Free Physics Lessons, Printables and Activities

Physics is the area of science in which we study how things work. Physical science looks at motion, energy, machinery (and it might surprise you as to what is considered a machine). Physicists look at lightwaves, sound waves, radio waves, magnetism and more. Physics or physical science is really the most enjoyable to teach for me because it is the easiest to demonstrate and usually gives students lots of feeling of success. Physics is a very visual science which is taking place all around us every moment of every day. Physics is also, to my mind the easiest of the sciences with which to link mathematical, geometric and algebraic formulas. To study physical science, we don't need to travel to an Andean rain forest or Antarctica. All we need to do is look around the classroom, home, playground, etc. Sadly, this branch of science can often get overlooked in curriculum which tends to be life and earth science centered.

Here are some nifty websites I've discovered which have been designed by some of the best physicists in the business. When I want to teach a subject, I believe it's best to go to the top to get information. So I've compiled a list of links to organizations who we know are the best in the business, of physics that is.

NASA probably no one will disagree that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is kind of a leader in physics? But I always worry that the most learned and academic aren't always the most erudite; in fact scholars and scientists can be pretty boring. but this website from NASA is written for kids and lay people. It consists of a series of mysteries which kids solve using principles of physical science. There is a whole free downloaded educator's guide with activities and worksheets, an experts' corner, research links, media links and at home experiments. Students can access all this at school or at home. And it's free to use and print. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (there is a link for a free download).