Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Introduction to levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Parts of levers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify common levers used in day to day life
Define simple machines and their importance
Develop interest in understanding mechanical systems

Learners to brainstorm on the meaning of levers as simple machines
Learners to identify common levers in their surroundings
Learners to collect and display various examples of levers

What are levers and where do we find them?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 91
Various levers (scissors, pliers, bottle openers, etc.)
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 92
Various levers
Diagrams of levers

Observation Oral questions Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines First class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Examples of first class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Second class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Examples of second class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Third class levers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify first class levers in the environment
Describe the arrangement of fulcrum, effort, and load in first class levers
Appreciate the application of first class levers in daily activities

Learners to carry out activities to understand lever classification
Learners to identify the position of fulcrum, effort, and load in first class levers
Learners to collect and classify examples of first class levers

How are first class levers arranged?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 93-94
Examples of first class levers (seesaw, scissors, pliers)
Diagrams of different classes of levers
Digital resources
Various first class levers (scissors, pliers, seesaw, crowbar)
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 95
Examples of second class levers (wheelbarrow, bottle opener, nutcracker)
Diagrams
Various second class levers (wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener)
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 96
Examples of third class levers (tweezers, fishing rod, broom)

Observation Oral questions Classification activities

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Examples of third class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Comparing the three classes of levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Using levers to make work easier
3.2 Levers as simple machines Mechanical advantage of levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Uses of levers in daily life
3.2 Levers as simple machines Levers in the human body

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Collect examples of third class levers
Demonstrate how third class levers work
Appreciate the speed advantage of third class levers

Learners to identify and collect various examples of third class levers
Learners to demonstrate the use of each third class lever
Learners to discuss the advantages of using third class levers

What are common examples of third class levers?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 96
Various third class levers (tweezers, fishing rod, broom, hockey stick)
Digital resources
Examples of all three classes of levers
Comparison charts
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 97-98
Various levers
Weights
Measuring tools
Rulers and measuring tapes
Calculators
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 99
Poster materials
Diagrams of human skeleton
Models of human joints

Observation Practical assessment Oral questions

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Planning a beam balance (Project)
3.2 Levers as simple machines Making a beam balance (Project)
3.2 Levers as simple machines Evaluating the beam balance (Project)
3.2 Levers as simple machines Maintenance of levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Safety when using levers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Plan the construction of a beam balance
Select appropriate materials for making a beam balance
Show interest in applying lever principles

Learners to examine how a beam balance works
Learners to plan in groups how to make a beam balance
Learners to identify and collect locally available materials
Learners to design their beam balance

How can we make a functional beam balance?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 100
Locally available materials (ruler, wood, containers, string, etc.)
Construction tools
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 101
Constructed beam balances
Objects of known weight (if available)
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 102
Completed beam balances
Various objects to weigh
Various lever tools
Maintenance materials (oil, cloth, etc.)
Digital resources
Safety equipment

Observation Design assessment Group participation

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Introduction to slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Types of slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Principle of inclined planes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Mechanical advantage of slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines How slopes make work easier

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify types of slopes used as simple machines
Differentiate between slopes and other simple machines
Develop curiosity about how slopes function

Learners to discuss the meaning of slope as a simple machine (inclined plane)
Learners to identify examples of slopes in their school environment
Learners to list practical examples of slopes used to make work easier

What is a slope as a simple machine?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 103
Pictures of various slopes
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 104-105
Pictures of slopes
Wooden boards
Small objects (toy cars, marbles)
Protractors
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 106
Wooden boards of different lengths
Weights
Spring balances
Measuring tools
Wooden boards/cardboard
Small wheeled toys/objects

Observation Oral questions Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Friction on slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Modern applications of slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Slopes in architecture and construction
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Planning a slope (Project)
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Making a slope (Project)
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Evaluating the slope (Project)

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Investigate the effect of friction on slopes
Modify surfaces to reduce or increase friction
Develop problem-solving skills

Learners to investigate how different surfaces affect movement on slopes
Learners to modify surfaces to reduce or increase friction
Learners to discuss the importance of friction in slope applications

How does friction affect the efficiency of slopes?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 106
Slopes with different surfaces (smooth, rough, oiled)
Objects with different surfaces
Timing devices
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Pictures of modern applications of slopes
Pictures of buildings and structures
Drawing materials
Locally available materials
Construction tools
Design materials
Constructed slopes
Objects to test the slopes
Completed slope projects
Evaluation forms

Observation Practical assessment Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Uses of slopes in everyday life
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Safety considerations with slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Maintenance of slopes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Discuss the importance of slopes in day to day life
Identify how slopes increase accessibility
Appreciate the role of slopes in enhancing convenience

Learners to discuss the importance of slopes in daily life
Learners to identify how slopes increase accessibility for people with disabilities
Learners to appreciate the efficiency and convenience provided by slopes

How have slopes improved our daily lives?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Pictures showing importance of slopes
Digital resources
Pictures of slope safety features
Safety equipment
Maintenance materials
Checklists

Observation Oral questions Group discussions