Study of Simple Machines
Science Unit: Physical Science
Learning Description: Students will study the uses and efficiency of simple machines in their everyday environment.
Standard(s) Addressed:
4.1.4 By the end of the fourth grade, students will develop an understanding of form and function.
Objective(s):
- Construct a device to perform a simple task and explain how it works.
- Be able to name various objects in their environment that work like help tasks be done in a manner that requires less human power.
- Be able to name the four basic kinds of “simple machines”: pulley, lever, gear, and wheel/axle.
Materials:
- 4 - LEGO-dacta kits one for each of the four kinds of simple machines.
- Sports Science for Young People by George Barr
References:
LEGO-dacta kits and materials; Trends Enterprises Discovery Guide kit (inquiry centers 1-4; Sports Science for Young People by George Barr; Internet worksheets from www.BrainPOP.com.
Preparation/Introduction:
Students are divided into pairs, with each pair taking one of the “simple machine” kits to begin constructing. Each kit must be “inventoried” before construction may begin to insure that all pieces necessary are ready to be used. Each kit contains two examples to be built.
Instructional Method:
Partners take turns with the actual construction by carefully reading through and completing each step until their “simple machine” is finished.
Kits are rotated among the partners until each partner group has constructed the machines in all four of the LEGO-dacta kits. Students “try out” their simple-machine kit creation to see how it works and explore how it would shift the energy to make work easier.
Describe how this lesson incorporated hands-on inquiry of science methods:
All construction and testing of the “simple machines” was done by hand. Understanding that their are four different kinds of levers, besides the other three types of simple machines. Students were able to convert the written steps into a functioning machine, thus integrating several levels of knowledge and understanding.
Assessment:
It is quite easy to assess whether the information concerning each “simple machine is understood. If the instructions for construction are not followed exactly the “simple machine” would not perform the task it was constructed to do. Discussion concerning how the task was made easier by using the “simple machine”, also, helped to evaluate how well the information concerning each “simple machine” related to our world of today.
Back to High Ability Learners Science
|
