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:
Motivate students who are hesitant to participate by giving them specific roles or responsibilities within the storyboard activity. Assigning roles like 'summarizer,' 'questioner,' or 'evidence finder' can help quieter students find their voice and make it easier for everyone to contribute meaningfully.
Establish and review discussion norms before starting, such as listening actively, not interrupting, and disagreeing politely. These ground rules foster a safe environment where all students feel valued and are more willing to share their ideas.
Demonstrate how to build a strong argument by showing examples of clear claims supported with evidence. Highlight the use of reasoning words like 'because,' 'for example,' and 'I think' to help students structure their own arguments in the storyboard.
Rotate among student groups as they work to ask guiding questions, clarify misunderstandings, and encourage deeper thinking. Quick check-ins keep students on task and help you address issues before they become obstacles.
Highlight different viewpoints and creative solutions during the post-activity discussion. Acknowledging a variety of answers shows students that science is about exploring ideas, not just finding one 'right' answer.
A discussion storyboard is a visual tool that helps students share, critique, and discuss different ideas in science. It guides group conversations, helps identify misconceptions, and encourages respectful debate.
Start by presenting a problem about rocks and weathering, then have students use the storyboard to show their ideas and reasoning. Encourage collaboration and have students explain who they think is correct and why, fostering deeper understanding.
Collaborative storyboards help students think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems together. Working in groups also speeds up tasks and lets students learn from different perspectives.
Go to the "Edit Assignment" tab and enable collaboration. This allows multiple students to work on the same storyboard at once, making group work easy and interactive.
Have students add new cells to explain their reasoning, create storyboards to teach concepts to others, or design their own discussion problems for peers. These extensions deepen understanding and promote engagement.