Levers & Pulleys
Investigation 4
Part 3
Choosing Your Own Investigations
Students choose a topic to investigate in greater depth. They share their findings with the class in a formal presentation.
3. Lesson set up and Management
1. Systems
- 1.2 Structure of Systems
- 1.2.1 Systems Approach
Describe how the parts of a system interact and influence each other.
(ST01, STI02, STI03, & STI04) - 1.3 Changes in Systems
- 1.3.1 Nature of Forces
Know the factors that determine the strength and interactions of the various forces.
(CH01 1.3.1)
2. Inquiry
- 2.1 Investigating Systems
- 2.1.1 Questioning
Generate questions that can be answered through scientific investigations.
(IN01 2.1.1) - 2.1.4 Modeling
Correlate models of the behavior of objects, events, or processes to the behavior of the actual things under investigation; test models by predicting and observing actual behaviors or processes.
(IN04 2.1.4)
3. Design
- 3.1 Designing Solutions
- 3.1.1 Identifying Problems
Identify and examine common, everyday challenges or problems in which science and technology can be used or has been used to design solutions.
(DE01 3.1.1) - 3.1.2 Designing and Testing Solutions
Identify, design, and test alternative solutions to a challenge or problem.
(DE02 3.1.2) - 3.1.3 Evaluating Potential Solutions
Compare and Contrast multiple solutions to a problem or challenge.
(DE03 3.1.3) - 3.2 Science, Technology, and Society
- 3.2.4 All Peoples Contribute to Science and Technology
Know that science and technology have been developed, used, and affected by many diverse individuals, cultures, and societies throughout human history.
(DE04 3.2.4) - 3.2.5 Relationship of Science and Technology
Compare and contrast scientific inquiry and technological design in terms of activities, results, and influence on individuals and society; understand how science supports technological development and vice versa.
(DE05 3.2.5)
Students apply their content knowledge from the previous levers and pulleys investigations.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
Have a system set up to keep track of materials students select to use for their investigations.
Teacher may want to provide additional resources such as larger pulleys, additional rope, etc.
Student Management:
This investigation works well as a student paired activity.
Students will need an activity timeline to help pace their progress.
The math extension is useful.
Having an in-class discussion of possible projects might help those students who have hard time getting started.
Some students may just want to do the extension projects.
Spend time discussing Student Sheet #25, “Project Ideas”.
For presentation methods include other forms of technology, such as a Power Point Presentation, HyperCard, video taping, etc
Make overhead transparencies of all Student Work Sheets to aid in review and discussion.
Read Teacher and Student background sections before doing the investigations.
Writing Support:
Students will be writing up their projects. These projects must include summary statements of results, conclusions, diagrams, charts and drawings.
Reading Support:
See Thank You Mr. Crumpet in the FOSS manual’s Science Stories Folio.