Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: ​Getting to Know our founding father: Benjamin Franklin
Area: ​Social Studies
Level(s): ​1st

Content Standard Addressed: ​SS1H1 Read about and describe the life of historical figures
in American history.
Element: Identify the contributions made by these figures: ​Benjamin Franklin
(inventor/author/ statesman)
Technology Standard Addressed: ​3 – Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool​: BrainPop.com

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

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/benjaminfranklin/

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):​ For the ESL students within the class, drawing from
the ESL library of videos can support those students as they transition from their native
language to English. This feature can also help support their parents – as students access
the videos from home, the parents and other siblings can further practice the English
language. Headphones can be provided allowing students the opportunity to listen to the
video without disturbing anyone else in the area. To further enrich the learning experience,
students can re-wind and review the video as many times as they like, allowing more
opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the content.

Lesson idea implementation: ​The BrainPop video will be used to introduce a study on
Benjamin Franklin. The teacher will lead a discussion on some of the contributions Benjamin
Franklin made in the United States, and encourage students to share their background
knowledge on Benjamin Franklin. After watching the video, students will divide into small
research groups. Using available resources from the Media Center and specific websites,
each group will be challenged to create a character chart of Benjamin Franklin. The groups
will then illustrate the important contributions Benjamin Franklin made. Students can
determine the delivery method of their idea – brochures, podcasts, mini-
movies/commercials, etc. A rubric will be used to support the students as they design their
illustration and research. When appropriate, student work will be showcased via closed
circuit TV throughout the school. Groups will complete a short reflection once the project has
finished. A rubric will be provided to support the various components used while participating
in the Getting to Know our founding father: Benjamin Franklin project.

Reflective Practice:​ Extending this project might involve publishing the student work on the
school or classroom blog. A PTA presentation could be developed to share the projects with
the parents, staff, and students at the school. Students could extend their projects to
researching other important historical figures to demonstrate to the class.