Direct Instruction
In this lesson, the children were learning to apply their knowledge about forces and flight (our term 3 inquiry) by designing a glider which would carry a lego man. They were encouraged to think of science concepts which they had become familiar with, such as the four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust and drag, to support them in designing their gliders.
Reflection
The main reflection I had from this lesson was how I can better correct any misconceptions which learners have without devaluing their ideas which they are sharing. For example, in this lesson, some learners held a misconception that a glider was a plane that only held one person. I do not feel that I did the best job of explaining to learners that this was not what defined a glider. Because of this, I am going to have conversations with other teachers around school to see how they successfully correct misconceptions without devaluing the ideas that the learners are sharing.
This lesson was successful and had a good pace which kept learners engaged. Learners were intrinsically motivated to complete the task as they knew that once they did, they would be able to begin creating their glider for the competition.
Instructions
Design a glider which will carry a lego man from a height, safely to the ground.
Think about everything you have learned this term about the forces of flight.
Use the texts on the google drawing to support your thinking.
Post your glider design onto your blog.
Your design should include:
The glider
Labels
Materials you wish to use
Reasons for materials or shapes of different parts of the glider.
Learner Created Content
Hannah West
Pt England School
Auckland, New Zealand