SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY

Loretto, PA 15940

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

LESSON PLAN Format

Student Teacher Natalie Ferrucci Grade 3rd

Subject Science _
Time Needed for Lesson 30 Minutes Lesson Concept Simple Machines- wedge
__

PA STANDARD(S) (Write out standards):

Standard - 3.4.3.D2
Observe, analyze and document how simple systems work.

Eligible Content:
4 Total
Options

BIG IDEAS/ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

A wedge is an object with at least one slanted side and a sharp edge that cuts an object apart or holds it in place.
How does a wedge make work easier?

ELIGIBLE CONTENT:
OBJECTIVE(S) (Be sure to include all four parts: A (audience) B (behavior) C (condition) D (degree)):

Students will understand what a wedge is and what a wedge does. Students will understand that a wedge is a
simple machine that changes the magnitude of force to make work easier with little or no error.

MATERIALS:
What is a Wedge? (With Narration) Simple Machines | Science for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi
Promethean
Computer
wedge puzzle pieces
fruit- apples and bananas
knife
paper plates
pencils
Simple Machines, A Non-fiction Book
Inclined planes vs. wedges reading and venn diagram sheet 20 copies of each

ACTIVITIES (There are three sections here):

Lesson Section Teacher Procedures Student Responsibilities

OPENING (Introduction, purpose, hook)

Opening 8 Minutes/ Anticipatory Set

1. Cue students to get ready Teacher introduces the topic of Students listen to the introduction
to learn/ transition into wedges as simple machines. and respond to questions.
lesson. Introduction.

2. Play video, What is a Teacher plays the video on the Students watch the video.
Wedge? promethean.

BODY (Bulleted step by step/differentiation must be included)

 Body 20 Minutes

1. Simple Machines- A Teacher displays her copy on the Students listen and fill out the
Non-fiction book. promethean and fills in the wedge page.
information about wedges for
students to copy.

2. Wedge puzzle. Teacher displays the wedge puzzle Students watch and listen.
and photos of some wedges. The Students reply that an ax, saws,
teacher asks students to name pushpins, knives, and scissors are
some wedges. wedges. Teeth too.

3. Activity. Teacher tells students that we will Students watch and listen.
be cutting a piece of fruit. Each
student will get one piece to try.

4. Finish activity. Teacher distributes the paper Students participate in the activity.
plates with fruit and asks the Students reply with a wedge for
students what type of simple both questions.
machine was used to cut the fruit.
Then ask, what type of simple
machine did you use to bite the
piece of fruit? front teeth are also
a wedge.

5. Reading and Venn Teacher reads the article Inclined Students follow along with the
Diagram. planes vs. wedges. Teacher tells reading and complete the venn
the students they will then diagram.
complete the venn diagram.

CLOSURE (Wrap up and brief summary): How will you plan to restate the lesson objective?

Closure 2 Minutes
 1. Wrap up lesson. Teacher talks about how wedges
make work easier. Teacher asks if
any students would like to add a
blue sticky note about wedges to
the anchor chart.
Students listen and reply with
various answers. May add blue
sticky notes.

ACCOMMODATIONS/MODIFICATIONS:

Students will be provided accommodations and modifications based on individual needs. Any differentiation of
instruction will be included.Differentiation may include reading, interpretation, and direction with materials
being used for the lesson. All IEP information will be followed accordingly.

ASSESSMENT: (How you will determine that student has mastered objectives?): Consider formative and
summative assessment measures for all levels of differentiation.

Formative assessment. Student participation is observed. Summative assessment will be conducted at the end of
the unit.

SELF-ASSESSMENT/REFLECTION: (Complete this section if you have taught this lesson to peers or in
clinical placement):

This was a super fun lesson.