GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - You Can't Hide From Science

Goal/Objective

The world of science utilized in everyday life.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

Science is everywhere. The GED tests require that the student be able to problem solve and apply science to real life. This lesson will require that the students identify how they use science in their lives and how to apply scientific concept to their world.

Activity

Have the class brainstorm all the ways that they have used science since they woke up this morning. List all the answers on the board. One of the answers will be related to electricity. Next, have the class identify ways in which electricity is used in their lives. Answer will vary from lights, air conditioning, heat, TV, radio, maybe even transportation. Discuss with the class of what should be done if for one day there were no electricity in their homes. What steps would they take to solve the problem?

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Have the class make sample questions on everyday science. Have them develop questions that show how science is applied at home and the community. Have them write down their question on a strip of paper with the answers on the back to play games such as, Science Jeopardy or Bingo.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

• Chart paper, markers

Extension Activity

Using a science book or other research materials. Have the class identify some basic science concepts in real life situations. The concept could be found at home or the workplace. An example would be Newton's Law of Motion.

ESE Accommodations

• Repeat key points several times.
• Use real life and concrete materials.
• Allow active involvement through asking questions and small group discussion.

Real-Life Connection

Ask the class if they have ever walked into a room and turned on the light switch and nothing happened? Have students brainstorm possible solution to the problem. Possible answers may be: the light bulb burned out, you blew a fuse; a light pole was hit, etc.

Activity Title - You Can't Hide From Science

Introduction

Say: Science is everywhere. Take about two minutes to write down as many the ways that you have used science since you woke up this morning. Students will share their answers. Write the answers on the board. Discuss the importance of science in your daily life. Many times we don't even realize that we are using science. Let's look at one example.

Main Activity

Say: Have you ever walked into a room and turned on the light switch, and nothing happened? Think back to the last time this happened to you. You knew something was wrong so you called the electric company. Did you have enough information to call the electric company? There could be many reasons why the lights weren't working. What are some things you should do before you call the electric company?

Brainstorm with the class possible solutions. Did you get the fuse box? Did you pay you electric bill? Was the light bulb burned out? Were the lights in the rest of the house working? Did you see if the other houses on the street had their lights on?

The problem solving method is an important skill when you take your Science GED Test. The GED test will require you to use your problem solving abilities to apply science concepts to the real world.

Closure/Conclusion

Say: The concept of electricity is important.

Explain how electricity works. Electricity flows in a circuit, if the circuit is broken in anyway, such as a burned out bulb, the electricity cannot flow. Have students identify other types of circuits in the classroom. For example, the overhead, which is plugged into an outlet. Have them draw a diagram of the electrical circuit that they have identified. Share the diagram with others in the class.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Have class identify scientific concepts that they use in the workplace and at home. Keep a journal of the examples. Some possible answers could be Newton's Law of Motion, gravity, and etc. Then discuss these concepts with the class and how they were applied in their everyday life.