Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Life Cycles

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 2nd Grade

Content Standard Addressed:

S2L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the life cycles of different living organisms.
a. Ask questions to determine the sequence of the life cycle of common animals in your area: a mammal such
as a cat, dog or classroom pet, a bird such as a chicken, an amphibian such as a frog, and an insect such as a
butterfly
Technology Standard Addressed:
1. Empowered Learner
Selected Technology Tool:
Popplet
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
http://popplet.com/
Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):
☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): I will use the Under Desk Cycle where students can actively pedal their
feet while working on their assignment. This will ensure that all students are getting exercise while working
on this assignment. In addition, students with ADHD will benefit from Under the Desk Cycles, as they will be
able to use their extra energy while pedaling the bike, while simultaneously working on their assignment.

Lesson idea implementation: To open this lesson, I will tell students that today we will be learning about the
life cycles of different living organisms. I will then pull up my example Popplet, and click the video link, and
show students the video that I selected. After the life cycle of butterflies is introduced, I will show students
my Popplet. I will then tell students that today they are going to be exploring different life cycles. I will assign
the following categories to students: mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects. I will then allow students to
have the freedom to choose the living organism of their choice, as long as it belongs in their given category.
The project will take two days during our Science time to complete. I will assess this project on a rubric, based
on how well they explain their life cycle, grammar, and the layout and design of their Popplet.
The student’s final product will be used to inform the class about their chosen living organism and its’ life
cycle. To extent student learning, I could have students write 4 sentences about each presentation, based on
what they learned and how the life cycle works. To conclude this lesson, I will have students present their
Popplets to the class. I will provide feedback to students by giving them Feed Forward templates, where I tell
them their strengths, weaknesses, what they can improve on and some next steps for each student.
Reflective Practice: The activities that I created can support student learning by giving students the
opportunity to explain to their classmates their life cycles that they researched. To extend this lesson, we
could vote on one living organism as a class pet, and study its life cycle. For example, we could get a
caterpillar and watch it go through metamorphosis and turn into a butterfly. If I wanted to incorporate
another technology tool into this lesson, I could have students create a timeline of the life cycles, in addition
to the Popplet.

Spring 2018_SJB
 Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Spring 2018_SJB