Instructional

Software
Lesson Idea Name: How would you save the planet?
Content Area: Pollution and Recycling
Grade Level(s): 3rd

Content Standard Addressed:
S3L2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of pollution (air, land, water) and
humans on the environment.
a. Ask questions to collect information and create records of sources and effects of pollution on the plants
and animals.
b. Explore, research, and communicate solutions, such as conservation of resources and recycling of
materials, to protect plants and animals.

Technology Standard Addressed: Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool:
BrainPop. com
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
https://www.brainpop.com/science/ourfragileenvironment/humansandtheenvironment/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level): (Select the one best level)

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
One beneficial feature of BrainPop is BrainPop ELL which is the same website but for English learners. This
gives them an outlet to listen to the same videos but in their native language. With having the translated
versions, this opens the door to family participation. Most families of an ELL will only speak their native
language making it difficult to help with school work. This way they can watch the video with the student and
understand the topic being discussed. Another benefit of using videos is having the ability to pause and
rewind. This could help not only ELL students when struggling with the language, but also any struggling

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student whether it’s trouble paying attention or just didn’t understand it the first time. Headphones could
also be used to listen to the video whenever and however the individual needs.
Lesson idea implementation:
The teacher will introduce pollution and how our environment is suffering from the increase of liter and other
pollution. Watch the BrainPop video to talk about pollution and the three C’s, Condense, Clean, and Chim in.
As a class, we will discuss each of the C’s and make a chart of ways we could carry out that C in our
environment. We will then take a class trip around the school to see if we spot any ways provided for us to
recycle. After returning to the classroom, they will break off into groups and choose if they want to
implement Condense, Clean, or Chim in. The group will research their C and create a presentation to support
their chosen C and how it could be useful in the environment to help keep the planet healthy and clean. Their
presentations could be in the form of a brochure, webpage page (Prezi, globster), PowerPoint, or video.

A rubric will be used to guide the students as they make their campaign. The groups will get a week to
complete the entire project with a final presentation. Friday will stand as a show and tell day for each group
to explain their presentation. The following week, each group will get to show their campaign to the whole
school by uploading their videos or posters to the school website. This will give anyone who visits the website
a chance to view each campaign. To end the lesson, a journal entry could be done on the importance of
recycling and how it could help the environment. They could also use the prompt to predict how their
campaign could impact pollution the future.
Reflective Practice:

I want the students main take away to be that they can make a difference in this world. After getting
permission to post all the campaigns on the school website, you could implement ways to increase recycling
in the school by adding recycling bins or labeling bins for specific recyclable items. The students then could
take it a step farther and discuss ways to help decrease pollution outside the school. The class could set up an
informational table at the school fair to show the families of students how to better recycle at home as well.
Finally, a class field trip could be conducted to a recycling plant to see what all their encouragement is
working towards.

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