Basic Productivity Presentation Tool

Lesson Idea

Lesson Idea Name: American Heritage

Grade Level/Content Area: 1st Grade – Social Studies
Content Standard Addressed: SS1H1 Read about and describe the life of historical figures in
American history.
a. Identify the contributions made by these figures: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas
Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with Sacagawea, Theodore
Roosevelt, George Washington Carver, and Ruby Bridges.
b. Describe how everyday life of these historical figures is similar to and different from
everyday life in the present
ISTE Technology Standard Addressed:  What would you like students to know and
ISTE Student Standards Website) be able to do by the end of this lesson:
1.6 Creative Communicator Students should be able to remember and
Students choose the appropriate platforms record information about one of the
and tools for meeting the desired objectives American Figures listed.
of their creation or communication.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
The student learning goal for this lesson idea is for students to create a digital story on an
American Figure.

Selected Basic Productivity Tool: Microsoft Sway

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

Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy Level(s):

x Remembering x 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.

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.

☐ 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.
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Lesson Idea

Lesson idea implementation:

The lesson will begin with a class overview on Microsoft Sway. We will review how the tool
works and what features it has that will help the students with their digital story. I will then
discuss the instructions for the digital story and list the American Figures that the students
may choose from to complete their project. I will show several examples of work that is
acceptable to give the students an idea of what their project should look like when they are
complete. The students will then have the opportunity to begin working on their project
individually. After about half an hour I will give the students the opportunity to share and ask
questions with there peers. At this time the teacher will be wandering around the room
answering questions and checking in on how each student is doing. I will give the students a
little more time to finish up their projects and then turn them in. They will be graded off of a
rubric that I have created and I will provide feedback and give the rubric to them for their
grade.

Managing the technology/engagement: Describe a way to use this technology in a way that
gets students actively involved in authentic tasks and contexts? How will you manage the
classroom behaviors on the technology:
Before the students begin creating their digital stories, we will discuss storyboards and how
they can be beneficial when creating digital stories. Each student will work with a partner on
a written storyboard on an American figure of their choice. By giving the students the option
to choose who they would like to do their project on, it gives them a sense of freedom and
keeps them more engaged. The students will be given a certain amount of time to complete
this task so that they do not get distracted or off-topic. I will walk around the classroom
during this time observing and answering any questions that the students may have.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

The technology tool that I have selected for this lesson idea is Microsoft Sway. This tool is
very kid friendly and a great way for students to create digital stories. It is great for all
students as it has multiple different options that supports all students. For example, it has the
option for students to record their voice in addition to typing their information. It also allows
students to create hyperlinks, add photos and videos, and add closed caption files. These are
all super beneficial to students with disabilities or representation.

Reflecting on enhanced learning:

I feel as though the activities will impact student learning in several ways. Allowing the
students to be creative and choose who they would like to do their digital story on is a great
way to allow students to really enjoy the lesson. Students tend to be more involved and
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Lesson Idea

interested in doing projects/work when it is something that they are personally interested in.
It is also an awesome way to see how creative the students are.