allows students to create their own sets of data and examine how various statistical functions such as mean, median, and standard deviation depend on the choice of data.
Graphing Calculator Help - select a calculator and after selecting a calculator, click a topic within the frame on the right side of the page for specific instructions
Graphing Calculator Toolbar 1.91 [for use with the Firefox browser] - Enter up to 5 equations into this toolbar, then view the graphs using Firefox native SVG support. The toolbar allows rescaling the x and y coordinates and redefining the domain of x
Online Graphing Calculator - GCalc: a basic, easy-to-use, well-balanced set of graphing functionality for algebra, pre-calculus, calculus and beyond. Click on the GCalc2 applet button to get the online calculator
Online Graphing Calculator - What kind of graphing do you want to do? Just click on one of the 10 calculators below and have fun
Online Graphing Calculators - graph functions, equations, and inequalities in algebra, precalculus, and calculus
Spreadsheet and Graphing Calculator - This tool can be used to investigate rational functions, or exponential functions. It can also be used to investigate any other functions that can be explored with a graphing calculator or spreadsheet software
Explore displacement, velocity, and acceleration [Average Velocity: vav = (df-di)/ (tf-ti); Final Velocity: vf = vi+aΔt; Final Velocity of Falling: vf = vi+gΔt; Average Acceleration: aav = (vf-vi)/(tf -ti); Displacement: d = vi Δt+(1/2) aΔt2; Displacement of Falling: Δd = vi Δt +(1/2)g Δt2]. 1.1
Analyze vector diagrams and solve composition and resolution problems for force and momentum. 1.2
Vector Direction - practice with the use of scaled vector diagrams for the representation of the magnitude and direction of a vector.
Resultant Vector - explore the effects of combining different vector quantities
Resultant of Forces - This applet deals with forces exerted on a body.You can vary the number of single forces by using the choice box at the right side. It is possible to change the sizes and directions of these forces by dragging the arrowheads to the intended positions with pressed mouse button.
Explore characteristics of rectilinear motion and create distance-time graphs (velocity), velocity-time graphs (acceleration and distance). 1.3
Ticker Tape Diagrams - A common way of analyzing the motion of objects in physics labs is to perform a ticker tape analysis. The practice problems included will help your students evaluate the time variable.
Funderstanding Roller Coaster! - Your mission is to design a coaster so that you can achieve maximum thrills and chills without crashing or flying off the track. You must decide on a number of factors; the height of hill #1, hill #2, the size of the loop, the initial speed of the coaster, its mass, the gravity at work and the amount of friction on the track
Evaluate the dynamics of systems in motion including friction, gravity, impulse and momentum, change in momentum, and conservation of momentum. [Coefficient of Friction: μ = Ff/FN; Law of Universal Gravitation: FG = (G m1m2)/d2; Impulse and Change of Momentum: F Δt = mΔt]. 1.5
Ballistic Simulator - Each new shot has a trajectory which is color coded. You get a maximum of 4 shots to hit the target with a cannon ball
Design and Test - This project simulates the Design and Test process through the development of a virtual paintball catapult. The student must build catapults capable of performing a variety of tasks, stay within the allotted budget, and interpret test results to fine tune their design.
Projectile Tutorial - You can do experimentation to discover concepts or you can check your problem-solving progress. Follow the directions below the picture depending on which one you want to do.
Experiment with elastic and inelastic collisions. 1.8
Amusement Park Physics - How do physics laws affect amusement park ride design? In this exhibit, you'll have a chance to find out by designing your own roller coaster. Plan it carefully--it has to pass a safety inspection. You can also experiment with bumper car collisions.
