This lesson is used with a middle school technology class over an 80 minute period. Students learn about machines, research the Internet and create posters in Microsoft Word. The students gather information from the Internet about a machine and create a flyer to share with the class.Process:
Brainstorm with the class a list of everyday machines. After the class has generated a list, discuss the machines and group them according to use (communication, transportation, production, biotechnology).
Next, have each student (or students may work with a partner) choose one of his or her "Top 10" machines. Direct students to the computers to gather information about the machine from the websites listed below:
Invention Timeline
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/timeline.htm
History of Inventions
http://www.cbc4kids.ca/general/the-lab/history-of-invention/default.html
Inventors and Inventions -- Enchanted Learning
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/Students should find information to describe the machine. Find out who invented the machine, when and where was it invented, how it works, what problem it solves, and how it has changed over the years.
After students have completed their research, they should save at least one graphic from the Internet. Then students will design a poster in Microsoft Word that includes the information from their research and at least one graphic. Students can share completed posters with the class.
Student Assessment:
Did you...
Gather information from the websites and complete the research questions
Save at least one graphic from the websites to network folder
Create a poster in Microsoft Word that includes the name, date, explanation and impact of the machine
Include at least one graphic from the Internet in the poster
Complete work in the allotted time and hand in all documents
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