Texas
Adult Education Standards and Benchmarks
for ABE ASE and ESL Learners
Lesson Plan Bank
ABE/ASE LESSON PLANS
Texas Adult Education Standards
Lesson Plan
Before you begin
Title: Building the Catapult and Interpreting the Data
Setting: ABE/ASE
NRS Level(s):
Level 4: High Intermediate Basic Education
Level 5: Low Adult Secondary Education
Level 6: High Adult Secondary Education
Open entry/exit: Yes
Context: Workplace
Standard(s): Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate
Benchmark(s): 11.4, 11.5, 11.6
Objective: To develop skills in interpreting data.
Materials: Measuring tape, ruler, paper, pencils,
2 x 2 box, plastic spoon, plastic mailing tape,
M&Ms, Skittles, dried beans, or marshmallows
Estimated time needed to prepare for this lesson plan: 30 minutes
Estimated time needed to complete this lesson plan: 6 -9 hours (three-hour classes for 2 -3 days)
The Lesson Plan
Introduce the lesson:
This is the third part of a three part lesson beginning with the use
of measuring instruments. As a class, students are given practical
job skills of how to utilize rulers, yard sticks and measuring tapes.
This provides them skills in collecting information, introducing them
to graphs and charts that could be utilized in the workplace.
Teach the lesson:
Provide the class with the following instructions on how to build and
use their individual catapults:
- Construct catapult by placing the box flush with the top of the paint stick. Then lay the handle of the spoon on top of the box with the bowl of the spoon extended over the paint stick. Again, the spoon handle should be flush with the edge of the block. Lash the three pieces together with plastic mailing tape.
- Place the free end of the paint stick next to the wall. Load the M&M or Skittle in the spoon, pull it down as close as possible to the paint stick and prepare for liftoff.
- Release the spoon and watch the M&M or Skittle soar. Then measure the distance from the wall to where it lands.
Practice the lesson:
Students can test their catapults outside by firing several times while
other members of the class measure the distance.
Assess the learning lesson:
This is a 3-part lesson that teaches the transfer of a skill. The final
product is a catapult that evidences the transfer of the skill. Teacher
observation and individual feedback during the process will allow opportunity
for continuous assessment during the learning process.
Apply the lesson to the real world:
Students can apply learning to situations such as interpreting the average
cost of electricity used in the home.
Submitted by: John Hodges
