Lesson planning and the Internet

Title: Simple Machines
Resources:
The Franklin Institute. (n.d.). Simple machines. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html

Science Lessons. (1998). Simple machines learning site. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm

Huddle, C. (n.d.). Simple machines: Lessons plans. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/Summer_Training/KaeAvenueES/Resource_Chart.html

Edheads. (2007). Edheads: Activate your mind. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from www.edheads.com

Subject: Science
Grade: 4
Description:
Each student will investigate and understand what a simple machine is, and identify the six simple machines. They will use a computer and the Internet to complete a scavenger hunt based on the student worksheet. This worksheet will guide them to particular websites to answer the following questions.
1. What is a simple machine?
2. How does a simple machine work?
3. Name the 6 types of simple machines.

Once the students have completed the scavenger hunt I will ask them to visit EdHeads and click on simple machines then start. This website is an interactive tool that will allow the students to explore how simple machines work in our society. For example, the toilet paper on a roller is an example of a wheel and axel and the explanation as to why it is an example of this is provided. The students will then find examples of each simple machine that we use in our daily lives.

General Outcomes:
4-6 Students will demonstrate a practical understanding of simple machines by identifying devices in which energy is transferred to produce motion.

Specific Outcomes:
Students will:
- Compare the wheel and the roller and identify examples where each are used
- Demonstrate and identify ways to use a lever that:
o Applies a small force to create a large force
o Applies a small movement to create a large movement

- Predict how changes in the size of a lever or the position of the fulcrum will affect the forces and movements involved
- Identify simple machines used at home or school

ICT Curriculum Outcomes and Goals:
C1. Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.
2.1 access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from the given uniform resource locations (URLS)
C5. Students will use technology to aid in collaboration during inquiry.
2.1 retrieve data from available storage devices, such as a shared folder, to which a group has contributed
2.2 record group brainstorming, planning and sharing of ideas by using inspiration program
C7. Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning
2.2 use selected presentation tools to demonstrate connections among various pieces of information
F3. Students will demonstrate a moral and ethical approach to the use of technology
2.1 comply with the acceptable use of policy of the school and school authority for Internet and networked services, including software licensing agreement
P5. Students will navigate and create hyperlinked resources
2.2 navigate through a document that contains links to locate, copy and then paste data in a new file

Rationale
I believe that when students are actively participating in their own learning process they learn the material better. Using technology and the Internet allows students to explore these websites and find the information needed to complete the assignment on their own, working at their own pace. The interactive website provided allows students to apply what they learned by answering the questions asked on the website. This will engage students and keep their interest while learning curriculum-based information.