Introductory Lesson
Rationale:
The main purpose of this lesson is to get the class into a problem-solving frame of mind. The teacher will pose the rocket launch problem, and then the class will brainstorm about how they can solve it. Students should realize that they do not have all of the tools that they need to solve it, and will hopefully see the significance of the upcoming lessons.
Lesson Objectives:
- Students will get practice with brainstorming and problem-solving skills.
- Students will discover an interest in the upcoming unit.
Materials: Whiteboard, markers, and thinking caps.
TEACHER ACTIVITIES
Present to the students the scenario of launching a model rocket. Ask the question, “Can we find the highest height it reaches? Why/why not? And how?”
Split students up into small groups and have them brainstorm ideas for solving the problem. Have one person record the ideas and be ready to read them to the class. Each group can also have a moderator to keep them on task.
Get class’s attention and start writing up their ideas on the board. Talk about each idea and come up with what we would need to use them.
Conclude this lesson with a list of the things that will be needed to solve this problem, and then move into lesson 1.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Think about the problem and the questions posed. Rockets are cool.
Argue about who has to write down ideas, then brainstorm. Students will probably come up with some goofy ideas, but those still count as brainstorming.
Listen to other students’ ideas; think about getting an answer to the problem.
Geez, this lesson seems like it is going to be really interesting, its quacktastic.
Connections to NCTM Standards:
This lesson mainly incorporates the process standards of problem solving and communication. Brainstorming is an important part of the problem solving process, and doing it in groups gives the students a chance to practice their communication skills.
Accommodations:
Students that have difficulty with response time or communication will either be given the chance to do their own brainstorming ahead of time, or be the moderator for their group’s discussion. Students with behavioral disorders will also be given lead roles in groups to keep them involved.
Assessment:
The teacher will informally assess each student’s participation in the brainstorming activity. There will not be any other assignment, but at the end of the unit, the class will solve the rocket problem.