Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: eBook Sunni the Sunflower

Grade Level/Content Area: 1st/Science
Content Standard Addressed:
S1L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the basic needs of plants and animals.
a. Develop models to identify the parts of a plant—root, stem, leaf, and flower
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and be
able to do by the end of this lesson:
Empowered Learner 1.1: Students take an active
role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating Students will demonstrate their knowledge of
competency in their learning goals different parts of a flower, and what they need to
survive. They will be creating their own eBooks to
Empowered Learner – 1.1.a. Students articulate tell a story, using this same content standard.
and set personal learning goals, develop Students can choose their own BPT, but I have
strategies leveraging technology to achieve them provided an example using PowerPoint for them
and reflect on the learning process itself to to reference, as needed.
improve learning outcomes.

What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?

Students will be able to show different parts of a plant, along with what they need to survive.
Students will be able to use software to add text and images to create their own eBook.
Selected Instructional Software Tool:
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ 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.

☐ 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.

☐ 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.

Lesson idea implementation:

To introduce this activity to my students, I will first show them my eBook example, “Sunni the
 Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea

Sunflower” to spark some ideas of what they could do before creating their own. I will then go over
some different BPTs that they could use, while also explaining different features for each one. After
showing my example, I will demonstrate how they could insert texts and images into a PowerPoint. I
will explain that my students will be working in pairs. They can choose any kind of plant they would
like. The only requirements are that the plant parts and nutrients needed to survive are demonstrated
in the eBook. When carrying out this activity, students have a lot of voice and choice. They can choose
whichever BPT they liked best to express their learning and creativity. I will tell students our learning
goal for this lesson and remind them throughout. I will make sure to have my example displayed the
whole time, so students can reference as needed. I will have the instruction on the board, in addition
to walking around and assisting with questions, as needed. As they are carrying out this activity, I will
be giving verbal feedback. To conclude this lesson, the students will present their eBooks to the class.

Managing engagement:
To help promote and manage engagement, students will work in pairs. Their co-use of the computers
will allow them to communicate and collaborate with their partner. This is beneficial for their
learning, as they can bounce ideas off one another. I will give students 45 minutes to create their
digital eBooks. Implementing a time limit will help to ensure students are on tasks and working
efficiently. In addition, I will continuously remind students of our learning goals as they are carrying
out this lesson.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

This activity helps to enhance the learning experience for all students in the classroom. Because of all
the features that BPTs have, they are accessible for all learners of all ages. For students who are not
yet strong readers, the images and narration allow them to still follow along and understand the
material. This also helps to promote engagement because they can collaborate and communicate
with a peer. In addition, it gives them the autonomy to choose different designs, images, and texts
that correlate with their personal interests. This kind of personalized learning is so much more
effective to get students to retain the material that they are acquiring.

Reflecting on enhanced learning:

I believe this lesson will impact student learning, because they will be able to expand their knowledge
of the content standard and learning goals. They will also be able to explore different BPTs and
practice using many different features that are offered. I most look forward to seeing their creative
ideas and their excitement when it comes time to share with the class. While implementing
something like this can be time consuming, it is much more effective. My favorite thing about this is
that it doesn’t “feel” like learning when you give students a variety of opportunities to express
themselves.