Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: The Water Cycle

Grade Level/Content Area: 4th Grade/Science
Content Standard Addressed: S4E3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to
demonstrate the water cycle.
b. Develop models to illustrate multiple pathways water may take during the water cycle
(evaporation, condensation, and precipitation).
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed: What would you like students to know and
Knowledge Constructor – 1.3.c. Students curate be able to do by the end of this lesson:
information from digital resources using a variety I would like for students to be able to
of tools and methods to create collections of communicate and demonstrate the water
artifacts that demonstrate meaningful cycle and the different pathways it could take.
connections or conclusions.

What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?

Students will create an eBook about the different pathways of the water cycle using Microsoft
PowerPoint.
Students will collaborate with classmates to brainstorm ideas for their eBook.
Students will know how to use PowerPoint to create projects.
Selected Instructional Software Tool: Microsoft PowerPoint
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): N/A

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s): (Which level(s) will this lesson meet using this technology
tool?)

X Remembering X Understanding X Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating X Creating

How will this lesson be implemented? Check all that apply. (Sometimes only one option will
apply.)

☐ Teacher-directed: There is no student voice and choice in the activities. Students are guided by the
teacher's direction and expectations.

☐ Student-Led: Students are given voice and choice in the activities. They may select the topic for
presentation and/or determine the tool they will use to meet the learning goal. Products of
learning will be uniquely designed. Teacher simply facilitates the learning in a lesson like this.

X Project-based and/or Publishable: Students are completing projects to demonstrate their learning
and the projects can be shared outside of the classroom. This objective could be reached by
 Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea

displaying the project on the school’s morning newscast, posting the project to the classroom blog,
presenting it to another class, or publishing it via an outside source.

Lesson idea implementation:

I plan on introducing this tool and activity by providing the students an example of my own
eBook. Once we finish the eBook, I will explain to them that they will also be using the tool to
create a book of their own. Goals will be clearly stated and written for students to refer to so
they can have a reminder of what is expected of them. While students are working, I will be
walking around to offer help or encourage ideas. I will especially be there to help with any
technical problems as they are still learning how to navigate this tool. Once students are done
with their eBook, I would like to give feedback face to face so they can see their eBook in
action and my critiques along the way. If the student wishes, I can also give them the feedback
written down. To conclude the lesson, I would like for students to experience their peer’s
eBooks and we can all say something we liked about their eBook.
Managing engagement: Describe a way to use this technology in a way that gets students
actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts?

Students will be able to co-use computers and work with a partner for their eBook. This gives
them a chance to bounce ideas off another person. Students will have about 10 minutes to
gather information about the water cycle for their eBook and then they will have about 10
minutes to create a rough draft of what they would like their eBook to look like. Then, we will
take about 30 minutes to create our eBooks. Throughout this time, students will be
encouraged to ask questions as I walk around the room helping and ensuring we are
remaining on task. This will also be the time where I will refer to the learning goals.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
Although the tool and topic are already picked, students will still be engaged because they can
design their eBook using their creativity and ideas. Rather than drawing a picture of the water
cycle, they could create so much more. They have a lot of room to design it a way they like.
Not all students learn well by reading out of a textbook and reading off a slide on a
PowerPoint. Creating an eBook gives students different ways to think about the water cycle
and apply the information, so this is a great activity for students with different learning styles.
PowerPoint offers different accessibility options so students who have disabilities could use it
and once their project is created, they can have the settings set to their needs as well!
Building the project and presenting the product can be accessible for the student!

Reflecting on enhanced learning:

 Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea

I feel the activity will impact their learning in a good way because it gives them a new way to
think about the water cycle and how they can create something explaining it. I look forward to
implementing the actual creation of the eBook because students are applying their
knowledge, and this can help them in the future with remembering information. I find many
students are very proud when they create new things, so I am excited to see them be creative!