In this lesson plan, students will explore how 6 types of simple machines move.
Learning Objectives/Goals
Students will use creative movement to model the tasks of the simple machines. Students will work alone and in groups and will use levels, directions and speeds to show the different possibilities for each machine in movement.
Materials Needed
A large, open space, music or a drum
Introduction
State the goals and class expectations. Set Space boundaries.
Warm-Up
What are the 6 simple machines? (wedge, incline plane, wheel and axel, screw, pulley, lever) What actions do they do? Call each one out and see what movements the students create on the spot!
Investigate
Talk in more detail about each machine. Have each student select one simple machine this time and create a more in-depth movement study to show what that simple machine can do. Once again, call out each simple machine and students will move when their machine choice is called.
Create
Divide students into 6 groups. Assign each group one of the simple machines. Students will work together to movement to showcase their assigned machine. Ask them to challenge their idea of what the machine can do. Use levels, use connection, use speeds, etc. to create.
Reflect
Each group will show their simple machine study to the group. Have the audience guess which machine is being shown.
Extension to the Lesson
Try using the whole class to create one simple machine. Try creating a new machine using the ideas inspired by the 6 simple machines.
Follow Up Resources
Dance to Learn Video Lessons
