TECH:Meat Tray Airplane (Manufacturing)

Summary

Inexpensive method to introduce students to the use of simple tools and to assess their motor skills.

Materials

See file attached to Instructional Procedures.

Background for Teachers

This lesson plan was adapted from one I found on this web site but seemed to be incomplete. Since I teach at Central Middle School in Ogden where all the students are on fee waivers, the money collected for shop fees is very limited. Projects I use must be very low cost. Additionally, I have found that most of the students here have very limited experience building things with their hands, so I use this project to assess their motor skills, their use and care of tools and materials, their spatial visualization abilities, etc. before introducing them to projects involving the use of more dangerous tools and more expensive and harder-to-work materials. Finally, I can have the students work on this project in the classroom, away from the more dangerous lab or shop equipment.

Student Prior Knowledge

This lesson plan is designed as a practical application of and demonstration for a lesson plan on Aerodynamic Principles.

Intended Learning Outcomes

This lesson plan helps students discover what they can do working with their hands and common tools and materials.

Instructional Procedures

See attached Procedure file.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

Group students in small teams. Pair ELL students with fluent speakers.

Extensions

Conduct contests for flight distance and flight stability.

Assessment Plan

See file attached to Instructional Procedures.