Teacher(s) Name: Mrs. Lind
School: Moody MS
Grade Level(s): Grade 6
Content Area(s): English
Lesson Summary
Students began this unit by writing a personal memoir about a time in their life when they overcame an adverse situation or obstacle. They focus on one moment within this memoir and code this moment as a video game using Scratch. Students consider symbols, thematic elements, and setting when coding their game. The games include characters, dialogue, setting, and obstacles that are symbolic of their memoirs. Then, students share and play each other’s video games using Makey Makeys. To support other students starting middle school, students invited their school counselor to view the games to share with other students who may face similar obstacles.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating:Not Observed – Explanation: Research and Information Fluency was not the focus of this lesson.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Entry – Explanation: While students worked together to problem solve and play one another’s video game, Communication and Collaboration was not a focused skill in this lesson.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Creating a video game from a student-written memoir requires students to use higher-order thinking skills. This experience was authentic for students because it was based on something from their life, and they got to share the games with their peers. When the games didn’t work, they had to use problem solving strategies to code the game correctly
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Even though all students were encouraged to use Scratch, they could of used any type of software to create their game. Students were encouraged to take risks with coding their games.
Student Artifact
Lesson Materials
