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Physics

Simple Machines

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Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet

Energy Transfer in a Trebuchet

On NOVA, a team of carpenters, timber framers, engineers, and historians recreate a medieval throwing machine called a trebuchet. This adapted video segment explores how understanding energy transfer informs their design. OER Level

6-12

Video

Galileo: His Experiments

Galileo: His Experiments

This interactive activity from the NOVA Web site samples Galileo's experiments with falling objects, projectiles, inclined planes, and pendulums.

6-12

Interactive

Galileo: His Place in Science

Galileo: His Place in Science

Einstein called Galileo the "father of modern physics." This media-rich essay from the NOVA Web site looks at Galileo's quest to understand the mathematics of motion.

6-12

Document

Galileo's Inclined Plane

Galileo's Inclined Plane

How did Galileo figure out the mathematics of falling bodies? This video segment adapted from NOVA examines Galileo's work on motion.

6-12

Video

Lever an Obelisk

Lever an Obelisk

Investigate the mechanical advantage of the lever in this interactive activity from the NOVA Web site.

6-12

Interactive

Levers: Raising the Moai on Easter Island

Levers: Raising the Moai on Easter Island

In this video segment adapted from NOVA, a team of archaeologists and engineers explores different uses of the lever by recreating the engineering feats of the ancient Easter Island peoples. OER Level

3-12

Video

Raising an Obelisk: An Engineering Puzzle

Raising an Obelisk: An Engineering Puzzle

This video segment adapted from NOVA follows two teams as they each test a different engineering design in an effort to explain how ancient Egyptians raised a giant stone obelisk. OER Level

3-12

Video

Steam Machine

Steam Machine

Explore NOVA Online's interactive steam engine and discover how this machine can convert heat to mechanical energy.

3-12

Interactive