### Lesson Plan: Technology and Engineering Concepts
#### Subject: Science
#### Grade Level: 6th Grade
#### Duration: 60 Minutes
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### **Lesson Objectives:**
1. Understand the basic concepts of technology and engineering.
2. Identify the role of technology and engineering in society.
3. Learn about the engineering design process.
4. Apply engineering concepts to solve a simple problem.
### **Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer with internet access
- Handouts on engineering design process
- Building materials (e.g., straws, tape, paper clips, rubber bands)
- Scissors
- Worksheet for reflection
### **Standards Alignment:**
- NGSS MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
- NGSS MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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### **Lesson Plan:**
#### **I. Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Hook Activity:**
- Start with a quick video showing various engineering marvels (e.g., bridges, buildings, machines).
- Ask students: "What do all these things have in common?" (Guide them towards understanding they all involve engineering and technology).
2. **Discuss Objectives:**
- Briefly review the lesson objectives with the class.
#### **II. Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
1. **Define Technology and Engineering:**
- Technology: Tools, systems, and devices created by humans to solve specific problems.
- Engineering: The application of mathematics and science to create technologies that solve problems.
2. **Role in Society:**
- Discuss examples of how technology and engineering impact everyday life (e.g., transportation, communication, healthcare).
3. **Introduce the Engineering Design Process:**
- Steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.
- Explain each step with simple examples.
#### **III. Guided Practice (20 minutes)**
1. **Group Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with a set of building materials.
2. **Problem to Solve:**
- Assign a simple problem: "Design a bridge using the materials provided. The bridge must support a small weight (e.g., a stack of books)."
- Guide students through the Engineering Design Process to solve the problem.
**Steps:**
- **Ask:** Identify the problem and constraints (e.g., time, materials).
- **Imagine:** Brainstorm different ideas.
- **Plan:** Choose the best idea and sketch a design.
- **Create:** Build the prototype.
- **Improve:** Test the bridge, discuss what works and what doesn’t, and modify the design as needed.
#### **IV. Independent Practice (10 minutes)**
1. **Reflection Worksheet:**
- Provide a worksheet for students to reflect on their design process.
- Questions:
- What was the problem you were trying to solve?
- How did your group come up with ideas?
- What changes did you make to improve your design?
- What did you learn about working as a team?
#### **V. Conclusion (5 minutes)**
1. **Group Discussion:**
- Allow each group to present their bridge and share their design process.
- Discuss what they learned about technology and engineering.
2. **Review Takeaways:**
- Summarize key points of the lesson.
- Emphasize the importance of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in engineering.
### **Assessment:**
- **Participation:** Observe student engagement during activities and discussions.
- **Reflection Worksheet:** Ensure students can articulate their understanding of the engineering design process and team collaboration.
- **Final Presentation:** Assess each group's ability to apply the engineering design process and their problem-solving skills in creating a functional bridge.
### **Extensions:**
- **Homework:**
- Research a famous engineer or engineering project. Write a short paragraph about how it has impacted society.
- **Advanced Activity:**
- Introduce a new constraint or variable to the design project (e.g., limited materials or a specific type of weight) to challenge students further.
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### **Differentiation:**
- **For Struggling Students:**
- Provide additional guidance during the planning phase.
- Allow pairing with more advanced peers for collaborative support.
- **For Advanced Students:**
- Encourage more complex design elements or additional constraints.
- Offer opportunities to lead their groups or assist their peers.
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### **Notes:**
- Ensure the classroom space is organized for group work and activities.
- Prepare all materials in advance to avoid downtime during the lesson.
- Adjust pacing as needed based on student understanding and engagement.