Physics & Physical Science Demos, Labs, & Projects for High School Teachers

A friend of mine who teaches Middle School Technology gave me this catalog a couple of years ago.  There is actually a series of catalogs for different areas.  Their web site is a bit confusing, it seems they are a series of companies, all with the goal of improving technology and science education.

The “PITSCO Ideas and Solutions” catalog is a perfect fit for this web site.  The catalog is organized into activities such as Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Physical Science, etc.  Under each subheading is one or more activities.  Under Physical Science, they have kits and materials for Mouse Trap Vehicles, Catapults, Trebuchet, and Egg Drop Vehicles.

I really like their ideas, and there are a lot of them, but they seem totally focused on Middle School.  The materials are very expensive and can often be easily found for much less money.  For instance, you may have read my post about building Hot-Air Balloons.  They have a material kit that has enough tissue paper, glue sticks, etc to make 25 balloons for $99.  I’m pretty sure you can do that for less than $20 with no difficulty.  They have a propane burner launch station designed with safety in mind for $345.  Don’t get me wrong, great stuff, just pricey.

You can find them on the web at www.shop-pitsco.com.  I suggest you start by ordering a catalog.