PhysicsQuest

Introduce students to current physics topics through hands-on activities.
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Encourage middle school students to explore physics through PhysicsQuest. These activities introduce current physics topics, invite you to explore the diverse careers of notable scientists, and feature hands-on, NGSS aligned experiments. Current and previous PhysicsQuest projects focus on topics including orbital motion, and understanding thermal energy and equilibrium, how quantum algorithms work, properties of light, and much more.

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PhysicsQuest 2024: A Mysterious Matter

This kit was created in partnership with the American Physical Society’s (APS) Division of Plasma Physics (DPP). These lessons show us where we find plasma - the fourth state of matter - in our universe and all around us. The kits introduce students to plasma, its properties, how stars are formed, and how stars can "be bottled" to create clean energy used here on Earth. Together, students will learn about this mysterious matter - plasma.

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PhysicsQuest 2023: Making Waves

In collaboration with Little Shop of Physics, APS offers four engaging activities centered around the fascinating world of "waves." Waves are all around us, shaping our world and providing energy, such as the sun's electromagnetic waves. Understanding these waves unlocks the secrets of our universe. These Making Waves activities are perfect for your physics curriculum, serving as captivating prelude activities or post-learning explorations

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PhysicsQuest 2022 image featuring illustrations of diverse scientists

PhysicsQuest 2022: Physics Together

Encourage middle school students to explore physics through the PhysicsQuest! In 2022, APS and STEP UP collaborated to present a PhysicsQuest curriculum exploring amazing discoveries and stellar accomplishments of diverse physicists. These PhysicsQuest 2022: Physics Together science activities introduce students to who does physics and what physicists do, with a special focus on Careers in Physics and Women in Physics.

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More PhysicsQuest lesson plans and other learning resources

APS provides additional resources for teachers through PhysicsQuest topics and other materials covering quantum science, force and motion, heat, energy, sound, currents, and more.

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