Simple Machine Webquest

Lever Webquest – Teacher Lesson Plan

Target group: Grade 8 science classroom with mainstreamed special education students

 

Objectives:

1.  The student will retrieve information using the worldwide web. (VA SOL C/T.GR8.4 and C/T.GR5.3)

2.  The student will use search strategies to retrieve electronic information. (VA SOL C/T.GR8.4 and C/T.GR5.3)

3.  The student will construct and utilize various simple/compound machines in order to execute a practical task more efficiently. (VA SOL SCI.4.2 and SCI.PHS.10)

 

Materials:

·        Computers with Internet access

·        Copies of the lever note-skeleton (www.oocities.org/thmshelp/lever2.html)

·        Sample levers for students to manipulate

 

Anticipatory set:

Ask the students what they know about levers. Ask them what they do not know about levers but would like to know. Student answers can be written on the board if desired.  Have each student draw what he or she thinks a lever might look like and one common household item they think might contain a lever.

 

Procedures:

1.      Students will go to the computer lab, where the teacher will instruct them to log onto the computers.

2.      Students will access the Internet and go to http://www.oocities.org/thmshelp/lever1.html

3.      Following the directions provided, students will first watch the video clip at brainpop.com.

4.      Students will try out the levers provided by the teacher.

5.      Students will click on the correct link to access the note-skeleton and will follow the appropriate links to fill in the hard copy skeleton provided by the teacher.

6.      Students will return to the main page and follow direction 4 by visiting the two websites and balancing the levers two different ways.

7.      If students finish early, they may read the website under enrichment.

 

Evaluation:

1.  Students will return to their answers written during the anticipatory set and discuss if their perceptions were correct; students will also state if they learned what they wanted to.  In addition, allow each student to share with the class his/her prediction of a lever and whether or not he/she was correct based on the information just gathered during the lesson.

2.  Students will find 2-3 examples of levers in their homes, draw them, and label the lever class.


Lever Webquest

Suggested modifications/accommodations for students with disabilities

 

Modifications/accommodations for LD/ED/MR students (as needed or as specified by the students’ IEP):

1.      Student will be allowed to work with a regular education peer, who can help the student navigate the Internet, complete the note-skeleton, etc.

2.      If motor skills are a problem, student will have to draw only one lever for homework and parents, guardians or siblings may help.

3.      For MR students, the homework may be related to the teacher orally the next day.

 

Modifications/accommodations for physically handicapped students:

1.      If possible, the student will work with a non-disabled peer (or an adult aid) who can manipulate the computer and help the student write down answers.

2.      The homework assignment may be written by someone at home, or can be related orally to the teacher the next day.

3.      If the physical handicap is severe so that the above are not feasible options, the student may learn through an alternative oral lesson by the regular education or special education teacher.

 

Modifications/accommodations for students with visual problems:

Will learn about levers through an alternative oral lesson, manipulatives, and/or enlarged versions of the webpages, if appropriate.

 

All students with disabilities, including those not specifically listed above, will follow all modifications/accommodations in his or her IEP that are applicable in this situation.



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