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:
Engage students by setting up a simple experiment using everyday materials, like toy cars and ramps, to demonstrate force and motion concepts. Hands-on activities help students visualize and understand scientific principles more deeply.
Prepare ahead by collecting items such as toy cars, books, rulers, stopwatches, and measuring tape. Having materials ready ensures a smooth start and maximizes learning time.
Model setting up a ramp using stacked books and a flat surface. Show students how to place the car at the top and let it roll down, observing how different ramp heights affect motion.
Encourage students to predict what will happen when variables change, such as ramp height or surface material. Have them write down their predictions and observations in a science notebook.
Lead a class conversation comparing results and connecting findings to everyday life, like playground slides or vehicle safety. Linking experiments to real-world scenarios deepens understanding and relevance.
A force and motion discussion storyboard is a visual activity where students use storyboards to share, critique, and discuss their ideas about force and motion concepts. It encourages students to evaluate different viewpoints, clarify misconceptions, and build deeper understanding through collaborative discussion.
To use discussion storyboards, introduce a problem related to force and motion and have students represent their ideas in storyboard cells. Students can add their character, state their opinion, and explain their reasoning. Afterward, facilitate group or class discussions to compare viewpoints and reinforce correct concepts.
Collaborative storyboards help students develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They promote respectful dialogue, allow students to learn from each other, and make it easier to identify and address misconceptions in science topics like force and motion.
To enable real time collaboration, go to the "Edit Assignment" tab and turn on collaboration for the specific assignment. This allows multiple students to work on the same storyboard simultaneously, making group activities more interactive and efficient.
Creative uses for discussion storyboards in a motion unit include: adding extra cells to justify which student is correct, creating storyboards to address misconceptions, and designing new discussion prompts for peers. These approaches deepen engagement and understanding of motion concepts.