Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: "Eco-Adventurers: Exploring Biodiversity"

Grade Level/Content Area: 4th Grade Science
Content Standard Addressed: NGSS Standard LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Develop a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses,
process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and
be able to do by the end of this lesson:
Creative Communicator - Standard 6:
Students communicate clearly and express Students will be able to develop a model
themselves creatively for a variety of using a digital storytelling tool (Microsoft
purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, Sway) to describe the importance of
formats, and digital media appropriate to biodiversity, the different ecosystems, and
their goals. the impact of human actions on biodiversity.
They will incorporate images, audio
Element: 6c. Students communicate complex
narration, and captions to communicate their
ideas clearly and effectively by creating or
understanding effectively.
using a variety of digital objects such as
visualizations, models, or simulations.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
By the end of this lesson, students will create an interactive digital story using Microsoft Sway
to showcase their knowledge of biodiversity, including its importance, the various
ecosystems, and human impacts. They will effectively communicate their understanding
through a combination of text, audio narration, images, and captions.
Selected Basic Productivity Tool: Microsoft Sway
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating
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Lesson Idea

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:
Students will participate in a student-led and project-based activity using Microsoft Sway in
this session. The teacher will begin the class by discussing biodiversity and its significance.
Students will be made aware of their purpose, which is to use Sway to create an interactive
digital tale that emphasizes the many ecosystems and the impact of human actions on
biodiversity. They will be able to choose the content, design, and multimedia aspects for their
own narratives. Students will use technology by accessing Microsoft Sway and combining
text, photographs, audio narration, and subtitles into their digital stories. The teacher’s
responsibility will be to provide direction, support, and resources as needed to help pupils
learn.

Managing the technology/engagement: Describe a way to use this technology in a way that
gets students actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts? How will you manage the
classroom behaviors on the technology:
To get students actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts while using Microsoft Sway,
collaboration, and a written plan in the form of a storyboard can be valuable. Prior to
students getting on the computer, they can engage in co-use and co-engagement activities
where they work together in small groups or pairs to brainstorm ideas, outline the structure
of their digital story, and determine the content they want to include. This collaborative
approach fosters teamwork, communication, and shared decision-making.

To extend their learning about the topic, students can participate in exploration activities
where they conduct research, gather information, and select relevant images and audio
resources to enhance their digital stories. This allows them to deepen their understanding of
biodiversity, ecosystems, and human impacts.

To manage classroom behaviors on the technology and maintain engagement, time limits can
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Lesson Idea

be set for each stage of the project to ensure focused and productive work. The teacher can
regularly bring students back to the learning goal throughout the project, reminding them of
the purpose of their digital stories and how they align with the content standard and ISTE
standard being addressed. This helps students stay on track and maintain their focus on the
intended learning outcomes.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
Representation: Microsoft Sway allows for the integration of various multimedia elements,
such as images, audio, and captions. Students can engage with the content through visual
images, auditory narration, and textual captions, catering to different learning preferences
and ensuring that all students can comprehend and engage with the material effectively.

Engagement: Microsoft Sway offers a visually appealing and interactive platform for students
to create their digital stories. The tool allows for customization and personalization, which
can increase student engagement and motivation. Students have the freedom to choose the
content, design, and multimedia elements that resonate with their interests and learning
styles, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy.

Action and Expression: Microsoft Sway supports multiple means of action and expression by
providing students with a range of tools to showcase their understanding. Students can
express their knowledge and creativity through written text, audio narration, images, and
captions. This variety of options accommodates different learning preferences and allows
students to demonstrate their understanding using their preferred modes of expression.
Reflecting on enhanced learning:
After designing this lesson idea, I feel that the activities created will have a significant impact
on student learning. By using Microsoft Sway to create interactive digital stories on
biodiversity, students will have the opportunity to engage in active and collaborative learning
experiences. I look forward to implementing the student-led aspect of the lesson, where
students have the freedom to explore their interests, design their own digital stories, and
communicate their understanding in creative ways. This approach fosters ownership,
creativity, and critical thinking, and I am excited to see the unique and innovative projects
that students will create.