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Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Thousands of Tiny Pieces Can Create Something Big!

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Simon Rodia built the Watts Towers by gathering fragments of "junk" he found in the neighborhood. He put all of these small pieces together to build a spectacular tower. Students will observe that something BIG can be created from lots...
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Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: "Let Go of My Lego"

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Junior scientists use their imagination to create a Lego car. This investigation allows scientists to see that they can put items together to create some new product. Videos of the lesson in action and examples of student's journal...
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Website
The Wonder of Science

The Wonder of Science: 2 Ps1 3: Objects and Pieces

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
This NSTA vetted source includes resources to show that an object made up of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object. Included are assessment ideas, videos, examples, lesson plans, and photos of student work.
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Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Building Things in Different Ways

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
This lesson poses the question "can you always take something apart and put it together in different ways?". Students will take part in designing an investigation using snap cubes to help figure out an answer. Videos of the lesson in...
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Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Take It Apart, Put It Together

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
The purpose of this lesson is to reinforce the idea that things are made up of small parts that can be recombined in novel ways. It also shows that the shape of certain parts dictates their function. Students delight in taking things...