Rationale
I chose the topic of Simple Machines for my unit due to the discussion my coop, Ann Sargent, and I had about my takeover. Ann explained that in the Champaign Schools have a set curriculum for each grade level. The units that were available for me to teach during my takeover were Simple Machines, and Mystery Powders. My coop strongly urged me to teach the Simple Machines unit. I felt pretty positive about the Machines unit, and since my coop wanted me to teach this particular unit, I chose Simple Machines as my unit topic.
Another reason I chose Simple Machines rather than Mystery Powders was because of my mini-unit from last semester. My mini-unit was on Inventions. I thought I could connect some lessons from my Ineventions mini-unit to Simple Machines. The children in my last placement were excited about this topic, so I thought I might try to include a few lessons from this topic in addition to my lessons on Simple Machines as extensions.
I am very excited about the topic of Simple Machines. I was able to witness the teachine of the beginning of a unit on this topic last semester by my previous coop. The children were excited about learning about all the different types of machines. This is another reason why I feel positive about this unit. I am able to keep in contact with my previous coop, who is being very helpful. I have found there is so much information on this topic, that I am developing my unit potpourri style. I look through all my materials and find the most interesting activitites that can be realistically done in a third grade classroom with 25 children. I was very surprised by some of the activities that are out there. Many of them seem very time-consuming, contain too many steps, and thus don't seem workable in an average classroom. I look very carefully at each lesson, and consider how successful I think each lesson can be done in my classroom. Many of the lessona and activities I have found do not seem age- or interest-appropriate for my students.
I also feel the subject of Simple Machines is very important for third grade. It is at this age that children seem to really connect their surrounding world with what goes on in the classroom. Simple Machines is a great topic to aid in these connections. Children experience Simple Machines in their everyday lives. They use many forms of the inclined plane, wedge, screw, pulley, lever, and wheel and axle daily, without knowing it. I hope during my teaching the children will see these machines with a new interest. It is important for children not only to be able to recognize these machines, but to understand how the machines make work easier. Children can then take this information and use it in their own lives, to help solve real life problems. The connection can then be made between their outside world and school. That is the ultimate goal of my unit.
I will be taking over the classroom for 3 weeks. That adds up to 15 days for my unit. Some of my lessons will require more than one class period since the time designated for unit work is only 30-minute sessions. I am hoping to cram as much fun, and information into those 15 class periods as I can. I feel this can be accomplished because so many of my activities are hands-on, and thus the children can better understand the machines through these concrete lessons. I hope the children will finish the unit with an appreciation and a new interest in the topic of Simple Machines.
Return to the "Simple Machines" Page
Return to the YLP Units Page
Return to the YLP 1995-1996 Home Page