CECsst.180


TITLE:    Assembly Line Benefits Experience

AUTHOR:   Mary Ann Williamson, Barratt Elementary

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:   2nd/3rd    Social Studies

OVERVIEW:
The benefits of an assembly line and the concept of
efficient work and specialization are concepts that young
students have not had a hands on experience with.  This
activity gives them a comparison experience with an assembly
line and an individual worker completing the same project.

OBJECTIVES:
The students will be able to compare and list the benefits
and the limitations of assembly line completion of a cut and
paste project versus individual assembly of the same
project.

RESOURCES:
Art project with several pieces to cut and paste.  Stencils
to trace each piece.  Paper, pencils, scissors, paste,
stencils.
I have used penguins and walruses because I usually teach
this unit during the winter months.

ACTIVITIES:
l.   Give the students a cut and paste art project of your
     choice. They should have several pieces to trace from a
     pattern and assemble them on their own to complete the
     project on the first day.
     Keep these and post them in the room.

2.   On the second day discuss an assembly line.

3.   Take the same  cut and paste art project and assemble
     it in an assembly line.  Assign specialists to do each
     little part.  Assign quality control.  Talk about speed
     and stress that the final product results depend on
     each person doing his job well.

4.   Display those assembly line projects with those
     individually done.  Compare the benefits and
     limitations of each method of assembly.

5.   Discuss and explore the kinds of activities that best
     fit and assembly line and those that best fit
     individual production.