Week 1
During this week we will be focusing on integrating math and language arts into the physics unit of speed and velocity.
Day 1- Introduction - (Activity 1)
This lesson will take two different sessions totaling about one and a half hours, it could be spread out over a two day period if the teacher chooses to do so. The only materials needed are several copies of the books from the reference list for this unit, and access to a computer for each student for about a 45 minute period. This lesson would only need adaptation if a student is not capable reading an book or typing on a computer.
Day 2 - The Index Card Car - (Activity 2)
This lesson will take at least 45 minutes for a group of forth or fifth graders. Each student will need 3x5 index cards, (1) plastic straw, (1) cubic inch rubber eraser, poster board for a ramp. The lesson would need to be adapted for a physically handicapped child, perhaps they could work with a partner.
Day 3 - What makes a parachute slow down? - (Demonstration 1)
This lesson will take 45 minute to an hour. Each group will need (4) pieces of string 45 cm (18"), (2) adhesive dots (or tape), (2) jumbo paper clips, (1) paper napkin, Prediction sheet for students, paper and pencil per student, this is optional but a firework with parachute would work also. Since the student does most of the demonstration work, no adaptations would be needed.
Day 4&5 - Which comes first the chicken or the egg? - (Activity 3)
This lesson will take a total of 2 1/2 to 3 hours and should be broken up over two day time period. The materials include lightweight plastic kitchen garbage-can liners, scissors, ruler, (12) 20-inch lengths of light string, 3 plastic sandwich bags, 3 raw eggs. Adaptations for gifted and talented students could be a challenge students to express the results of their experiments in mathematical terms.
Take home Quiz 1 - to be given on day 5.