Apply elementary calculus to solve motion problems [Velocity = derivative of and acceleration = derivative of velocity]. 1.11
Experiment with elastic and inelastic collisions [Elastic Collisions in One Dimension: m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v3+m2v4; Inelastic Collision in One Dimension: m1v1+m2v2 = (m1+m2)v3]. 1.12
Distinguish between mass and weight using base units in the SI system. 1.13
Associate time with the independent variable in most experiments. 1.14
Relate inertia, force or action-reaction forces to Newton’s three laws of motion. 1.15
Compare, contrast, and apply characteristic properties of scalar and vector quantities. 1.16
Investigate the definitions of force, work, power, kinetic energy, and potential energy. [Force: F = ma; Work: W = Fd; Power: P = (FΔd)/ Δt; Kinetic Energy: EK = 0.5mv2; Potential Energy: EP = mgΔh]. 1.17
Analyze the characteristics of energy, conservation of energy including friction, and gravitational potential energy [Gravitational Potential Energy: Ep=mgΔh]. 1.18
Relate work and power to various simple machines, mechanical advantage of different machines, and recognize simple machines that are combined to form compound machines [Work: W= FΔ d; Power: p = (FΔ d)/Δt; Efficiency, Efficiency = (WOUT/WIN )x100%]. 1.19
Describe rotational equilibrium and relate this factor to torque [Rotational Inertia: T = Iα; Torque: T = Fr]. 1.20
Determine the magnitude of the buoyant force exerted on floating and submerged objects (FB = mfg = ρfVfg). 1.21
Investigate the apparent weight of an object submerged in a fluid (Fnet = FB – Fg). 1.22
Explain why objects float or sink in terms of force and density. 1.23
Calculate the pressure exerted by a fluid according to Pascal’s Principle (Pinc = F1/A1 = F2/A2). 1.24
Calculate how pressure varies with depth (P = P0 + ρgh). 1.25
Examine the motion of a fluid using the continuity equation (A1v1 = A2v2). 1.26
Recognize the effects of Bernoulli’s principle on fluid motion (e.g., lift, ball trajectories, and wind around/over object). 1.27
Investigate temperature in relationship to kinetic energy. 2.1
Identify the characteristics of internal energy and temperature/heat (joules/calories). 2.2
Investigate changes in heat content (quantity of thermal energy) and relate to kinetic energy and specific heat. 2.3
Investigate potential energy changes (phase changes) of heat of fusion, heat of vaporization, and heat of sublimation [Change in Heat: ΔQ= mHv and ΔQ= mHv]. 2.4
Explore thermal expansion and contraction [Linear Expansion: Δl = li αΔT ; Volumetric Expansion: ΔV= ViβΔT]. 2.5
Apply the second law of thermodynamics to the Carnot engine. 2.6
Apply the Laws of Thermodynamics to the atmospheric levels of the earth (i.e., greenhouse effect and global warming). 2.7
Recognize that absolute zero is the absence of molecular kinetic energy. 2.8
Relate the First Law of Thermodynamics as an application of the Law of Conservation of Energy and heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation. [Heat Lost = Heat Gained, QL= QG]. 2.9
Relate change in heat content (quantity of thermal energy) to kinetic energy and specific heat [Change in Heat: Q=mCΔT]. 2.10
Investigate and analyze wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of longitudinal and transverse waves.
\ 3.2
Describe a wave interaction as reflection, refraction, diffraction, or interference. 3.3
Explore Hooke’s Law. 3.4
Investigate reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference of sound waves. 3.5
Compare mechanical and electromagnetic waves. 3.6
Explain the Doppler Effect. 3.7
Determine the speed of sound experimentally and describe the effects various materials and temperatures on sound transmission. 3.8
Measure spring constants. 3.9
Solve problems related to wave length, frequency and speed [wave velocity: v =f λ]. 3.10
Determine the speed of sound experimentally using various materials and temperatures [sound velocity: vs= f λ; Sound velocity (using air temperature): vs= 331.5m/s + (0.56 m/s oC) (T)]. 3.11
Describe simple harmonic motion. 3.12
Compare the wave characteristics of natural auditory phenomena. 3.13
Solve problems related to Snell’s law [Index of refraction: n = (sin θr / sin θi); Snell’s law: ni sin θi = nr sin θr]. 4.8
Differentiate among transmission, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference of light waves. 4.9
Explore the formation of color (both additive and subtractive properties) [Additive Color Theory: W= B+G+R: Y= G+R: =B+G: M = R+B; Subtractive Color Theory: B=W–Y: C= W–R: M=W–G]. 4.10
a site for teachers | 
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sound | 
video format | 
interactive lesson | 
a quiz | 
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