PROJECT JOURNAL
Objective:
Students will create project journals to collect and record information
about simple machines.
Materials:
Folder for each student
Lined paper
Stapler
Question: What is a journal?
How can a journal be useful?
Today we are going to create a journal to record everything we learn about
simple and
complex machines.
Procedure:
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For each student, prepare journals ahead of time by stapling lined paper
inside of file folders. Students may design their own covers or you may
reproduce the project journal cover (*see attachment).
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On chalkboard or overhead projector, create a list of how journals can
be useful
-
Explain to students that their project journal will demonstrate what they
know about machines and how they work. Journals must be neat and complete.
Tell students that you will read journals several times during the project.
At the end of the project, students will receive a grade for evidence of
their hard work.
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Distribute project journals
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Students will write their name on their project journal cover, date the
first page, and answer the following questions. "What do I already know
about simple and complex machines? What do I want to learn? How many machines
can I name?
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Encourage students to write in complete sentences.
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Share responses
Conclusion:
Journals can be used to collect and record information. Every time
you work on this project, you will use your journal to record your thoughts
and discoveries. Once you complete this project, you will revisit your
journal entries and reflect upon what you have learned during this project.
