Apologia: Physical Science Physics Resources

Readers may appreciate some sources for Physics materials appropriate to Physical Science.  Apologia's Young Explorers Chemistry and Physics text for Middle ?School has clear text and simple experiments.  I encourage students to read elementary books if the material is confusing; often then, the information in a higher level text is easier to understand.  NSTA's Take Home Physics book has loads of simple labs.  The web site has a sample.  Ask your library to see if they can get a copy through an inter library loan because the book retails for around $25.

TOPS Science is another place for top notch materials.  The authors once worked with the Peace Corps and developed high quality science experiments that use simple materials.  I use the Electricity and Magnetism manuals for Physical Science and let the kids work through the activities.  Many home-school families use their manuals to teach the majority of elementary science.

For exciting, original experiments, it is hard to beat Steve Spangler Science.  Steve has excellent videos and kits to buy.  Another favorite for supplies and cool materials is Educational Innovations.  The prices are very fair.  Check out this site for balancing birds and the soda bottle balance board, perfect for Center of Gravity.

Another reliable source for cool Physics demonstrations or activities is The Exploratorium; posted here, is an idea to use a meter stick to demonstrate center of gravity.

One last tip.  Every summer, I host a science camp at my church.  Last year's theme was Mad Science.  Check out my Pinterest board.  You might be interested in the Discrepent Events board, too, which depict a range of Physics principles.