iPod+Unit+Plan

6th Grade Science Unit Plan for Simple Machines  Our simple machines unit in science is always taught at the end of the year, and many teachers tend to wish they had more time to teach the unit. There are many really neat hands-on labs to go along with the learning for this unit, but time often doesn’t allow for all of these labs to be completed. After briefly explaining each of the six simple machines, the students will come to class with a lab packet, and then pick up an iPod that will walk them through their instructions for the day. This unit will allow students to work independently through each of these labs, giving them the opportunity for hands-on learning, and the teacher the ability to freely walk about the room and assist as needed. (I envision this unit looking something like people walking through a museum with the voice recordings that can be selected for each exhibit they encounter.) 
 * Lesson Overview:**
 * Duration:** approximately 5 class periods

  D. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact.  D.8.5 D.8.6 Identify the 6 types of simple machines (lever, wedge, inclined plane, screw, pulley, wheel and axle) and how they work, using everyday objects.  G. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between science and technology and the ways in which that relationship influences human activities.    
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Unit Plan Learning Targets: **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students will be able to list and explain the six simple machines. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students will document how simple machines make work easier. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Students will find real-world uses for each simple machine. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * Materials needed:**
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">One video iPod per student (25 total), with ear buds
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Lab supplies
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Lab packet
 * State Standards/Benchmarks addressed:**
 * Procedures**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The room will be arranged to create six separate station areas. Each station should have a lab devoted to one of the six simple machines. These stations will also have information about, supplies for, and additional resources on each simple machine.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Lever – First, second, and third class levers will be used to move item(s) from one location to another.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Pulley – Several different pulley systems will be set up, each needing to move the same size load. Students will use a spring scale to measure how the amount of work changes when using different types and amounts of pulleys.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Inclined Plane – Students will compare moving heavy blocks from one place to another using an inclined plan and just picking them up straight. The amount of force needed will be measured and compared using a spring scale.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Screw – Different types of everyday uses/types of screws will be available for students to explore.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Wheel and Axle – Different types of everyday uses/types of wheels and axles will be available for students to explore.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Wedge – Different types of everyday uses/types of wedges will be available for students to explore.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; msospacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Spend time explaining to the students and how they should rotate about the stations. Go over the lab packet and field any questions the students may have.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Then, introduce the students to the iPods. Before handing them out, demonstrate how they are used, and what is and isn’t acceptable usage during class.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Hand out the iPods and give the students a few minutes to become comfortable with them.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Then, have student begin rotating about their stations. Each station will have a podcast already created for it and loaded onto the student iPods. The students will select the podcast for that station. This will be an instructional video podcast on how to perform the task at that station.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">After watching the video the students will work individually or in groups (depending on the station) to complete the lab and take notes on their discoveries.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">In their packet, students will be asked to note other possible real-world uses of that particular simple machine.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Upon completion of all activities at that station, the student will put their supplies back and move on to the next station. This procedure will continue until all students have visited each station.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Assessments: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Student lab packet
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">TurningPoint clicker review [[file:Simple Machines Review.pptx]]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Summative assessment [[file:Simple Machines Final Test.doc]] [[file:simple machines final test (pictures for last page).txt]]