Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Stars and Planets (In Progress)

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 4th Grade
Content Standard Addressed: S4E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and
contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets. a. Ask questions to compare and contrast technological
advances that have changed the amount and type of information on distant objects in the sky. b. Construct an
argument on why some stars (including the Earth’s sun) appear to be larger or brighter than others.
(Clarification statement: Differences are limited to distance and size, not age or stage of evolution.) c.
Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets. d. Evaluate strengths and limitations
of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and composition of planets and
the sun. (Clarification statement: Composition of planets is limited to rocky vs. gaseous.)

Technology Standard Addressed: 3. Knowledge Constructor Students critically curate a variety of resources
using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning
experiences for themselves and others. Students: a. plan and employ effective research strategies to locate
information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits. b. evaluate the accuracy,
perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources. c. curate information
from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate
meaningful connections or conclusions. d. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and
problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions

Selected Technology Tool: Powerpoint

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

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):

 Teaching focuses on both what is taught and how
 Accommodations are for all students.
 The teacher works with the student to decide how the student will learn the material.
 The classroom has a flexible setup.
 Grades are used to reinforce goals.

Lesson idea implementation:

The lesson idea is designed to fit the format of a flipped classroom. The video will be posted on the classroom
blog, and students will watch the video at home before coming into class. When the students come into class,
they will be separated into groups. Each group will be asked to answer 2 questions about content from the
video (ex. What are 3 differences between planets and stars?). Then the students will share the questions
with the class. Then, students will create a class google slide PowerPoint. Each group will add a minimum of
two slides on the PowerPoint, based on the questions. Then, the final classroom presentation will be
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 Basic Productivity Tools (BPT)
published on the classroom blog. The estimated time for this lesson is 60 minutes or this lesson can take place
over several days.
Student learning will be assessed by the completion of the slides. Students will be graded on the accuracy of
the information on the Google Slides. By sharing answers with the class, the small group has the potential
acquire feedback from both peers and the instructor of the lesson.

Reflective Practice:

This lesson has the potential to be constructed into a mini unit. This productivity tool has the potential to
really help students with learning disabilities and memory processing difficulties, because this tool provides
additional support for students who have difficulties taking notes and memorizing notes in the traditional
formatting. To extend this lesson, students could potentially create their own video and share that video with
experts, and get feedback on their video from professionals. This tool also can help students who are English
Language Learners, because it provides an auditory that students can read along with.

Spring 2018_SJB