Teacher Prep Time
30 minutes
Grouping
-- Class
-- Small groups
Materials
Household items, small parts to build extending devices
|
|
Activity 1
Have a group discussion about things that extend. For example, mechanical
inventions that perform tasks like a crane, or other physical objects that stretch
to reach something like an arm, or bridges that extend from one point to
another. List as many as possible. Then, move on to non-mechanical
extensions. These are less obvious, like members of your extended family, a
teacher extending the due date on homework, or a bank extending credit to
customers.
Extend the class's thinking to list and discuss as many examples of mechanical
and non-mechanical extenders and their functions. Challenge the class to come
up with the most creative examples of something that extends. Then have
students keep a journal over a one-week period to see how many different
extensions, mechanical and non-mechanical, that they notice in everyday
routines.
Activity 2
Divide the class into groups in order to compare their lists of extending devices
and the structures or meanings behind them. Look for patterns, or similar
themes in the different devices, and then separate them into categories. Some
categories could be: things that extend over water or air, things that add length,
or an action that helps others. Do some perform the same tasks, but in a
different way? For example, someone could extend gratitude by saying "thank
you," or they could extend their arm to shake hands, both actions with the same
intention. How will people give thanks in the future?
After discussing similarities in the extensions, identify the problem or need that
is behind the category. Choose a category and research how the extending
device has changed or improved over the years. First, name the problem or
need, then how it was fixed or improved in the past. After that, compare it with
how the extender has changed during present time. Finally, brainstorm ideas
about how it will be improved in the future, then choose the most creative idea
and design how it will work. This can be any mechanical or non-mechanical
extension.
Activity 3
Each group will create a model for its chosen futuristic extending device and
prepare to present it to the class as if their idea did become the next
improvement. Have each group take over a portion of the class to teach a
history lesson in a "futuristic classroom," where present day becomes the past.
In their lessons, they should teach the class about their invention and how it
works, then discuss the original problem or theme, and then explain the
advancements in history that they previously researched. They will use the
model to teach the class how their device works. Encourage "classroom
participation" by having the students ask questions.
|
|