Carley

Taylor PSII

March 13, 2014

Lesson Plan
Grade/Subject: Grade 8 Science

Unit: Structures and Forces

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General Learning Outcomes: Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and
interpreting mechanical devices that have been improved over time.
Specific Learning Outcomes:
Illustrate how a common need has been met in different ways over time
Illustrate how trial and error and scientific knowledge both play a role in technological development.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
1. Explain how changing the location of a levers fulcrum affects the force needed to life the mass.
2. Identify ways to increase the effectiveness of ramps, pulleys and levers.
3. Describe how simple machines can increase the force applied by compare the force it takes to life a 1 kg. mass
using levers, pulleys, ramps and no machine.

ASSESSMENTS
Observations:

Key Questions:

Ensure students are on task in the centers.

Written/Performance Assessments:

Which simple machine requires the least amount of force to move

a 1 kg object?
How can experimenting with simple machines help us improve
complex machines?
Students will complete a mini lab report. This report will be handed in and assessed formatively.

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

Resource #1: Science in Action 8
Resource #2: Timer found at: http://www.online-stopwatch.com/eggtimer-countdown/full-screen/
Resource #3: Random Generator

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

String cut to suit each station. (4 pieces roughly 50 cm long).

5 x 20 newton spring scales
3 Ramps of different lengths
Two types of Pulley Systems
3 x Metre-Sticks
3x Pivot or Fulcrum
Timer
Station markers (1-6)
6 calculators
Random generator

PROCEDURE
Introduction (10 min.):
Hook/Attention Grabber: Display each of the six stations at the back of the class. Show students a 1 kg mass. Ask
students: Which simple machines (or none at all) will require the least amount of force to life a 1 kg mass? Introduce
the experiment. Pass out the lab sheets. Demonstrate each of the 6 stations.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

No machine: The force of a hanging 1 kg object will be measured in newtons.

Ramp: The force of a 1 kg object will be measured in newtons using three different inclined planes.
Pulley: The force of a 1 kg object will be measured in netwons using two different pulley systems.
First class lever: The force needed to lift a 1 kg object using a first class lever will be measured in netwons
for three separate fulcrum locations.
Second class lever: The forced needed to lift a 1 kg object using a second class lever will be measured in
netwons for three separate fulcrum locations.
Third class lever: The forced needed to lift a 1 kg object using a third class lever will be measured in
netwons for three separate load locations.

Transition: Explain hypothesis. Split students into 6 groups using a random generator. Have students take their
worksheet and a pencil to their marked stations and write down their hypothesis.

Carley Taylor PSII

March 13, 2014

Body (35 min.):

Learning Activity #1 (20 minutes): Run time intervals of 3 minutes. Students will switch stations after each interval
(rotating in numerical order). Students will rotate centers as their interval is up. At each center, students will measure
appropriate forces and fill in the necessary information. Students will also calculate the average of the two attempts.
Transition to next activity: Have students quickly fill in any missing information and find a desk to work in.
Learning Activity #2 (15 minutes): Have students answer questions 12-15 in the text (page 266-267).

Closure (5 min.):
Consolidation: Discuss question 16 as a class.
Ask the following questions:
What is our conclusion?
How do simple machines change the force that you apply to an object?
How did changing the fulcrum position on a lever affect the force needed to lift the weight?
What makes a lever most effective?
How could we increase the effectiveness of the pulley? Inclined Plane?
How can experiments like this help us improve complex machines / technology?
Transition To Next Lesson: Next class we will finish section 1. Section 1 quiz will be on Wednesday March 19th,
2014. Remind students about their complex machine assignment. Read the intervention names see if any more need
to be added.

Science 8 LAB

Name: _____________________ Period ____

The right machine for the job activity

Question: Which simple machine (or no machine) will require the least amount of force to life a 1-kg
mass?

STEP 1: Make a prediction.

Hypothesis:________________________________________________________________________

STEP 2: Test it out!

Record your findings in this chart:
Station #

Name of Simple Machine:

No Machine

Force required to lift the mass. (Newtons)

Attempt #1: Attempt #2:
Average:

Longest Ramp

Ramp

Medium Ramp
Shortest Ramp

Pulley

Movable Pulley
Stationary Pulley

Fulcrum 30 cm
away from load
Fulcrum 50 cm
away from load
Fulcrum 80 cm
away from load.
Fulcrum 30 cm
away from load
Fulcrum 50 cm
away from load
Fulcrum 80 cm
away from load.
Load 50 cm away
from fulcrum.
Load 70 cm away
from fulcrum
Load 90 cm away
from fulcrum.
**To find the average force: Add both attempts together. Divide your answer by two. The result is
the average force.

First Class Lever

Second Class
Lever

Third Class
Lever

Science 8 LAB
Step 3: Analyze and Interpret

Name: _____________________ Period ____

Answer questions 1215 from page 267. You may use the remainder of this sheet or use a separate
sheet of paper.

Step 4: Come to a conclusion (we will do this as a class).