Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: Phases of the Moon

Grade Level/Content Area: 4th grade science
Content Standard Addressed: S4E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to
model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun
as observed from the Earth
ISTE Technology Standard What would you like students to know and
Addressed: Creative Communicator 1.6a: be able to do by the end of this lesson:
Students communicate clearly and Students should be able to display the phases
express themselves creatively for a variety of the moon in relation to the Earth and the
Sun through a digital presentation which
of purposed using the platforms, tools,
includes visuals, audio, etc.
styles, formats, and digital media
appropriate to their goals.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
Students will be able to effectively use PowerPoint to display the phases of the moon in a
story format. They will be able to take advantage of the tools and resources within
PowerPoint, to bring a story to life that also gives factual information.
Selected Instructional Software Tool: PowerPoint
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating X 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.

X 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:

I will introduce the lesson with a video of a story I created on my own using PowerPoint. As
students watch the presentation, I will have them take notes on their notices and
 Basic Productivity Presentation Tool
Lesson Idea

wonderings. Then, we will have a class discussion on their notes, which will lead into a
discussion about how I will have them create their own story with PowerPoint. I will show
them the rubric and give a detailed walk through of the software and where to find tools
within it. Students will then be given time to work independently or with a partner to
research the phases of the moon and ideas on what their story could be about. This time will
also be used for them to explore the software before creating their story. As students are
using this time, I will walk around and answer any questions they may have about the
software, as well as make sure all the students have found the correct tools to use during
their project. Students will have a week to work on the assignment each day in class, and at
the end of the period, students will turn in what they have to get guided feedback on their
glows and grows. They can also use this as a place to ask any questions they may have.
Finally, once the projects are turned in, we will have a show and tell day where different
groups/individuals will swap stories to watch and give peer feedback.
Managing engagement: Describe a way to use this technology in a way that gets students
actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts?
Making sure that students have time limits during the project work time will be important
because this will give us an opportunity to come back together as a class and review where
we should be in the process as well as review the learning goals of the project. I also believe
those who work in groups will get the opportunity to experience co-engagement with the
technology in which they can switch off who is doing the physical work while the other is
helping with ideas.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
This activity can help support the learning experience of students because it gives them
creative reigns to display their learning. This will help with their engagement because they
will be able to show parts of their personality while working together or separately to create
a story for others to enjoy. This is helpful for all students as students can add as much or as
little detail to their work to still get the same message across.
Reflecting on enhanced learning:
After designing this lesson, I feel as though students would look forward to being able to use
technology to display their learning and strengths. I would look forward to watching the
students work together and use their creative senses to produce a story that they are proud
of. Being able to see students grow is a huge reason why I chose to become a teacher, so
seeing this in the classroom would be my biggest reward in a lesson.