"Presence of Mind"

Summary

Students will use a story about a pulley gone bad to learn about pulleys, direction of force and mechanical advantage. They will create a cartoon series to illustrate the story.

Materials

• colored pencils
• student sheets (attached)
• story (attached)

Instructional Procedures

1. Make individual copies of the student sheets and a classroom set of the story.
2. Read the introduction on the student sheet and the directions with the students.
3. Read the first paragraph and work with the students to fill in their first cartoon. Make sure every student understands the starting point.
4. If you have a group of students with ESL or reading difficulties, you may wish to group them and continue to read with them.
5. Allow students time to work. Towards the end of the period, ask students to pair up and share their work with a partner or group.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.