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 in a respectful and cooperative manner. This activity can be used at the start of the topic to identify what students already know about the topic, what questions they have and dispel any misconceptions students may have. The discussion storyboard can be downloaded as a Power Point presentation, printed or displayed digitally and serve as a visual guide that students can refer to as they progress through the unit.
Teachers may wish for students to work together on the discussion storyboard which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Teachers can begin by showing students the example discussion storyboard and ask them to look at the problem presented in the first cell. The following cells show four students who all have an idea about the problem in front of them. Students should think about whom they think is the most correct and be prepared to explain why that person is correct. In the collaborative storyboard, students can find a character within the Creator that looks like themselves, add it to a cell along with their name in the bottom text box and their argument in the speech bubble.
After students have created their storyboard, they can further discuss their ideas. This discussion can be carried out in a range of different formats. Students could discuss in pairs, small groups, or even in a teacher-led, entire class setting. It is important to agree on a list of discussion rules with students before they start so everybody gets a chance to participate. Students will also be able to practice adapting their speech to a formal debating context and can demonstrate their grasp of formal English.
Here are some other ideas to 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.)
After previewing the example discussion storyboard that shows four students who all have an idea about the problem in front of them, you will create your own discussion storyboard with your peers.
Student Instructions:
Assess your students' comprehension by reviewing their completed storyboards for accuracy, depth, and clarity. Look for evidence of correct concepts, reasoning, and respectful critique of peers’ ideas. Use a simple rubric to quickly evaluate understanding and participation.
Prompt students to explain why they chose a particular answer or viewpoint. Ask follow-up questions to help them support their claims with evidence from lessons or prior knowledge.
Guide students to offer constructive feedback to each other after sharing their storyboards. Set clear expectations for respectful comments, focusing on strengths and suggestions for improvement.
Distribute quick exit tickets at the end of the lesson. Ask students to write one new thing they learned from the discussion storyboard activity, helping you gauge retention and address misconceptions.
A discussion storyboard is a visual activity where students share and critique ideas in a structured format. For the electromagnetic spectrum, teachers can use discussion storyboards to uncover students' preconceptions, encourage debate, and correct misunderstandings, making science lessons more interactive and collaborative.
To set up a collaborative discussion storyboard, enable collaboration in the assignment settings, share the example storyboard, and ask students to add their own character and argument to a cell. Encourage respectful dialogue and group work to deepen understanding of science concepts.
Discussion storyboards help students clarify their ideas, address misconceptions, and practice critical thinking. They also foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills—essential for grasping complex topics like the electromagnetic spectrum.
Yes, with Real Time Collaboration, multiple students can work on the same storyboard simultaneously. Teachers can enable this feature for group assignments, making it easy for students to contribute ideas and discuss science topics together.
To extend a discussion storyboard lesson, have students add extra cells to explain their reasoning, create their own scenarios, or 'teach' concepts to peers. Encourage group debates or formal presentations to deepen understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum.