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Learning About Levers

Time Frame

1 class periods of 60 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Authors

Utah LessonPlans

Summary

Students will design experiments to answer the question: What is the relationship between the length of lever arms and the mass placed on them?


Materials

  • rulers
  • many rubber stoppers of different sizes
  • balances
  • optional student sheet (attached)


Student Prior Knowledge

Students need to know what a fulcrum, lever arm and mass are.


Instructional Procedures

  1. Write the question on the board: What is the relationship between the length of lever arms and the mass placed on them?
  2. Tell students they will be designing three experiments to look for an answer to this question. Show them the materials available. A stopper can be used as a fulcrum. If you are using the student sheet show students where they will draw or describe their experiments. If they are writing their own sheet, have them write the question and organize their paper.
  3. Give students time to perform their experiments.
  4. Have each group of students describe their findings.
  5. Have students answer the questions.


Assessment Plan

Scoring Guide:

1. Students participate in appropriate manner………………………………....4
2. Students design and test three experiments to answer the question…4
3. Students are able to clearly describe their findings………………………..4
4. Students correctly answer questions…………………………………………4


Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.


Created: 10/30/2014
Updated: 02/05/2018
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