Multimedia: Audio Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: Physical Attributes of Rocks

Grade Level/Content Area: 3rd grade/Science

Content Standard Addressed:

S3E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and
soils. a. Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture,
luster, and hardness) using simple tests.

ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and be
able to do by the end of this lesson:
Creative Communicator
1.6.c Students communicate complex I would like students to know what the physical
attributes of rocks, describe their investigations
ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a
of the rocks, and make a podcast on their find-
variety of digital objects such as visualiza-
ings.
tions, models or simulations.

What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?

Students will be able to communicate their investigations on the attributes of rocks through a pod-
cast.

Selected Instructional Software Tool:

Anchor by Spotify

Description of Software:
Anchor is a free podcast hosting platform that offers free podcast recording, editing, and hosting
from any device. Anchor allows you to share your creation through a link, embed code, or on Spotify.
The simplicity of Anchor makes it ideal for teachers who to help students create their own podcasts.

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://anchor.fm/

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

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

How do you plan to implement this lesson and integrate the technology? Check all that apply:

☐ Teacher-led: There is no student voice and choice in the activities. Students are guided by the
teacher's direction and expectations. Learning activities are assigned to the student and mostly
practice based.

X Student-Led: Students are given voice and choice in the activities. They may select the topic of
learning and/or determine the tool they will use to meet the learning goal. The teacher facilitates
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 Multimedia: Audio Lesson Idea
the learning as the students direct their own learning processes.

X Problem-based and/or Publishable: Students are solving problems and completing projects to
demonstrate their learning. Additionally, the projects can be shared outside of the classroom.
(Note: This objective could be reached by 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:
Students will have investigated the physical attributes of rocks the week leading up to this lesson.
They analyzed different rocks and compared and contrasted their physical properties. Students will
use the knowledge they gained to create a podcast episode on Anchor describing their findings and
overall learning on the topic. Students recorded their investigations and knew they would be using
that for a podcast episode. Students will use a laptop, desktop, or tablet to record and edit their pod-
cast episode. The teacher will help students gather information and research for the podcast. The
teacher will help with the creation of the podcast such as how to record and edit their podcast. Stu-
dents will submit their podcasts online for the teacher to review and provide feedback. Students will
share their podcast with the class and listen to each others’ findings through the podcast.

Managing student learning: 
This tool will cause a shift where they move from passive to active learners by allowing students to
create their own podcast episode on their investigations and findings of the physical attributes of
rocks. They get to show their creativity and make a product that shows their learning in a unique
way. Students will have a day of drafting during science block and the next day they will be recording
their podcast. Students will submit a rough draft to me of what they are going to say based on their
investigations.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Reflection: Be sure to mention one specific UDL principle you
are focused on in this lesson – Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple Means of Representation,
or Multiple Means of Action & Expression.

This activity supports the UDL principles of engagement and expression. Students are actively learn-
ing and involved during this lesson and get to make their own decisions on how they want to set up
their podcast, the music they use, and cover art they use. They have voice and choice in this activity
which is great for students. Students get to lead the lesson and express themselves in different ways.

Reflection:
I think the lesson idea will impact student learning in a positive way since it is engaging and meaning-
ful to them. Students get to use their creativity and make a product that displays their learning that
they can share with their peers. I look forward to listening to the podcasts and hearing how each stu-
dent used their creativity to design something unique even though everyone is talking about the
same subject.

TFrazier, 2022
 Multimedia: Audio Lesson Idea

TFrazier, 2022