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:
Check student comprehension by reviewing their storyboard contributions and listening to their explanations. Look for accurate use of vocabulary, logical reasoning, and evidence of concept mastery.
Have students write a brief response about what they learned or a question they still have. Exit tickets help you quickly identify misconceptions and plan next steps.
Invite students to share what was challenging or surprising during the activity. Encouraging reflection deepens understanding and builds communication skills.
Ask students to summarize the main ideas about forces discussed in their own words. Short summaries help reinforce key concepts and reveal individual understanding.
Give specific praise and suggestions for improvement on each student’s contribution. Targeted feedback supports growth and clarifies misunderstandings.
A discussion storyboard is a visual tool that helps students express, critique, and evaluate different scientific ideas. It guides classroom conversation by letting students present their viewpoints, respond to peers, and build understanding collaboratively.
Teachers can use discussion storyboards at the start of a forces unit to gauge prior knowledge, uncover misconceptions, and spark curiosity. By presenting a problem and multiple viewpoints, students discuss which idea is most accurate and support their reasoning.
To set up a collaborative storyboard activity: enable collaboration in the assignment settings, show students an example storyboard, let each student add their character and argument, and guide respectful group discussion after completion.
Real-time collaboration lets students work together on the same storyboard, boosting communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. It also saves time and encourages deeper engagement with the lesson content.
Discussion storyboards let students present and examine different ideas, making it easier for teachers to spot and correct misconceptions. Students can explain and debate their thinking, leading to clearer understanding of scientific concepts.