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Physical science explores properties of matter, energy, motion,
force, light, heat, and electricity.
Be sure to look at the different
set of resources listed at the Student/Learner webpage
for this topic.
 Air
Travelers
This website was created by the Oregon Museum of Science
and Industry and the Science Learning Network. It uses the
technology of hot air ballooning to introduce basic principles
of buoyancy, properties of gases, temperature, density, and
wind. The website is aimed at "upper elementary grades",
but adult literacy programs easily can use these materials.
 Amusement
Park Physics
At this website one learns the principles of physics through
explorations of various amusement park rides. Design a roller
coaster, predict the outcomes of bumper car collisions, and
investigate the causes of motion sickness. This is another
wonderful Annerberg CPB exhibit, but like the others, it has
small text and sophisticated language. It is best used with
guidance and modification by instructors/tutors.
 The
pH Factor
Brought to you by the Miami Museum of Science, part of
the Science Learning Network, this site has lesson plans,
activities, and explanations of the pH scale. The site is
geared to elementary and middle schoolteachers; there is much
here for adult literacy instructors. This site explains and
uses an instructional model for constructivism, called the
"Five Es": excite, explore, explain, expand, extend, exchange,
examine. Among the many experiments is "Mysterious
Solutions." See also Acid
Rain Lesson Plans.
 The
Energy Story from the California Energy Commission
This site gives an excellent overview of the various types
of energy used in California and other parts of the developed
world. The California Energy Commission is the state's primary
energy policy and planning agency. Its Energy Quest website
has won numerous educational awards. "Watt’s
That?" is an online quiz show explaining energy terminology
and policy.
 Rocketry
Activities (NASA
Teacher’s Resource Center Rocket Activities)
These activities are designed to illustrate and test Isaac
Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. There is a teacher’s
guide containing background information on the history of
rocketry, scientific principles, and practical rocketry. The
physical science activities, demonstrating basic rocketry,
are designed to use inexpensive materials. There are opportunities
to read construction diagrams, use mathematics to explore
time and distance problems, and practice following directions.
Relatively large physical spaces, such as building hallways,
have been necessary for some of these activities.
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