Exploring Parts

"Science NetLinks provides a wealth of resources for K-12 science educators.  It is your guide to meaningful standards-based internet experiences for students." In this lesson, students will explore systems (in the context of parts and wholes), and develop the understanding that when parts are put together they can do things that they couldnu2019t do by themselves. They will analyze and discuss the parts of toys, classroom objects, and objects in the outdoor world. There is a printable you may want to use as a pre or post assessment too.

Weblink address (URL): 
Exploring Parts

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • Looking for parts using hand lenses.
  • Identifying parts and their functions in such items as oranges, seed pods, and isopods.
  • Identifying all the parts and wholes you observe while eating your lunch.
  • Restructuring block or Lego toy structures for new purposes.
  • Pointing out differences in the parts of manufactured things and the parts of natural things.
  • Investigating parts to see whether they can be separated clearly and distinctly from the rest of the whole or whether they merge gradually with the whole so that they cannot be separated clearly and distinctly.
  • Allowing students to take apart some manufactured items, such as a bicycle bell, a telephone, or a clock. (First inspect the items to be sure they can be handled safely.)

Helpful Hints

Materials:

Simple, large wheeled toy (e.g., dump truck)

References

Contributors: 
Christin Casebolt
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation