Summary
In this lesson/performance task, students assume the role of a member of the United Nations. The teacher assigns students a water issue currently impacting a culture or community from around the globe. Before researching and preparing a presentation on their topic, students participate in a class discussion and then work in small groups to collaboratively develop a rubric (using GoogleDocs) that could be used to assess each group presentation. The best ideas from each group are combined into one rubric, which the teacher and students use to evaluate the final student presentations. In pairs/small groups, students research their water crisis and prepare a presentation in which they describe the problems that exist due to their water issue and pose a possible solution to the crisis. The class uses a Google Form (based on the student-developed rubric) to grade each presentation, and the highest scoring groups are chosen as the “winners,” whose solutions will ultimately be funded by the World Bank (the teacher).
TIPC Ratings
Ideal – 7
In the research portion of the lesson, students construct research questions related to the water issue assigned to them. Students assemble and synthesize this information (using the provided research template) and display their research for the class using a variety of techniques and digital tools (Powtoon, Moviemaker, Google Presentation, etc.). The task presented in this lesson is authentic due to its connection to real-world events. Students research information specific to an existing problem and then display that information as if they were presenting to an international organization. This research much be thorough, as the members of that body (the student’s classmates) can ask questions that will affect the overall rating that a group receives from their class and the teacher.
Ideal – 7
In the rubric creation portion of the lesson, the students use GoogleDocs to create a rubric in a group of four, with each member assuming different roles and tasks. GoogleDocs is used for this purpose because it allows the students to collaborate in one document and continue this collaboration outside of class. In the presentation portion of the lesson, student pairs select the most appropriate digital medium to communicate their research to their classmates. During these presentations, students use the Google Scoring Form to give each other feedback about presentation and communication skills. The students review these comments at the end of the lesson in order to reflect on their abilities as a communicator.
Ideal – 7
Critical thinking and problem solving are the main areas of focus for this particular lesson. Although the lesson emphasizes all TIPC strands, the purpose of this assignment is not only for the students to complete research related to an authentic task, but also to generate possible solutions to the various water issues that exist around the globe. In their presentations, students respond to purposeful questions about their proposed solutions from their classmates and the teacher. In order to receive funding from the World Bank, students must use the knowledge they gain throughout their research to appropriately justify their proposed solutions. At the end of the lesson, students review the comments of their classmates and participate in a discussion in which they reflect on the effectiveness and practicality of their proposed solutions.
Ideal – 6
In this lesson, students synthesize their research in order to analyze the causes of worldwide water issues and generate possible solutions to various real-life scenarios. In order to showcase their research and problem solving, students create presentations using a variety of digital tools (including Powtoon, Moviemaker, and Google Presentation) and use the comments of their classmates to reflect on the creative and informative aspects of their preesentations.
Student Artifact
Ogallala Aquifer – Katie And Elaina from HCPS Instructional Technology on Vimeo.
Download Files
Water Crises Presentations – Lesson Resources – lesson 5458
Contents:
- H21 Lesson Plan
- Assignment Instructions and Research Template
- Rubric Template
- Example Student Rubric
- Master Rubric
- Links to Presentation Techniques: (Example 1, Example 2)
- Sample Student Presentations: (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3)
- Sample Student Scoring Form
- Sample Student Scoring Spreadsheet
