Kara Tamburro

Fan Control Lesson Plan

Main Concept: Graphing skills using LEGO TC Lego

Math and Science Concepts: X-axis, Y-axis, plotting points, reading data, gears,

plotting data points on graph, temperature control,

electricity

Grade Level: 7th-8th grade

Objectives:

* Follow a set of directions

* Understand that graphing is a way to display data

* Construct a graph using results from experiment

* Compare and Contrast paper and pencil graph to Lego Graph tool

* Use Lego Graph tool to manipulate data (change range, choose sections to look at

closely etc.)

* Understand graph terminology (X-axis, Y-axis)

Prerequisite Knowledge:

* Familiar with LEGO projects and writing procedures of LOGO

* Knowledge of graphs

* familiar with the Control Box

Materials:

* 1 computer per 4 students

* Red LEGO set for each group (5 in all)

* 1 control box per group

* containers filled with hot and cold water

* Quick Start Guide: Creating a Fan Control Project booklet for each student

Procedure:

* Groups will be assigned by teacher before the scheduled class.

1. Each group of students will build the fan model using the booklet as a guide.

2. Have each group will connect their fan to the control box.

3. Students will do activities on pages 20-22 dealing with temperature sensors.

4. Discuss graphs and the X, and Y-axis with the class. Show the class the results of an

experiment you did (teacher) and label the data TIME and TEMP.

5. Have each group make a graph on paper using time on the X-axis and temp. on the Y-

axis.

6. Next, Have each student create a graph using the GRAPH TOOL by opening page 1.

Each group will make a graph using the temperature sensor that shows the change in

temperature over a thirty second period. (booklet pages 40-45)

7. Have each group share their graph with the class showing specific points on the graph

and what their coordinates are, showing a specific portion of the graph close up, and

adjusting the range of the data shown.

8. Have a class discussion on the differences between drawing the graph and using the

Lego program to enhance the data. Talk about the advantages of using the Graph tool.