Lesson Description:
Students draw, label and describe the parts of a life cycle of
an animal or plant that undergoes changes. The stages of life are
created on different documents, then those pages are assembled into
a show. This activity take 2-3 class periods. The activity
can be shortened by just producing one document that shows all the
stages.
Extensions:
- The documents produced can be an excellent "plan"
for an explanatory paragraph on the life cycle changes
- Body parts at each stage could be labeled
- The printed copy showing all stages could be printed and cut
apart to create a flip book.
Implementation Steps:
If you are starting with a blank canvas, begin by reviewing and/or
introducing the use of Canvastic's ellipse tool . Have the students
begin the process by creating a large oval to be used as a guide
for the life cycle. A discussion of the relationship between the
terms "circle" and "cycle" would be beneficial
as well.
Have them draw the stages evenly spaced around the circle one
by one. This would be an excellent time to introduce the concept
of drawing with the brush set to a small size. Since they are drawing
several pictures on the same document space will be at a premium.
It is also an excellent time to introduce the concept of drawing
in an unused, open portion of the document and then using the selection
tool to move the drawing into position.
Have them label the stages and draw diagram lines from labels to
the drawings.
Have them add an explanatory sentence to each stage:
If you wish to create the slide show rather than a single document
have them stop at the end of working on each stage and do a Save
As... Have them name their documents appropriately so that order
does not become an issue later. Then choose Build Slide Show...
from the File Menu and create the show. See the Canvastic online
help for Slide
Show building directions.
Preparation Notes:
The teacher may want to provide reference books or materials from
their study of life cycles in the classroom. If this is to be an
assessment she may want to withhold those materials.
You may wish to use the frog life cycle or pumpkin life cycle template
files that are included with Canvastic.
Student Prerequisites:
Students need to know how to use the basic painting and text tools
in Canvastic. They should be knowledgeable about the organism that
they are studying or be able to reference materials about the life
cycle.
Assessment:
Evaluate the completeness of the finished product.
1. Are all the stages present?
2. Is each stage labeled?
3. Is there an explanatory sentence for each stage?
4. Are the drawings clear?
Resources:
Standards Addressed:
ISTE NETS Technology Standards: Grades Pre-K-2 Performance indicator(s):
1. Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote control) and
output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate
computers, VCRs, audiotapes, and other technologies. (1)
8. Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with
support from teachers, family members, or student partners.
NSTA Life Science Standards:
Levels K-4 - Characteristics of organisms, Life cycles of organisms,
Organisms and environments
|
Home