At Downhill Race, visitors can race wheels of varying weights on inclined tracks and make predictions about why some wheels roll faster than others.

Floating Objects is a new twist on a classic science museum exhibit, the Bernoulli Blower. Here, visitors levitate a variety of objects on two fully adjustable blowers.

Flow Formations is an interactive “canvas” on which visitors create and observe swirling patterns of turbulence in gently flowing streams of water.

Gravity-Powered Calculator is both a highly accurate ball rolling machine and a mechanical square root calculator.

At Sailboat Race, visitors choose a course—upwind, downwind, or across the wind—and race either a square or triangular-rigged sailboat.

Making Waves is a wave machine consisting of magnetic pendulums.

Frameworks for Newton's Corner

Kindergarten

NS.1.K.1 Record observations pictorially, orally, and in writing
NS.1.K.2 Ask questions based on observations
NS.1.K.3 Conduct scientific investigations as a class and in teams: lab activities and field studies
NS.1.K.6 Collect empirical evidence as a class
NS.1.K.7 Use age-appropriate equipment and tools in scientific investigations (e.g., balances and hand lenses)
NS.1.K.8 Apply appropriate rules of safety related to daily activities
PS.5.K.1 List and classify objects according to the single properties of size, color, and shape
PS.6.K.1 Demonstrate spatial relationships, including but not limited to over, under, left, and right
PS.6.K.2 Demonstrate various ways that objects can move, including but not limited to straight, zig-zag, back and forth, round and round, fast and slow
PS.6.K.3 Demonstrate the effects of the force of gravity on objects
PS.7.K.4 Demonstrate effects of magnets on each other and other objects
PS.7.K.5 List some uses of magnets in everyday objects
PS.7.K.6 Investigate magnets of various shapes

1st Grade

NS.1.1.1 Communicate observations orally, in writing, and in graphic organizers: T-charts or pictographs
NS.1.1.2 Ask questions based on observations
NS.1.1.3 Conduct scientific investigations as a class and in teams: lab activities and field studies
NS.1.1.5 Collect measurable empirical evidence as a class and in teams
NS.1.1.6 Make predictions as a class and in teams based upon empirical evidence (e.g., predict which object is heavier)
NS.1.1.7 Use age appropriate equipment and tools in scientific investigations (e.g., balances, hand lenses, rulers, and thermometers)
NS.1.1.8 Apply appropriate rules of safety related to daily activities
PS.5.1.1 Compare and contrast objects according to the single properties of size, color, shape, texture, magnetism
PS.5.1.2 Identify characteristics of solids and liquids
PS.6.1.1 List orally the various ways that objects can move, including but not limited to straight, zig-zag, back and forth, round and round, fast and slow
PS.6.1.2 Investigate the relationship between mass and weight (e.g., identical filled and empty containers)
PS.7.1.6 Classify materials as magnetic or nonmagnetic
PS.7.1.7 Investigate the properties of magnets: attraction, repulsion

2nd Grade

NS.1.2.1 Communicate observations orally, in writing, and in graphic organizers: T-charts, pictographs, Venn diagrams, and bar graphs
NS.1.2.2 Develop questions that guide scientific inquiry
NS.1.2.3 Conduct scientific investigations individually and in teams: lab activities and field studies
NS.1.2.5 Collect measurable empirical evidence in teams and as individuals
NS.1.2.6 Make predictions in teams and as individuals based upon empirical evidence
NS.1.2.7 Use age appropriate equipment and tools in scientific investigations (e.g., balances, hand lenses, rulers, and thermometers)
PS.5.2.1 Classify objects based on two or more properties
PS.5.2.2 Investigate the effect of physical phenomena on various materials (e.g., heat absorption by different colored materials)
PS.6.2.1 Investigate the relationship between force and motion

