Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea – Nathan Gramling

Lesson Idea Name: Structure and Function of Cells

Grade Level/Content Area: 5th Grade Science
Content Standard Addressed: S5L3.a Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to
compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells. Gather evidence by utilizing
technology tools to support a claim that plants and animals are comprised of cells too small
to be seen without magnification.
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and
Knowledge Constructor – 1.3.c. Students be able to do by the end of this lesson:
curate information from digital resources Students will be able to obtain information
using a variety of tools and methods to from a variety of resources and tools to
create collections of artifacts that create presentations that communicate and
demonstrate meaningful connections or visualize meaningful connections,
conclusions. comparisons, and contrasts between the
parts of plant and animal cells.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
Students will use Microsoft PowerPoint to create a digital story describing the parts of a plant
and animal cell. Students will obtain information from a variety of sources that they will use
to communicate the characteristics, similarities, and differences between the two cell types.
Selected Instructional Software Tool: (Options) BrainPOP, Gizmos, Epic, etc.
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
https://apps.explorelearning.com/gizmos/gizmo-detail/450
https://www.brainpop.com/health/geneticsgrowthanddevelopment/cellspecialization/
https://www.getepic.com/
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

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

How will this lesson be implemented? Check all that apply.

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

X 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
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.
 Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea – Nathan Gramling

Lesson idea implementation: Students will first be introduced to the concept of creating a
digital story using PowerPoint. The class can discuss how the tool can be used to share,
collaborate, and present new ideas. To give the students a concrete example, the class can
view the teacher’s prepared digital storybook which explores a scientific concept that they
have already explored (the three states of matter). After viewing the video, the class will talk
about how the format was used to show understanding, visualize ideas, make comparisons,
and lead to further discussions. Following this introduction, the teacher will explain that the
students will be making their own digital storybooks to share their knowledge about today’s
topic: plant cells and animal cells. The students can use instructional tools such as BrainPOP,
Gizmos, Epic’s digital library, or other approved online tools to gather information and take
notes. Then, they will assemble and evaluate their notes to create their very own digital
story. The lesson will conclude with students sharing their stories within small groups or
whole class if they are comfortable and the teacher will provide feedback as they present to
one another.
Managing engagement: Describe a way to use this technology in a way that gets students
actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts?
Students will have the option to either design their individual digital stories or two pair up
with a partner to increase co-engagement. The teacher will help students stay on target as
they begin their research, reminding them that they are trying to use online tools to gather
information and then build meaningful connections that they will discuss in their digital story.
As the activity goes on the teacher will communicate the time limits of both the research
phase and the story creation phase.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): This activity allows for a lot of student choice and
differentiation in how the information is gathered which will increase overall engagement.
Students are recommended three major sources (BrainPOP, Gizmos, and Epic) to gather their
information but the teacher may allow additional resources should the students prefer. This
freedom of choice will increase the variety of representations of the material as each student
can select one or several of the learning methods that best suit their needs. Lastly, for action
students have incredible room for creativity with how they go about designing their
presentation and which aspects they would like to talk about. As the lesson is wrapped up
and the students share their stories students will have the opportunity to build new
connections as the stories will have a different overall focus and presentation.
Reflecting on enhanced learning: I believe this lesson will positively impact students learning
as they begin to explore both new scientific concepts as well as developing literacy in a
valuable Basic Productivity Tool. I look forward to seeing students share their ideas and learn
from one another while also being taught that these creative activities show there is no single
right way to demonstrate their learning. Students will be able to engage with and talk about
the content in the way that is most meaningful to them.
Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea – Nathan Gramling