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  • Number of saves 12
  • Number of comments 8

Description

Overview:
This lesson teaches the engineering method for testing wherein one variable is changed while the others are held constant. Students compare the performance of a single paper airplane design while changing the shape, size and position of flaps on the airplane. Students also learn about control surfaces on the tail and wings of an airplane.
Subject:
Engineering
Level:
Upper Primary, Middle School
Grades:
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Material Type:
Activity/Lab, Lesson Plan
Author:
, , , ,
Provider:
TeachEngineering
Provider Set:
TeachEngineering
Date Added:
09/18/2014
License:
Educational Use Permitted
Language:
English
Media Format:
Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Comments

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:10am Evaluation

ELA: Alignment to the Rigor of the CCSS: Superior (3)

My students loved this lesson. It was interesting to see new vocabulary, methods of recording evidence, and written conclusion of the effect of 1 variant on an entire system.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:10am Evaluation

ELA: Key Shifts in the CCSS: Superior (3)

There are a wealth of activities to support this lab allowing the teacher to work across the math and science curriculum.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:10am Evaluation

ELA: Instructional Supports: Strong (2)

While a few students were skeptical regarding the concept of paper airplanes, as the lesson progressed, students were actively engaged.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:04am Evaluation

Utility of Materials Designed to Support Teaching: Strong (2)

Does not include suggestions for multi-level learners but I found it very easy to make appropriate assignments when we did the experiment in small groups.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:04am Evaluation

Quality of Instructional and Practice Exercises: Superior (3)

The wide variety of supplementary activities allows the teacher to select what is most appropriate for the class.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:04am Evaluation

Opportunities for Deeper Learning: Superior (3)

While some students thought paper airplanes were a bit lame, they soon got into the project as they began to see the changes that occurred through the manipulation of just 1 variable. Soon they were making their own predictions and working as a team to collect data and analyze it.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:04am Evaluation

Quality of Explanation of the Subject Matter: Superior (3)

There are a wealth of activities that support not only vocabulary for this concept but measuring data with one variant. Very well done.

Leslie Humphreys
on Mar 27, 03:04am Evaluation

Quality of Assessments: Strong (2)

Many of the assessments are verbal or written in nature. However, I accepted charts and graphs of the experiment as proof of mastery if the group could explain the changes in the variant represented on the chart.

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Evaluations

Achieve OER

Average Score (3 Points Possible)
Degree of Alignment2.5 (1 user)
Quality of Explanation of the Subject Matter3 (1 user)
Utility of Materials Designed to Support Teaching2 (1 user)
Quality of Assessments2 (1 user)
Quality of Technological Interactivity3 (1 user)
Quality of Instructional and Practice Exercises3 (1 user)
Opportunities for Deeper Learning3 (1 user)

EQuIP Rubric

Average Score (3 Points Possible)
ELA Math
Alignment to the Rigor of the CCSS 3 (1 user)
Key Shifts in the CCSS 3 (1 user)
Instructional Supports 2 (1 user)
Assessment 2 (1 user)
Overall Rating for the Lesson/Unit E/I (1 user)
Alignment to the Rigor of the CCSS N/A
Key Shifts in the CCSS N/A
Instructional Supports N/A
Assessment N/A
Overall Rating for the Lesson/Unit N

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