Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Simple Machines

Content Area: Physical Science
Grade Level(s): 4th Grade
Content Standard Addressed:
S4P3. Students will demonstrate the relationship between the application of a force and the resulting change
in position and motion on an object.
a. Identify simple machines and explain their uses (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, screw, wheel and axle).
Technology Standard Addressed:
3. Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: PowerPoint

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☒ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): For the ELL students within the class, providing pictorial instructions for
Microsoft may be beneficial as the transition from their native language to English. This can also support
struggling readers in the class. Students may choose to include pictures or narration that would be beneficial
for students who have a hearing impairment.

Lesson idea implementation: The teacher will give an overview of the types of simple machines. Then they
will go over the functionalities of Microsoft PowerPoint. The teacher will have a PowerPoint presentation
already created with images and audio elements. This presentation will serve as an example of what the
students will be asked to create. Each student will have 1 week to complete the assignment in class and
outside if possible
Each student will spend time researching two of the following simple machines: lever, pulley, wedge,
inclined plane, screw, and wheel and axle. Students will complete a PowerPoint on their choice of two simple
machines going further in depth than the example presentation. The teacher will aid students by going over
special features of PowerPoint that could be included in the students’ presentations. The assessment will be
graded on correct information, creativity and presentation of the final product.
Reflective Practice: Extending this project might involve publishing student work on the classroom blog.
We could film students presenting their work, and post it to our private classroom page. Students could also
choose to narrate their PowerPoint. This activity will give students the opportunity to become familiar with
basic productivity tools.

Spring 2018_SJB