Work smarter not harder
Lesson 1
Materials: 3 large newsprint sheets, sentence strips (optional), bulletin board space
Vocabulary: work, force, simple machine; lever, inclined plane, pulley, wheel and axle, friction, fulcrum
Grouping: Whole class and coop groups of four
Preparation: Write vocabulary terms on first newsprint sheet or sentence strips. Title the second newsprint sheet "What We Know." Title the third newsprint sheet "What We Want to Learn." Collect books and items (teacher discretion) for the Science Center.
Procedure: (1) Using the vocabulary words as idea starters, ask
the students what they know about simple machines. Record their answers
on the newsprint.
(2) Form coop groups of four. Have each group come up with "What
they want to learn." Allow time for discussion--10-15 minutes.
Have one person from each group dictate two questions from the group choices(should
be a consensus). Write these questions on the third newsprint sheet.
Closure: Discuss the Science Center, books, objects and "Center"
rules.