Particle Physics

~ a hands-on lab notebook for curious kids ~

A series of six interactive lessons that use the particle model of matter to explain why ice floats, why bridges have gaps, how thermometers work, and how forces change everything. Built for curious kids in grades 5–8. Best read in order — each lesson builds on the one before.
1
Particle Model of Matter
The big sandbox. Drag a temperature slider from cold to hot and watch matter shift between solid, liquid, and gas — built from real particle behaviour.
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2
Why Cold Pulls Particles Together
A four-step deep dive into the tug-of-war between attraction and motion that decides whether matter is a solid, liquid, or gas.
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3
Thermometers
How does a thermometer actually work? Who decided what "0°C" means? Plus an interactive thermometer where you can see ice, water, and steam at every temperature.
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4
Expansion, Ice & Engineering
Why does ice float? Why do fish survive winter under frozen lakes? And why does almost every other material get bigger when you heat it up?
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5
The Engineering Challenge
Put your knowledge to the test! Build a bridge, sidewalk, and train track that survives a full year of weather without cracking. Earn stars for the most efficient design.
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6
Forces — Pushes & Pulls
Every interaction in the universe is a push or a pull. See how forces change motion, change shape, and transfer energy — with a tug-of-war you can play.
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7
Internal vs External Forces
Some forces come from outside (applied, friction, springs); others happen inside the material — tension, compression, shear, and torsion.
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~ made for curious kids ~