Lesson Plans

Standards-Based Outcomes (MDE):

Science:

I. Use Scientific Knowledge from the Physical Sciences in Real-World Contexts

Content Standard IV, 4: All students will describe sounds and sound waves; explain shadows, color, and other light phenomena; measure and describe vibrations and waves; and explain how waves and vibrations transfer energy. (Waves and Vibrations)

1. Explain how sound travels through different media.

Prior Knowledge:

Students must understand energy transformations.
Students must understand and know how to use the metric system
Students must be able to use computer software effectively.

Cue Set:

The teacher begins discussion by posing two questions:
- How does sound travel?
- How does light travel?
Then the teacher takes the students on a field trip to the Laser Quest game facility. Once there, the students observe and experience sound and laser light as presented in the laser tag game.

Best Shot Instruction:

To explore the questions and begin their study of waves, the students watch the video Waves All Around Us. The video introduces them to the concept of waves and reminds them of waves with which they are familiar.
The students then begin the computer program Waves. They learn about the parts and basic types of waves.
Next, the students take part in a mock trial while interacting with the CD-ROM program Science Court: Sound. They review the wave parts and identify the different types of waves as well as determine how waves get their energy and how they travel.
The students then watch the videos A Wave is a Wave is a Wave and Waves and Energy. The videos review and reinforce the information about the location of waves, parts of waves, and different types of waves. They contain detailed information about the energy and travel of waves as well.
To complete their study of waves, the students work in pairs to create PowerPoint presentations to display what they have learned. They describe how a sound wave functions. They must include an inventory of its parts, a description of its wave type, and an explanation of how it produces sound.

Reteaching and Enrichment:

The students present their PowerPoint projects to the class. For extra credit, they find Web sites featuring information about waves which they then present to the class as well.

Review and Closure:

The students prepare for the test with review sheets and second visits to both the PowerPoint presentations and Web sites.

Assessment:

The students present their PowerPoint projects and exhibit understanding of waves.
The students submit copies of their projects to the teacher for evaluation according to a predetermined rubric.
The students must pass the test with 80% mastery.

East Detroit Public Schools Lesson Design

East Detroit Public Schools
Lesson Design