My Groups Direct Instruction Lesson Plan

After weeks of planning and going over what we wanted to do the day was finally here. It was my groups turn to teach the fourth grade students about simple machines. Our first lesson was a direct lesson plan meaning that it was teacher oriented. The three simple machines my group had to teach about were the inclined plane, screw, and wedge. I was really excited. I did not like the way my direct lesson plan went in Social Studies Methods and I was glad to have a chance to redeem myself.

We began the lesson by reviewing the classroom rules, and the check for understanding. After we reviewed these we had to test the students' prior knowledge. We showed them pictures of simple machines and asked them what were some things that came to mind. We used choral responses to teach the students the Vocabulary words simple machine, complex machine, force, and friction. After we went over these key terms we showed the students an extremely catchy song that will be stuck in my head forever about simple machines. The students seemed to really enjoy this song, and wanted to hear it again.

We went over our note sheet before we started teaching about our simple machines. After we went over the note sheet I had to teach the class all about inclined planes. I began by going over the definition using choral responses. I demonstrated to the class that if the incline is more steep there were will be less distance to travel, but it will take more effort to reach the top, and if there is a less steep incline there will be more distance to travel but less effort will be needed.

   

I then showed the students a video on inclined planes. I asked them to write down 2 examples of inclined planes that they see in their everyday life. After I showed them the video I asked them to share some of their examples. The students gave great examples and I was excited they understood what I was teaching.

I then showed them four examples of inclined planes which were a wheelchair ramp, stairs, a hill, and a slide. The students then had to draw an example in the space provided in their note sheet. 

The last thing I did to teach about about inclined planes was a choral response rap. 

Inclined Plane Rap

When moving an object from low to high

The inclined plane is your guide

Although the distance does increase 

It takes less effort to move the beast.

After I reviewed inclined planes my group members did an excellent job teaching about screws and wedges.

When we finished going over our three simple machines, it was time for the guided practice. For our guided practice we had questions on the smart board with a word bank. One question at a time the students had to give us the correct answer from the word bank. I was happy when the students got all the answers correct. 

For our independent practice we asked the students to take either a pink, yellow, or blue index card. If the student had a Think question they had to write it on a pink index card. If the student had a Thin question they needed to write it on a yellow index card. If the student had a Wonder question they were supposed to write it on a blue index card. When the students were finished we asked them to tape their index cards on a poster board under their category.

I was happy the way our Direct Instruction lesson plan went. I felt like the students understood the material, and we were set up great for our Inquiry lesson plan.