Investigating the human machine
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 2 (end of Year 4) | |
| Grade C | Indra |
| Grade D | Pat |
Foundation Statement strands
The following strands are covered in this activity:
Description of activity
Students design ways to investigate some physical features of the human body that can be measured, such as height, reflexes or balance.
Instructions:
- Students discuss a range of questions which can be tested in an investigation such as:
- who is the tallest?
- who can jump the furthest?
- who can stand the longest on one leg?
- who has the fastest reaction time?
- Working in groups students select a question and develop a design idea for an investigation to test the question.
- They make a prediction of the possible results of the investigation.
- Students record a plan of the investigation to test their prediction including the equipment they will use and how they will make accurate measurements.
- They select and use appropriate equipment to conduct the investigation.
- Students make accurate measurements and record their results in a table.
- Students draw a conclusion as to whether their prediction is supported, based on the results.
Suggested materials
Paper, pencils, measuring tape, sticky tape, ruler, stopwatch.
Prior learning
This task called The Human Machine is a small part of a Science and Technology unit of work that is integrated with opportunities to apply the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Working Mathematically and Measurement strands of the Mathematics K–6 syllabus. Students are engaging in a variety of first-hand experiences in investigating, designing, making and using technology to extend their understanding of some structures and functions of living things. In this activity they work collaboratively and use their ideas and understanding of questioning, predicting, measuring, recording accurate results and drawing conclusions to design and conduct an investigation. At the conclusion of this activity, students design, produce and present their information to a group in an interesting way. This presentation could be assessed by their peers.
Outcomes
Living Things (LT S2.3)
Identifies and describes the structure and function of living things and ways in which living things interact with other living things and their environment.
Investigating (INV S2.7)
Conducts investigations by observing, questioning, predicting, testing, collecting, recording and analysing data, and drawing conclusions.
Using Technology (UTS 2.9)
Selects and uses a range of equipment, computer-based technology, materials and other resources with developing skill to enhance investigation and design tasks.
Criteria for assessing learning
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- identify a question
- design an investigation to test the question
- predict the results of the test
- record the design of the investigation
- make accurate measurements and record the results in a table
- draw a conclusion based on the results.