Elizabeth Jankowiak

DIFF 515
Multi-Level Lesson Plan
Multi-Level Lesson Plan
Subject: Science
Grade: 4th
Objective: Students will be able to identify the six simple machines and their properties.
New York State Standards:
Key idea 5 - Energy and matter interact through forces that result in changes in motion.
5.1f Mechanical energy may cause change in motion through the
application of force and through the use of simple machines such as
pulleys, levers, and inclined planes.
Instructional Activity
I.
Prior to this activity students will have learned about the six simple
machines and their properties. Students will each be given a handout that
lists the simple machines, their properties, and some examples. The
activity will call for students to list and show simple machines that they
have seen in their environment and what type of simple machine it is.
II.
Students will be given an array of options to complete this activity. They
may choose to create a PowerPoint presentation, make a video, draw and
write their findings, write a brief paper, or make models. Students are also
provided the option to come up with their own activity or design a simple
machine that may benefit their life that they dont already have.
III.
Each student will present their findings to their peers the following week.
Individualization
Gifted: Nita is welcome to choose an option that provides more room for creativity. Nita,
along with her classmates, will also be invited to go beyond the options provided and
create their own project involving the six simple machines. There is also the option for
students to design their own simple machine that would help their life. This provides an
extension on the already learned material and allows for a practical application of the
content knowledge.
Mild Disabilities:
Anticipated Problem Areas

Reading

Reading the handout describing the

different types of simple machines.

Supplemental Aids & Materials

The handout will have images next to
vocabulary; however, Andy also has the
option to use the computer to open the
handout as a word processing file and
use a screen reader or other text-tospeech program.

Writing

Processing

Writing sentences for any type of

writing task (he can choose to
complete another task that does not
have writing).

Remembering the key vocabulary

words (the six simple machines)
from the lesson.

Elizabeth Jankowiak
DIFF 515
Multi-Level Lesson Plan
Andy will have the option to complete an
activity that doesnt involve writing, but
if he does choose one that has writing
involved, he may have the option to
write his sentences on the computer
using word prediction software. Another
option is a speech-to-text program
available.
Provide Andy with a vocabulary sheet
that has simple definitions and images
next to the word.

Severe Disabilities:
a) Students Role
Jo may be accommodated by being given a list of simple machines
found within her environment that she can work to identify. Since she is
artistic she may choose to draw up her presentation of the simple machines
or use computer generated images or graphics to create a PowerPoint.
Since her speech is difficult to understand, she may choose to play a video
from YouTube that describes the properties of simple machines, which
limits her speaking during presentation.
b) General Curriculum Focus
The general curriculum focus for Jo to attain is the names of the
six simple machines and the general concept that simple machines are
used to make work easier (especially applicable to real life when given
examples and listening to her peers presentations).
c) IEP Goals Addressed
One IEP goal that Jo can work on is her articulation skills by
attempting to pronounce the names or the six simples machines (the initial
letter f is one sound being focused on and she can work on that with
pronouncing fulcrum).
Another IEP goal that Jo can work on is her ability to print legible
letters. She can practice writing the names of the six simple machines
(even if it is for drafting purposes of the project).
Materials: See Attached

Elizabeth Jankowiak
DIFF 515
Multi-Level Lesson Plan

Simple Machines
Pulley
A pulley is a simple
machine that uses
grooved wheels and a
rope to raise, lower or
move a load.
Ex. Flagpoles, Curtain
Drawstrings

Lever
A lever is a stiff bar
that rests on a support
called a fulcrum which
lifts or moves loads.
Ex. Scissors, Teetertotter, Stapler

Inclined
Plane
An inclined plane is a
slanting surface
connecting a lower
level to a higher level.
Ex. Wheelchair Ramps,
Moving Ramps, Slides

Elizabeth Jankowiak
DIFF 515
Multi-Level Lesson Plan

Wedge
A wedge is an object
with at least one
slanting side ending in
a sharp edge, which
cuts material apart.
Ex. Axe, Sledge
Hammer, Teeth

Screw
A screw is an inclined
plane wrapped around
a pole which holds
things together or lifts
materials.
Ex. Jar Lids, Screws,
Meat Grinder

Wheel &
Axle
A wheel with a rod,
called an axle, through
its center lifts or moves
loads.
Ex. Car Tires, Bicycles,
Windmills