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

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

Observation Oral questions Classification activities

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Examples of first class levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Second class levers

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

Collect examples of first class levers
Demonstrate how first class levers work
Show interest in using first class levers in daily activities

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

What are common examples of first class levers?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 93-94
Various first class levers (scissors, pliers, seesaw, crowbar)
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 95
Examples of second class levers (wheelbarrow, bottle opener, nutcracker)
Diagrams

Observation Practical assessment Oral questions

Force and Energy

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:

Collect examples of second class levers
Demonstrate how second class levers work
Appreciate the mechanical advantage of second class levers

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

What are common examples of second class levers?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 95
Various second class levers (wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener)
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 96
Examples of third class levers (tweezers, fishing rod, broom)
Diagrams

Observation Practical assessment Oral questions

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Examples of third class levers

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

Observation Practical assessment Oral questions

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Comparing the three classes of levers
3.2 Levers as simple machines Using levers to make work easier

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

Compare the three classes of levers
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each class
Develop critical thinking about mechanical systems

Learners to create a comparison chart of the three classes of levers
Learners to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each class
Learners to identify which class is most suitable for different tasks

How do the three classes of levers differ in their advantages?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 96
Examples of all three classes of levers
Comparison charts
Digital resources
Mentor Science & Technology pg. 97-98
Various levers
Weights
Measuring tools

Observation Chart assessment Group discussion

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Mechanical advantage of levers

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

Calculate the mechanical advantage of levers
Measure the effort and load in different lever systems
Show interest in mathematical applications in mechanics

Learners to measure the effort and load arms in different levers
Learners to calculate the mechanical advantage using simple formulas
Learners to compare the calculated and practical mechanical advantage

How can we calculate the mechanical advantage of a lever?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 97-98
Various levers
Rulers and measuring tapes
Weights
Calculators

Observation Calculation assessment Written tests

Force and Energy

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:

Search for information on how levers make work easier
Identify professions that utilize levers
Appreciate the use of levers in day to day life

Learners to use digital or print media to search for information on how levers make work easier
Learners to discuss and record the benefits of using levers
Learners to create posters showing the importance of levers

How have levers improved our daily lives?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 99
Digital resources
Poster materials
Diagrams of human skeleton
Models of human joints

Observation Poster assessment Written assignments

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)

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)

Observation Design assessment Group participation

Force and Energy

3.2 Levers as simple machines Evaluating the beam balance (Project)

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

Use the beam balance to measure weight
Evaluate the effectiveness of the beam balance
Appreciate the value of innovation in tool-making

Learners to use their beam balances to measure and compare weights
Learners to identify which class of lever their beam balance represents
Learners to explain how the beam balance demonstrates lever principles

How does a beam balance demonstrate lever principles?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 102
Completed beam balances
Various objects to weigh

Observation Practical assessment Oral presentation

Force and Energy

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:

Identify ways to maintain different lever tools
Demonstrate proper maintenance of lever tools
Value the importance of proper tool maintenance

Learners to discuss common maintenance issues with lever tools
Learners to demonstrate cleaning, oiling, and proper storage of lever tools
Learners to create a maintenance schedule for common lever tools

How should we maintain lever tools?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 102
Various lever tools
Maintenance materials (oil, cloth, etc.)
Digital resources
Safety equipment

Observation Practical assessment Oral questions

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Introduction to slopes

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

Observation Oral questions Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Types of slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Principle of inclined planes

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

Give practical examples of slopes used to make work easier
Classify slopes according to their uses
Show interest in different applications of slopes

Learners to identify and discuss examples of slopes (ramps, staircases, winding roads, etc.)
Learners to discuss how these slopes make work easier
Learners to draw diagrams of different slopes

Where do we find slopes in our environment?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 104-105
Pictures of slopes
Digital resources
Wooden boards
Small objects (toy cars, marbles)
Protractors

Observation Oral questions Written tests

Force and Energy

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:

Calculate the mechanical advantage of slopes
Measure the effort required for different slopes
Develop skills in mathematical analysis

Learners to set up slopes of different gradients
Learners to measure the effort required to move objects up different slopes
Learners to calculate the mechanical advantage of different slopes

How does the steepness of a slope affect its mechanical advantage?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 106
Wooden boards of different lengths
Weights
Spring balances
Measuring tools
Wooden boards/cardboard
Small wheeled toys/objects

Observation Calculation assessment Written reports

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Friction on slopes

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

Observation Practical assessment Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Modern applications of slopes
3.3 Slopes as simple machines Slopes in architecture and construction

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

Search for information on how slopes make work easier
Identify modern technologies that use slope principles
Develop awareness of technological applications

Learners to use digital media (where possible) to search for information on slopes
Learners to research modern applications (elevators, escalators, cableways)
Learners to discuss and record their findings

How are slopes used in modern technology?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Digital resources
Pictures of modern applications of slopes
Pictures of buildings and structures
Drawing materials

Observation Oral questions Written assignments

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Planning a slope (Project)

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

Plan the construction of a simple slope
Select appropriate materials for making a slope
Show creativity in designing useful tools

Learners to identify a need for a slope in school or at home
Learners to plan how to make a simple slope for that need
Learners to identify and collect locally available materials
Learners to design their slope

How can we design a useful slope?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Locally available materials
Construction tools
Design materials

Observation Design assessment Group participation

Force and Energy

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:

Make a simple slope for use in school or at home
Apply principles of slopes in construction
Develop skills in creating functional tools

Learners to complete the construction of their slopes
Learners to test their slopes for effectiveness
Learners to make necessary adjustments and improvements
Learners to demonstrate how their slopes make work easier

How effective is our slope design?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Constructed slopes
Objects to test the slopes
Completed slope projects
Evaluation forms

Observation Project assessment Practical assessment

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

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

Observation Oral questions Group discussions

Force and Energy

3.3 Slopes as simple machines Maintenance of slopes

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

Identify ways to maintain slopes
Demonstrate proper maintenance procedures
Value the importance of proper maintenance

Learners to discuss factors that affect slope efficiency
Learners to demonstrate proper maintenance procedures
Learners to create a maintenance checklist for slopes

How should we maintain slopes to ensure their effectiveness?

Mentor Science & Technology pg. 107
Maintenance materials
Digital resources
Checklists

Observation Checklist assessment Oral questions