Be sure to look at the bottom of the page for free materials to teach Physical Science.
Physical Science Teaching Ideas
Measuring Mass - Comparing Density
Students used balance scales to determine the density of solids and liquids.
Changing Matter States
Classroom Activity
Experiment - Turning Solids to Liquids
melting chocolate
burning candles
melting ice
We melted red chocolate candy coating to illustrate turning a solid into a liquid. Students then spread it on a graham cracker. When it cooled it turned back into a solid.
Light Experiments
Using a flashlight, mirror, prism, curved tin, etc. students conducted a number of light experiments.
Motion
While studying force and motion, students tried to knock the bottom coin out from underneath the other coins by hitting it with the thin edge of the plastic knife.
Magnet Experiments
In this simple experiment, fourth graders charted which objects were magnetic. We also studied magnetic poles.
Series and Parallel Circuits
Students created simple circuits with a small light bulb with holder, battery with holder, and switch.
Experiment - Mystery Powders
Step #1 - Feel of each mystery powder.
Step #2 - Determine how the mystery powder reacts to heat.
Does it burn, melt, bubble, smoke, caramelize, turn color, or have no reaction at all?
Step #3 - Determine how the mystery powder reacts to iodine.
Does it turn yellow, brown, red, black, purple or multi-colored?
Step #4 - Determine how the mystery powder reacts to vinegar.
Does it fizz, foam, bubble, make noise, harden, dissolve, etc.?
Based on the data gathered can you identify which of the white powders were sugar, salt, flour, baking soda, corn starch, and plaster of Paris.
Roller Coaster Experiments
Mechanical Energy
Have students make a spool racer, then discuss when it has potential and kinetic energy.
