Lesson

Title/Focus

Lesson 2 - Types of Structures

Subject/Grad
e Level
Unit

Date

Mar. 8/16

Science - 7

Time
Duratio
n

40 min

Structures & Forces

Teacher

Ms. Getschel

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General
Learning
Outcomes:
Specific
Learning
Outcomes:

K.1 Describe and interpret different types of structures encountered in everyday objects,
buildings, plants and animals; and identify materials from which they are made
S.1 Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and
plan investigations to address those questions
S.4 Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to
communicate ideas, procedures and results
K.1.a recognize and classify structural forms and materials used in construction
S.1.a identify practical problems
S.4.a communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in
point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
1. Identify different types of structures

ASSESSMENTS
Observations:

Key Questions:

Products/Perfor
mances:

Leaning Tower of Pisa Title Page/Mind Map

- Notes
- Four corners
Overarching question for the unit: Why doesnt the Leaning Tower of Pisa
collapse?
- How was the Leaning Tower of Pisa formed?
- How does the formation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa compare to other
structures, such as a tree?
Can we classify structures into categories?
- What type of structure would you consider the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
- What types of materials do you think were used to build the structure?
- Leaning Tower of Pisa Title Page/Mind Map
- Notes
- Four corners

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

-

Alberta Program of Studies

(TR4-8-19, pg.270-280)

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

-

PowerPoint
Four corner pictures
Notebooks

PROCEDURE
Prior to lesson

Introduction
Expectations for
Learning and
Behaviour
Advance
Organizer/Agen
da

Open PowerPoint
Cut out four corner pictures
Introduction

PowerPoint (Review yesterdays class)

7A Have students collect Leaning Tower of Pisa mind map and continue to
work on it and then go into whole group discussion
-

Time
3 min
(7B)
10
min
(7A)

Students will listen attentively during lesson

Students will actively participate in group discussion
Students will appropriately work collaboratively
PowerPoint (about me)
Notes
Four corners activity
Notes

Transition to
Body

Learning
Activity #1

Assessments/
Differentiation:

Learning
Activity #2

Assessments/
Differentiation

Consolidating
Learning
Feedback From
Students:
Feedback To
Students
Transition To
Next Lesson
Sponge
Activity/Activitie
s

Add on Leaning Tower of Pisa mind map

Compare Leaning Tower of Pisa to trees

Body
Natural vs. Manufactured Structures
- Ask students, How do think the Leaning Tower of Pisa was
formed? How does the formation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
compare to a tree?
- Discuss difference between natural and manufactured structures and
write notes
- Check understanding by asking students to identify if pictures
(diamond ring and beaver dam) are natural or manufactured.
- Make observations about student understanding
- Check understanding with focusing question
- Guide student responses if lost
Types of Structures
- Can we classify manufactured and natural structures further
into new categories? Students will receive a picture of a structure
and divide into four corners based on shape of structure/how the
structure is built. Teacher will ask each group one at a time what
structures were in that group and why they grouped together.
- Teacher will show how they grouped the structures. Ask the class to
explain why I might have grouped the structures in this way.
- Write notes on the different types of structures
- Ask, What type of structure would you consider the Leaning
Tower of Pisa? What types of materials do you think were used
to build the structure?
- Show students list of materials that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is made
out of and have them add it to their mind maps
- If time permits, explain the different types of materials
- Make observations during discussion about the types of questions
being generated
- Gauge if seating arrangement is working
- If students struggle with taking notes, tell them that you will print off a
copy for them
Closure
Exit Slip
- write down 3 examples of manufactured structures and 3 examples of
natural structures
- Check understanding by asking, What type of structure would
you consider the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
- Guide students who may by slightly off track.
- Thank the students for their attention.
- Tell students that we will be looking more at the different types of
materials next class

Time

10
min

20
min

Time

4 min

m
i
n

http://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_hidden_miracles_of_the_natural_world#t
-218668
Play 0:00-3:40
- Let students finish coloring their title page

Reflection: