Exploring Traditional Processing: How We Change Materials

Science Grades 5th Grade 1:25 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson introduces 5th-grade students to the concept of traditional processing, which refers to the methods people have used for generations to change and use materials. Students will learn to observe, identify, and understand how these processes impact the properties of matter. We will examine how traditional methods relate to conservation and resourcefulness.

Video Resource

Traditional processing

Renske Briel

Duration: 1:25
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Traditional Processing
  • Properties of Matter
  • Resourcefulness
  • Observation and Measurement
  • Material Change

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define traditional processing and provide examples.
  • Students will be able to identify how traditional processing changes the properties of materials.
  • Students will be able to explain how traditional processing reflects resourcefulness and community knowledge.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think 'traditional' means. Then, introduce the term 'traditional processing' as methods people have used for a long time to change materials.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Show the YouTube video "Traditional processing" by Renske Briel. Instruct students to pay attention to examples of traditional processing mentioned or shown.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a discussion about the processes shown in the video. Ask students to share other examples of traditional processing they know of (e.g., farming techniques, weaving, pottery).
  • Activity: Observing Changes (15 mins)
    Provide students with simple materials like clay, grains, or plant fibers. Have them experiment with simple processing techniques (like shaping clay, grinding grains, or braiding fibers). Students should record their observations of how the materials change.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of traditional processing, properties of matter, and resourcefulness. Summarize how traditional methods utilize observation and measurement to effectively change materials.

Interactive Exercises

  • Material Transformation Chart
    Students create a chart listing a material, the traditional processing method used on it, and the resulting change in properties.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some examples of traditional processing that you have seen or heard about?
  • How does traditional processing change the way we use materials?
  • Why do you think it's important to learn about traditional processing methods?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Data Collection

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'traditional processing' generally mean?

Correct Answer: Old ways of changing materials

Question 2:

Which of these is an example of traditional processing?

Correct Answer: Weaving fabric

Question 3:

How can traditional processing show resourcefulness?

Correct Answer: By using materials efficiently

Question 4:

What do you do when you 'observe' something?

Correct Answer: Look closely at it

Question 5:

What is one way traditional processing changes materials?

Correct Answer: Changes their shape

Question 6:

If you grind wheat into flour, what kind of processing is that?

Correct Answer: Traditional

Question 7:

What is one reason why communities develop traditional processing methods?

Correct Answer: To make materials easier to use

Question 8:

If you are carefully watching how a material changes, what skill are you using?

Correct Answer: Observing

Question 9:

Which process would most help protect Earth's resources?

Correct Answer: Recycling

Question 10:

What kind of knowledge is usually passed down from generation to generation?

Correct Answer: Traditional Knowledge

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

__________ processing means using old methods to change materials.

Correct Answer: Traditional

Question 2:

Changing clay into a pot is an example of ___________ processing.

Correct Answer: traditional

Question 3:

Traditional processing often shows how people can be _________ with materials.

Correct Answer: resourceful

Question 4:

When you look closely at something, you _________ it.

Correct Answer: observe

Question 5:

Shaping wood into a toy is a type of material __________.

Correct Answer: change

Question 6:

Turning milk into cheese is an example of __________ processing.

Correct Answer: traditional

Question 7:

Traditional processing can help a community use its __________ wisely.

Correct Answer: resources

Question 8:

By paying close attention, you are honing you ___________ skill.

Correct Answer: observing

Question 9:

One traditional way of protecting the Earth is __________.

Correct Answer: recycling

Question 10:

__________ knowledge is the information passed from old to young.

Correct Answer: Traditional

Educational Standards

5.PS1.3:[Standard] Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. 5.ESS3.1:[Standard] Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments.

Teaching Materials

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