All Physical Science resources

Journal Article

Warming up to Inquiry: Using inquiry to teach heating and cooling of substances to 2nd graders

Starting to teach science through inquiry can be intimidating for teachers who don’t have much experience with it. Some concerns about teaching science through inquiry often come from misunderstandings of what science entails (Authors et al., 2015...

By Jesse Wilcox, Maizee Lindsey, Karissa Steinke

Inquiry Physical Science

Journal Article

Building a Soundproof Room: A University-Elementary Collaboration

The creative opportunity inherent in developing a STEM project is a great opportunity for preservice teachers. This article outlines a project in which a Science Education professor collaborated with an elementary STEM teacher to provide background o...

By Lauren Angelone, Katherine Dykes, Rorie Smith

Engineering Physical Science

Journal Article

Scaffolding an Inquiry-Based Spring Constant Activity for Differentiated Physics Instruction

This activity gives students the opportunity to design an experiment, collect data, and solve for the spring constant of different springs. The use of low-cost materials and the inquiry-based structure makes it more accessible for teachers and more e...

By Eric Lindley

High School Inclusion Phenomena Physical Science Teaching Strategies

Journal Article

Overcharging: Science of Thermal Runaway

Lithium-ion batteries solve many problems, yet also create new problems like thermal runaway. To better understand the phenomenon themselves, the authors participated in a two-day workshop about the science of thermal runaway, when lithium-ion batter...

By Amy Gilbert, Ann Dubick

Chemistry Physical Science Science and Engineering Practices

Journal Article

Engaging Middle School Students with the Nature of Particles, Waves, and Light

This three-day unit engages students in the exploration of light behavior and makes connections to the advanced idea of the wave-particle duality of light. Students begin by exploring the behaviors of marbles (particles) as they interact with differe...

By Isaiah Kent-Schneider, Jerrid Kruse, Dan Chibnall, Paige Anderson, Emma Richards, Brooke Christenson

Literacy Phenomena Physical Science Physics Teaching Strategies