Training Web

2009-2010 PRIMARY DIVISION SCIENCE TASK

This task is designed for all primary students (grades 1-3) for the 2009-2010 school year. It is the third primary division science task of a three-year cycle and focuses on the topic: Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures.

The task is designed so that students from grade 1 to 3 can enter into it in different ways and to different extents and still achieve the overall expectations for the strand.The goal is to bring teachers and students within a division together in order to increase collaboration and expertise in the area of technological design. Teachers / divisions / schools will decide when the task is to be completed within the school year. Invention Conventions, Structure Showcases, etc are encouraged upon completion in order for students to demonstrate their work.

If at any time, you have questions about the project please feel free to contact Sharon Gillies via email (s.gillies@office.ldcsb.on.ca) or
phone (519-663-2088 ext. 42104).

It is hoped that the task will continue to grow and be improved. This can only happen with your imput and feedback.

In 2010-2011, the primary division task cycle will begin again with Strong and Stable Structures, followed by Movement in 2011-2012.

OVERVIEW OF TASK


The mayor of your local community has been reviewing the playground structures that are currently found in the community’s public parks. Many of the structures are not accessible to children with special needs. The mayor would like to build a new ‘Playground for All’ park where all the playground structures are accessible to children of all physical abilities.

Your task is to design a playground and build a model of one playground structure that could be built in this new park.
Your playground structure must include the following
- it is easy to get on and off by any child
- it is easy to use
- it can hold a load
- it has safety features
- it is stable
- it is visually pleasing

Following the construction of your model, you will be expected to present your model playground structure to the mayor and community members in an oral presentation. Along with your oral presentation, you must prepare a promotional brochure or poster of your “Playground for All” to be shared at the meeting. Your brochure or poster must include a map of your playground with landscaping (i.e. trees, bushes, ponds) and pathways.
This task addresses the following expectations:
Grade. 1 - Materials, Objects, and Everyday Structures
Overall Expectations:
1. assess the impact on people and the environment of objects and structures and the materials use in them;
2. investigate structures that are built for a specific purpose to see how their design and materials suit the purpose;
3. demonstrate an understanding that objects and structures have observable characteristics and are made from materials with specific properties that determine how they are used.

RESOURCES


Grade 1-2 Student Booklet
Structure Hunt - Grade 1 or Grade 2-3
Grade 3 Student Booklet
Here is an Assessment Key to accompany the student booklets.
Playground Rubric
Here is the complete Primary Task package.
 
Check out some Web Links.
Check out some Book Resources.
Here is a complete print out of all website and book resources.
 
February 1, 2010 PD Day powerpoint presentation


LEAD-UP TO THE TASK


Introduce the topic of ‘materials, objects, and everyday structures’ by exploring various types of structures and their functions in their school and home community.

Resource:  Pan Canadian Science Place, Grade 1 “Design Team” Understanding Structures and Mechanisms:  Lesson 1- What Are Structures? Teachers Guide: Pages. 14-18
Check out some possible integration ideas.
Check out some suggested preliminary activities.

Here is a recommended activity for all students.
Here are some links to the grades 2 Understanding Structures and Mechanisms strand for review and reinforcement.
Here is a suggested flow to launch the task.

Student booklets and a suggested rubric have been developed for your use and can be found in the Resource area.
 
 

 
 
 

 

SAMPLE DESIGNS