First-Place Winner: TMA Excellence in Science Teaching
Awards
Debra Fleming
Aikin Elementary School
Paris, TX
Help, I can't reach it!
Sample Lesson Plan
Lesson Overview
The idea of connecting our study of the human body to inventions
came about with a story we read in language arts. It was about a
boy who was disabled, and the students discussed what type of
disability would be the hardest to live with. Most students thought
a physical disability would be easier to live with than blindness.
Inventing a new and improved apparatus to help the disabled became
our focus after studying how the human body works. We invited
guests speakers from our local community - an
orthopedist, oncologist, pathologist, and pediatrician, as well as
a prosthetic practitioner who brought examples. Our
three-dimensional (3-D) "Inside Story" models went on display in
our library for all students and visitors to view. The student's
attitudes are now more sympathetic and understanding towards those
who are disabled.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this project the student will be able to:
Materials Used
-
Research search engines;
-
Library: encyclopedias, dictionaries, science books,
children's literature, and medical educational video tapes and
books; and
-
Medical personnel from the community: pathologist, cancer
specialist, pediatrician, general practitioner, physical
therapist, occupational therapist, speech and hearing
therapist, and prosthetic practitioner.
Supplies
Three-inch PVC pipe to construct the "Inside Story" model,
poster board, glue, masking tape, balloons, string, various types
of material (many colors of felt and cotton fabric), papier-mâché
supplies, paper plates, paper clips, straws, double-sided and clear
tape, foam pipe insulation, pipe cleaners, any recycle-type
materials and general art supplies.
Methods of Implementation
The
first stage
is ongoing throughout the school year. This stage starts with a
local pathologist bringing several samples of body organs for the
students to view under an electron microscope. The slices of brain
and kidney hook the students into learning more. Our textbooks
briefly describe the different human body systems. Students work in
groups and construct a large body system to hang in our 3ft. x 3ft.
x 5ft. "Inside Story" model, which we make out of PVC pipe. The
students hang one 3-D system each six weeks.
The
second stage
involves our study of simple machines. Our invention unit with
"Take-Apart-Fridays" unravels the mystery of "what is inside?" The
students take apart old appliances, finding simple machines inside,
which they analyze by drawing and labeling them. The students work
in groups to invent a new and improved invention of their
choice.
The
final stage
combines the human body (stage one) with simple machines (stage
two) inventions. Using the Internet, the students research Web
sites for information on appliances and prosthetics currently
available for people with disabilities. A community member is
invited to come and speak about the problems he has with his
artificial leg. After researching patents and inventions for people
with disabilities, the students design (build or sketch) a new
invention for people with special needs. The students present their
ideas to the class and enter their new invention in the Grade 5
Invention Convention contest. Students choose and research a
medical profession and share results by making an information
brochure for that chosen occupation. These brochures are shared
with second grade students. The fifth grade students enjoy reading
and answering questions from the younger students.
Evaluation Tool
Each group is graded on the following criteria for a total of
100 points:
- 25 points - 3-D model of one of the body systems;
- 5 points - Inventions identified (simple machines found in
the appliance, drawn and labeled);
- 10 points - New invention made from the pieces of the old
appliances and its application for the world;
- 5 points - Web site research documented;
- 25 points - Oral presentations on medical professions;
and
- 30 points - Invention for people with disabilities.
Effectiveness
Hands-on projects always grab my student's attention and this
extended lesson keeps them interested and excited the entire year.
My love for science and learning is passed on to my students
throughout the year, hopefully making them life-long learners of
science.
Designing and creating allows all of my students to be
successful, especially those students with special needs. These
special students really excel in this project and become leaders
with their ideas and handiwork. My gifted students burst into
excitement as well during our "Take-Apart-Fridays," with
screwdrivers turning at an unbelievable pace. Their creativity is
unending.
Hopefully the practical application of tools will help them
become lifetime learners in an area that they are unfamiliar. My
students love the real-world applications of science and technology
and I hope it sparks many to become medical professionals helping
people with disabilities. I know that this activity has
touched my students by allowing them to know what life would be
like if they were disabled. Hopefully with research and personal
interviews, my students will become more compassionate with those
who they meet at various functions in the community and want to
make a better life for people with disabilities in the future.
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