Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Georgia Regions

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 3rd grade

Content Standard Addressed: S3L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the similarities
and differences between plants, animals, and habitats found within geographic regions (Blue Ridge
Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plains, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau) of Georgia.
a. Ask questions to differentiate between plants, animals, and habitats found within Georgia’s geographic
regions.
b. Construct an explanation of how external features and adaptations (camouflage, hibernation, migration,
mimicry) of animals allow them to survive in their habitat.
c. Use evidence to construct an explanation of why some organisms can thrive in one habitat and not in
another.
Technology Standard Addressed: Standard 3- Knowledge Constructer

Selected Technology Tool: Discovery Education Board Builder

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

https://app.discoveryeducation.com/learn/signin?next=https%3A%2F%2Fapp%2Ediscoveryeducation%2Ecom
%2Ftraining%2Fcourse%2Fid%2Fgn3ip3

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):

Engagement: Create tasks that allow for active participation, exploration, and experimentation
Representation: Present key concepts on one form of symbolic representation with an alternative
form
Action and Expression: Use checklists and project planning templates for setting up prioritization,
sequences, and schedules of steps

Lesson idea implementation:

This activity will take place the same week we begin to learn about Georgia regions as
reinforcement. The virtual tour provided by GPB is a great tool so students can understand the
regions in a hands on approach. The lesson will take place in the classroom on Ipads from the library
or by visiting the computer lab. The teacher will need to assist the students if needed because the
virtual tour might be a little confusing for some of the children. Also, parts of the tour such as the
region puzzle will not be included so instructing the classroom through that part is important. You
want the students to focus on the videos on each of the regions and look at the pictures they
provide, paying close attention to how they describe the environment and the animals it talks about.
The students will need up to an hour to complete the questions, but if more time is needed allow an
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 Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)
extra 15-30 minutes. After they are done answering the questions you will grade them for accuracy
and return the papers the next day so the students can keep them as a resource.
After the virtual tour, things the students learned can be turned into a project, leading to a higher
learning level. The students can create groups and each group will be given a region to do more
research on and create a project on that region. The project these groups created will wrap up the
lesson on Georgia regions and will be displayed around the classroom so that they can be reminded
of them throughout the year. Through the lesson, students receive feedback from me twice. Once
with the questionnaire about the regions virtual tour being graded and grading their group projects
on individual regions for accuracy, creativity, and collaboration.
Reflective Practice:
The lesson plan created includes a great resource to reinforce the lesson that students will
thoroughly enjoy. The regions virtual tour is a excellent blend of learning fun because the students
are taught more things about the regions but in a fun way that has them excited to finish each step
in the tour. It would be very difficult to take a class field trip to every region of Georgia to see the
different animals and the environment, so by having this virtual resource at our fingertips it is like
we did have a class trip. Differentiating the regions can be difficult for 3rd graders so it’s important to
have little activities included in the lesson to make sure the material sticks. The virtual tour does an
excellent job showing the key differences in each region. The follow up group project could be
attached to the lesson to bring in a individual element. By putting the learning in the student’s
hands, its up to them to fully grasp the topic and produce a great project. The project the students
made can be displayed on the classroom blog so others can read it and see their hard work.

Spring 2018_SJB