Discussion storyboards are a great way to get your students talking about their ideas in Science. They allow students to critique and evaluate different viewpoints without upsetting other students. This activity can be used at the start of the topic to elicit any misconceptions students may have.
At first, show students a discussion storyboard like the one below. Ask them to look at the problem on the discussion storyboard. It shows four students who all have an idea about the problem in front of them. Students should think about who they think is the most correct and be prepared to explain why that person is correct.
Here are some other ideas use these discussion storyboards in your lessons.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Read the discussion storyboard that shows four students who all have an idea about the problem in front of them. You are going to give your opinion on who you think is correct and explain why.
Encourage students to review each other's storyboard explanations and provide constructive feedback based on evidence from the lesson. This helps students deepen their understanding and refine their scientific reasoning.
Explain your expectations for respectful, helpful comments before students begin. Model sample feedback that focuses on ideas, not individuals, to build a positive classroom culture.
Assign partners or small groups that mix ability levels so everyone has a chance to learn from different perspectives. Rotate pairs or groups across activities to foster collaboration.
Offer prompts such as “I agree with your explanation because…” or “Have you considered…” to help students give specific, meaningful feedback that supports learning.
Ask students to review the feedback they receive and make improvements to their storyboards. This step reinforces the value of peer review in the learning process.
A discussion storyboard is a visual activity where students review different viewpoints about a science problem—like chemical reactions. Students analyze each perspective, choose who they think is most correct, and explain their reasoning, encouraging critical thinking and respectful discussion.
Use discussion storyboards at the start of a unit to uncover student misconceptions. Present a scenario with multiple opinions, then ask students to pick who they agree with and justify their choice. This exposes misunderstandings and sparks meaningful classroom conversations.
Students can make their own storyboards by choosing a science problem, illustrating different viewpoints, and adding cells to explain their thinking. Digital tools or simple drawings work—let students present and discuss with peers for interactive learning.
After copying the blank template, add a relevant chemical reaction problem and four possible student solutions. Adjust the difficulty and context to match your students’ needs, and encourage them to add their own cell to explain their reasoning.
Discussion storyboards promote collaborative thinking and respectful debate. They help students verbalize their ideas, consider different perspectives, and build confidence in scientific reasoning—making them ideal for group science activities in grades 6–12.