North Park Lesson Plan #5

North Park University

School of Education Lesson Plan Template

Revised Fall 2022

Name: Tyler Rose

School/Class/Grade: Evergreen Academy Middle School/ Science Standards/ 7th

Content Area: Earth Science

Date:3/9/24

A. Central Focus:In this lesson, students will engage in constructing and testing mousetrap cars. They will explore the principles of energy transfer, potential and kinetic energy, as well as friction and motion. The goal is to apply their understanding of these concepts to design and optimize the performance of their mousetrap cars.

B. Learning Objectives:

1. Understand principles of energy transfer: Students will comprehend how energy is transferred between different forms, particularly from potential to kinetic energy, in the context of mousetrap car motion.

2. Apply knowledge of potential and kinetic energy: Students will apply their understanding of potential and kinetic energy to design mousetrap cars that efficiently convert stored energy into motion.

3. Explore the role of friction in motion: Students will investigate how friction affects the performance of their mousetrap cars and strategies to minimize its impact.

C. Standards:

• PS2.A: Forces and Motion

• PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

• CCSS-Math Content: Understand the concept of a unit rate

• SEL: Analyze factors that create stress or motivate successful performance

D. Assessments:

• Students will test and evaluate the performance of their mousetrap cars based on distance traveled and speed achieved.

• Students will reflect on their designs and identify areas for improvement based on their understanding of energy transfer and friction.

1. E. Instruction and Learning – Opening:

Students will discuss in pairs or small groups their prior experiences with simple machines and how they think a mousetrap car works.

F. Instruction and Learning - Learning Experiences (During):

1. Introduction to Mousetrap Cars: Provide an overview of the lesson and its objectives. Discuss the basic components of a mousetrap car and how energy is involved in its motion.

2. Design and Construction: Students will work individually or in small groups to design and build their mousetrap cars using provided materials. Emphasize the importance of considering energy transfer and friction reduction in their designs.

3. Testing and Iteration: Students will test their mousetrap cars on a designated track, measuring distance traveled and speed achieved. They will then reflect on their initial designs and make adjustments to optimize performance.

1. G. Instruction and Learning – Closure:

Discuss the role of energy transfer and friction in mousetrap car motion. Encourage students to reflect on what they learned during the lesson and how they can apply it to future design challenges.

H. Support for Diverse Learners:

• Provide visual aids and hands-on demonstrations to support understanding.

• Offer differentiated materials and instructions based on students' individual needs and abilities.

• Encourage peer collaboration and support for students who may need assistance with construction or testing.

I. Instructional Resources and Materials:

Needed by the teacher:

• Mousetraps

• Wheels and axles

• Wooden or foam boards for chassis

• Hot glue guns and glue sticks

• Measuring tape or rulers

• Stopwatch or timer

Needed by the student:

• Design materials (paper, pencils, rulers, etc.)

• Construction materials (as provided by the teacher)

• Safety goggles (if required)

• Reflective journals or worksheets for recording observations and reflections