5th Grade Structures And Mechanisms Lesson Plan

Topic: Structures and Mechanisms

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify the purpose of different types of structures, such as buildings, bridges, and machines.
• Students will be able to explain how the design of structures and mechanisms is based on the needs of their users.

Materials:

• Pictures of different types of structures (e.g. buildings, bridges, machines)
• Chart paper and markers

Warm-up

• Ask students to brainstorm a list of structures that they are familiar with. Write their ideas on the chart paper.
• Discuss the list of structures with the students and ask them to explain why each one is needed.

Direct Instruction

• Show the students pictures or models of different types of structures and ask them to identify each one.
• Discuss the purpose of each structure, and how it is designed to meet the needs of the people or objects it is meant to support.
• Use the handouts to provide more information about different types of structures and their features and functions.

Guided Practice

• In small groups, have the students study the handouts and identify the different parts of each structure.
• Have them use the markers and colored paper to create a model of a structure of their choice, including the different parts and their functions
• Have the students present their models to the class and explain their design and function.

Independent Practice

• Have the students work in small groups to design and construct a simple structure of their own. They can use the materials provided or additional materials they may have access to.
• Encourage them to be creative and think about how their structure will meet a specific need.

Closure

• Have the students share their projects with the class and discuss how they used the concepts learned to design and construct their structures.
• Review the importance of structures and mechanisms in our everyday lives.

Assessment

• Observe the students as they work on their independent practice project and provide feedback on their understanding of structure and mechanism.
• Collect the students' completed projects and evaluate their use of structure and mechanism in a real-world context.