Using Science in Daily Life
Through our unit on simple & compound machines students will “explore the significance of science in their lives”, have “hands-on inquiry that involves a series of steps with Questioning, Observation, Organizing Data, Explanation, Reflection, Taking Action,” and they will “integrate reading, writing, speaking, and math.” These objectives are listed as some of the 11 Best Practices in Science listed in Best Practice: New Standards for Teaching and Learning in America’s Schools, by Steven Zemelman, Harvey Daniels, and Arthur Hyde (1998). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Simple and compound machines are all around us and a basic understanding of the 6 simple machines will give students the ability to answer the natural question, “How does that work?”
Through this unit students will first view a power point presentation and watch a humorous video incorporating simple machines. These activities will start to get them questioning simple machines in their lives.
The next step will then have students exploring their world for examples of simple machines. There is use of technology here as well for students to display the machines they found.
Finally, students will take action and create their own compound machine, a cereal shooter, to solve a real-world problem. They will present their machine to their class and demonstrate how it works.
Challenges or Obstacles:
- Having a variety of materials for students to use to create their compound machines making sure a fair amount of assistance is given to all students
Benefits and Successes:
- Students love seeing all the different possible outcomes and they remember the 6 simple machines!
- Students also have the opportunity to reflect on their first prototype and make needed adjustments. This allows them to witness that their first attempt is not always the best.
Additional Material:
Cereal Shooter Diagram and Paragraph
Simple and Compound Machines Powerpoint
http://espace.bsu.edu/bestpractices/cr3ativcarousel/simple-compound-machines/
http://espace.bsu.edu/bestpractices/?p=1329
[carousel-loop columns=”1″ category=”simple-compound-machines”]
Submitted by: Hannah Ashton, Cowan Elementary