Lifting Heavy Things:
Grade: 2-3
Subjects: Comparison. Data collection. Discovery learning. Inclined planes. Instructional issues. Levers. Observation. Physical sciences. Process skills. Pulleys. Science. Simple machines. Work.
This information is from the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse.
| Abstract |
| Abstract: This teacher's guide, developed for grade 2 and 3 as part of the INSIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM, provides a series of learning experiences designed to help students develop their understanding about how simple machines extend our ability to lift heavythings. INSIGHTS is a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum that uses open ended exploration activities to help students develop process skills and scientific content knowledge. The curriculum encourages students to develop thinking and process skills by trying out ideas and discussing their discoveries. This teacher's guide contains a module of nine activities in which students experiment with levers, inclined planes, and pulleys. The lessons begin with an introductory questionnaire to assess students' prior knowledge about simple machines. Students then brainstorm ways they might lift some very heavy objects. In subsequent activities, students experiment with levers of different lengths and use tools that are levers to remove a nail from wood and to open a container. They also take a walk around the neighborhood to look for inclined planes in action and explore different types of pulley systems to measure how much easier each pulley system makes the job. In culminating activities, the students incorporate what they have learned to draw building site that must rely totally on human power and go on a scavenger hunt for tools or machines that accomplish specific tasks. The module concludes with a performance assessment and a final questionnaire. The teacher's guide includes recommendations directing open ended activities and cooperative learning, for teaching students from diverse backgrounds, and for mainstreaming students with mental and physical disabilities. For each activity, the teacher's guide provides teaching suggestions, a summary of learning objectives, time, and materials, and background information in addition to assessments and reproducible worksheets. A glossary and a resource list of books and audiovisual materials are also provided. Also available are a materials kit and a set of Spanish blackline masters. (Author/LCT) |