3rd Grade

NS.1.3.1 Communicate observations orally, in writing, and in graphic organizers: T-charts, pictographs, Venn diagrams, bar graphs, and frequency tables
NS.1.3.2 Develop questions that guide scientific inquiry
NS.1.3.3 Conduct scientific investigations individually and in teams: lab activities and field studies
NS.1.3.4 Communicate the results of scientific investigations (e.g., age-appropriate graphs, charts, and writings)
NS.1.3.5 Estimate and measure length, mass, temperature, and elapsed time using International System of Units (SI)
NS.1.3.6 Collect and analyze measurable empirical evidence as a team and/or as individuals
NS.1.3.7 Make and explain predictions based on prior knowledge
NS.1.3.8 Use simple equipment, age appropriate tools, technology, and mathematics in scientific investigations (e.g., balances, hand lenses, microscopes, rulers, thermometers, calculators, computers)
PS.5.3.1 Compare and contrast objects based on two or more properties
PS.5.3.3 Determine the mass of solids
PS.5.3.4 Compare and contrast solids and liquids
PS.7.3.4 Differentiate between magnets and non-magnets

4th Grade

NS.1.4.1 Communicate observations orally, in writing, and in graphic organizers: T-charts, pictographs, Venn diagrams, bar graphs, frequency tables, and line graphs
NS.1.4.2 Refine questions that guide scientific inquiry
NS.1.4.3 Conduct scientific investigations individually and in teams: lab activities and field studies
NS.1.4.5 Communicate the designs, procedures, and results of scientific investigations (e.g., age-appropriate graphs, charts, and writings)
NS.1.4.6 Estimate and measure length, mass, temperature, capacity/volume, and elapsed time using International System of Units (SI)
NS.1.4.7 Collect and interpret measurable empirical evidence in teams and as individuals
NS.1.4.8 Develop a hypothesis based on prior knowledge and observations
NS.1.4.9 Identify variables that affect investigations
NS.1.4.10 Identify patterns and trends in data
NS.1.4.11 Generate conclusions based on evidence
NS.1.4.12 Evaluate the quality and feasibility of an idea or project
NS.1.4.13 Use simple equipment, age appropriate tools, technology, and mathematics in scientific investigations (e.g., balances, hand lenses, microscopes, rulers, thermometers, calculators, computers)
PS.5.4.1 Demonstrate multiple ways to classify objects
PS.5.4.3 Compare and contrast gases to solids and liquids
PS.6.4.1 Investigate the relationship between force and direction
PS.6.4.2 Investigate the relationship between force and mass

5th Grade

NS.1.5.1 Make accurate observations
NS.1.5.2 Identify and define components of experimental design used to produce empirical evidence: Hypothesis, replication, sample size, appropriate use of control, use of standardized variables
NS.1.5.4 Interpret scientific data using data tables/charts, bar graphs, circle graphs, line graphs, stem and leaf plots, and Venn diagrams
NS.1.5.5 Communicate results and conclusions from scientific inquiry
NS.1.5.8 Explain the role of observation in the development of a theory
NS.1.5.9 Define and give examples of hypotheses
PS.5.5.2 Conduct scientific investigations on physical properties of objects
PS.5.5.3 Identify common examples of physical properties: length, mass, area, perimeter, texture, taste, odor, color, and elasticity
PS.6.5.1 Classify simple machines
PS.6.5.2 Conduct investigations using levers (e.g., toothbrush), pulleys, inclined planes-ramps, wedges, screws, and wheels and axles
PS.6.5.3 Relate simple machines to inventions and discoveries
PS.6.5.4 Compare and contrast potential energy and kinetic energy as applied to motion
PS.6.5.5 Classify real world examples as potential energy or kinetic energy as applied to motion
PS.6.5.6 Conduct investigations using potential energy and kinetic energy
PS.6.5.7 Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to simple machines and potential and kinetic energy

6th Grade

NS.1.6.1 Verify accuracy of observations
NS.1.6.2 Apply components of experimental design used to produce empirical evidence: hypothesis, replication, sample size, appropriate use of control, and use of standardized variables
NS.1.6.5 Communicate results and conclusions from scientific inquiry
NS.1.6.7 Distinguish between scientific fact and opinion
NS.1.6.8 Explain the role of prediction in the development of a theory
PS.6.6.1 Compare and contrast simple machines and compound machines
PS.6.6.2 Identify and analyze the simple machines that make up a compound machine
PS.6.6.4 Recognize and give examples of different types of forces: gravitational forces, magnetic forces, and friction
PS.6.6.7 Describe the effects of force:move a stationary object, speed up, slow down or change the direction of motion, and change the shape of objects
PS.6.6.8 Conduct investigations to demonstrate change in direction caused by force
PS.6.6.9 Conduct investigations to calculate the change in speed caused by applying forces to an object
PS.6.6.10 Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to compound machines and forces
PS.7.6.2 Summarize the application of the law of conservation of energy in real world situations: electrical energy into mechanical energy, electrical energy into heat, chemical energy into mechanical energy, and
chemical energy into light
PS.7.6.3 Conduct investigations demonstrating how energy can be converted from one form to another

