Lesson Idea Name: [TF1] Stellar Sizes and Brightness
Grade Level/Content Area: 2nd Grade Science
Content Standard Addressed: GA-S2E1 - Obtain, evaluate, and
communicate information about stars having different sizes and
brightness.
ISTE Technology Standard
Addressed: Creative Communicator -
Element 6.1.b
Students communicate complex ideas
clearly and effectively by creating or using
a variety of digital objects such as
visualizations, models, or simulations.
What would you like students to
know and be able to do by the end
of this lesson: By the end of this
lesson, students will:
Know: Differentiate between stars of
different sizes and brightness.
Understand the relationship
between star size and brightness.
Be able to: Summarize the short
story "Starry Skies" which explores
stars of different sizes and
brightness.
Create a PowerPoint presentation
that communicates their
understanding of stars' sizes and
brightness.
Utilize digital objects such as
images and text to enhance their
presentation.
ISTE Technology Standard
Addressed:
Standard: Creative Communicator -
Element 6.1.b
Summary: Students communicate
complex ideas clearly and
 effectively by creating or 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, you will create a PowerPoint presentation about
stars' sizes and brightness, using images and text, to share your
understanding of how different stars shine in the night sky.

Selected Basic Productivity Tool: Microsoft PowerPoint

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

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint
https://templates.office.com/en-us/templates-for-PowerPoint

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding X 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.

X 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: The lesson will be implemented using the

selected tool, Microsoft PowerPoint, in a student-led and project-based
manner. The teacher will introduce the activity by sharing the short story
"Starry Skies" and discussing the different sizes and brightness of stars.
Students will be made aware of their goal to create a PowerPoint
presentation summarizing their understanding of stars' sizes and
brightness. They will utilize the technology by using PowerPoint to design
and develop their presentations, incorporating images and text to
effectively communicate their ideas. The teacher will provide guidance and
support as students work independently or in small groups, facilitating
their learning process. Feedback will be provided through ongoing
observations, formative assessments, and one-on-one conferences,
focusing on students' understanding of the topic and their use of
PowerPoint features. The lesson will conclude with students presenting
their PowerPoint presentations to their peers, allowing for further learning
opportunities and peer feedback.
Managing the technology/engagement:

To actively engage students in authentic tasks while managing technology

and classroom behaviors, implement a collaborative approach where
students work in pairs or small groups to build their PowerPoint
presentations together. Encourage exploration activities to deepen their
understanding of stars' sizes and brightness through research and
multimedia resources. Maintain a focus on learning goals by regularly
reminding students to incorporate relevant details and concepts from the
short story. Introduce storyboarding as a written plan to help students
organize their ideas and layout before working on the computer. Designate
tech experts to provide peer support. By implementing these strategies,
students will stay focused, collaborate effectively, and actively participate
in their learning while using technology.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

The selected technology tool, Microsoft PowerPoint, supports Universal

Design for Learning (UDL) principles by providing multiple means of
engagement, representation, and action and expression. PowerPoint allows
students to customize their presentations using diverse visual and
interactive elements, accommodating different learning preferences. It
supports inclusive representation through the use of alt text and captions.
Additionally, PowerPoint offers flexibility in how students express their
understanding, allowing for various modes of communication. By using
this tool, all students can engage with the content, represent their
knowledge in different formats, and demonstrate their understanding in
ways that suit their individual strengths and needs, fostering an inclusive
and accessible learning experience.

Reflecting on enhanced learning:

After designing this lesson idea, I believe the activities will have a positive
impact on student learning. By engaging in the creation of PowerPoint
presentations about stars' sizes and brightness, students will deepen their
understanding of the topic while developing their digital literacy and
communication skills. I look forward to implementing the student-led
aspect of the lesson, where students have the opportunity to explore and
express their understanding creatively. This will empower them to take
ownership of their learning and foster a sense of pride in their
presentations, promoting deeper engagement and knowledge retention.