Levers, Technology and Real World Application

This teacher describes a lesson that illustrates how a first class lever can do work. The activity is called “Lift the Teacher?” After learning about the three kinds of levers students lear... See More

This teacher describes a lesson that illustrates how a first class lever can do work. The activity is called “Lift the Teacher?” After learning about the three kinds of levers students learn about how levers can do work. They complete a KWEL chart (included in the article) and then use dual force meter probes to learn how moving the position of the fulcrum in a first class lever can change the effort force needed to lift an object. Students use technology and apply their science and math skills to solve a real life application.

Using Simple Machines to Leverage Learning

This article-rated for Elementary teachers is also very applicable to Middle school teachers. It is well written and gives several activities to implement in the classroom. The activities ar... See More

This article-rated for Elementary teachers is also very applicable to Middle school teachers. It is well written and gives several activities to implement in the classroom. The activities are quick and easy to set-up. Both younger children and middle schoolers will enjoy the activities that are loaded with guided inquiry. The final assessment suggested is a written letter to the teacher telling how to change a tire on a car using a lever. A very clever way to assess the depth of the students knowledge-also a way to integrate the lesson into the language arts classroom.