Physical Science – Structures and Materials (SM)

Students develop and apply comparing & contrasting, observing, and predicting as they investigate the properties of familiar objects and materials.

Students look for shapes in structures and then build and test different frame structures for strength and stability.

Make some fake snot and explore the function of mucus in this fun activity.

Explore surface tension in this hands on challenge activity.

Will it slide or stick? Students conduct a fair test to investigate how different solid surfaces affect the movement of an object on a ramp.

Are you willing to give up a sweet treat for the sake of science? Can you engineer a strong and stable structure out of something soft and fluffy?

Make and test a model paddle boat and learn about potential and kinetic energy.

It’s not easy to dive deep underwater. How do divers get down deep? Learn how scuba divers manipulate density to move up and down in this hands on activity.

Become a pro at washing dishes! Learn how the chemical structure of detergent makes it perfect for attracting grease and grime.

Try your hand at building a “super coaster” using materials around your home.

Can you think like an engineer? Try to solve a tricky size and shape problem in this activity.

Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.

Students will learn about the human impacts on bee populations as they design, test, build and observe a structure for solitary bees.

Students work collaboratively to design and build a boot tread that will use friction to prevent slipping on an incline.

Students will design and build a model apartment building and learn how buildings such as these can be a solution for suburban sprawl.