Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: All about the diversity of life

Content Area: Life Science
Grade Level(s): 1st Grade

Content Standard Addressed:

S1L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the basic needs of plants and animals
c. Design a solution to ensure that a plant or animal has all of its needs met.

Technology Standard Addressed: 3- Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPOP

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://www.brainpop.com/science/diversityoflife/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

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):

BrainPOP supports UDL by:
• Tutorials are offered in transcripts as well to support auditory and visual learners.
• The assigned video can also be accessed in other languages so that ELLs have the opportunity to view
it in their home language.
• Students have access to the videos, so that they may review it as needed for their research.
• Students can use additional resources such as quizzes, games, and activities accompanied with the
video to learn and practice more about their topic.
• Students have access at home and can use headphones in the classroom.
Lesson idea implementation:
Spring 2018_SJB
 Instructional Software
The teacher will introduce the study of the diversity of life by discussing the examples of common animals
in the local area as well as others we may find in different habitats. After a short discussion of student
volunteered answers, the teacher will introduce the BrainPOP video discussing bats and what they need to
survive. As the video plays, the teacher will ask the students to list at least 3 facts about the bats, including
what they need to survive. After the video, the teacher will create an anchor chart of the facts the students
learned from the video. This will be used as a resource to hang in the classroom. Using this information, the
teacher will work with the class to utilize the make-a-map activity on BrainPOP. While working on the map,
students will have the opportunity to contribute by coming up to the smartboard.
Students will then be grouped into threes and instructed to work with their partners and pick another
animal from the diversity of life page on BrainPOP. The students can choose to create a map or movie to
present to the rest of the class at the end of the week. Each group will be given a tablet to create their
presentation. Students may need assistance depending on their level of technology use. The teacher should
rotate between groups to help with presentations.

Reflective Practice:
To extend the lesson to a higher LoTi level, the class will invite in an expert, like a game warden or another
local animal specialist to discuss the needs of certain animals to survive. This is a hands-on lesson where
students are active learners and are in control of their learning. The best aspect is that they are given the
technology needed to research their topic and can collaborate with their group and class to learn about many
different animals. Students could also record their presentations and have the teacher post them on a class
website for others to view, including parents.

Spring 2018_SJB