Levers & Pulleys
Investigation 2
Part 1
Lever Classes
Students use lever-system components to explore the possible arrangements for the fulcrum, effort, and load on the lever arm. They learn that each arrangement has a name: class 1, class 2, or class 3.
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)
A class-1 lever has the fulcrum between the load and the effort.
A class-2 lever has the load between the effort and the fulcrum.
A class-3 lever has the effort between the fulcrum and the load.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
Student Management:
Have one set-up of materials for each pair of students. Do not tape the dowel to the desk. Use large heavy books instead.
If you have not read the science stories by this point, you may wish to do so now.
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:
Have students continue to record data in their journals. Start each lesson with a “focus question.”