7th Grade

NS.1.7.1 Interpret evidence based on observations
NS.1.7.2 Analyze components of experimental design used to produce empirical evidence: hypothesis, replication, sample size, appropriate use of control, and use of standardized variables.
NS.1.7.5 Communicate results and conclusions from scientific inquiry
NS.1.7.7 Distinguish between questions that can and cannot be answered by science
PS.6.7.1 Compare and contrast Newton’s three laws of motion
PS.6.7.2 Conduct investigations demonstrating Newton’s first law of motion
PS.6.7.3 Demonstrate Newton’s second law of motion
PS.6.7.4 Conduct investigations of Newton’s third law of motion
PS.6.7.5 Explain how Newton’s three laws of motion apply to real world situations (e.g., sports, transportation)
PS.6.7.6 Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to laws of motion
PS.7.7.3 Conduct investigations to identify types of potential energy and kinetic energy

8th Grade

NS.1.8.1 Justify conclusions based on appropriate and unbiased observations
NS.1.8.2 Evaluate the merits of empirical evidence based on experimental design: hypothesis, replication, sample size, appropriate use of control, use of standardized independent and dependent variables.
NS.1.8.3 Formulate a testable problem using experimental design
NS.1.8.9 Generate questions that can and cannot be answered by science

9th-12th Grade
PhysicalScience

P.6.PS.1 Analyze how force affects motion: one-dimensional (linear) and two-dimensional (projectile androtational)
P.6.PS.2 Explain how motion is relative to a reference point
P.6.PS.3 Compare and contrast among speed, velocity and acceleration
P.6.PS.6 Compare and contrast Newton’s three laws of motion
P.6.PS.7 Design and conduct investigations demonstrating Newton’s first law of motion
P.6.PS.8 Conduct investigations demonstrating Newton’s second law of motion
P.6.PS.9 Design and conduct investigations demonstrating Newton’s third law of motion
P.6.PS.11 Relate the Law of Conservation of Momentum to how it affects the movement of objects
NS.9.PS.4 Summarize the guidelines of science: explanations are based on observations, evidence, and testing; hypotheses must be testable; understandings and/or conclusions may change with additional empirical data; scientific knowledge must have peer review and verification before acceptance
NS.10.PS.1 Develop and explain the appropriate procedure, controls, and variables (dependent and independent) in scientific experimentation
NS.10.PS.3 Identify sources of bias that could affect experimental outcome
NS.10.PS.6 Communicate experimental results using appropriate reports, figures, and tables
NS.12.PS.1 Use appropriate equipment and technology as tools for solving problems (e.g., balances, scales, calculators, probes, glassware, burners, computer software and hardware)

9th-12th Grade
Physics

MF.1.P.7 Draw free body diagrams of all forces acting upon an object
MF.1.P.9 Apply Newton’s first law of motion to show balanced and unbalanced forces
MF.1.P.11 Apply Newton’s third law of motion to explain action-reaction pairs
MF.2.P.6 Describe the path of a projectile as a parabola
NS.16.P.3 Summarize the guidelines of science: results are based on observations, evidence, and testing; hypotheses must be testable; understandings and/or conclusions may change as new data are generated; empirical knowledge must have peer review and verification before acceptance
NS.17.P.1 Develop the appropriate procedures using controls and variables (dependent and independent) in scientific experimentation
NS.17.P.3 Identify sources of bias that could affect experimental outcome
NS.17.P.4 Gather and analyze data using appropriate summary statistics (e.g., percent yield, percent error)
NS.17.P.5 Formulate valid conclusions without bias
NS.19.P.1 Use appropriate equipment and technology as tools for solving problems (e.g., balances, scales, calculators, probes, glassware, burners, computer software and hardware)

Key: NS.1 .x. 1= Nature of Science. Standard 1. Grade level x. 1st Student Learning Expectation.
LS: Life Science. PS: Physical Science. MF: Motion and Forces