Activity Overview
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.
Students Can Collaborate!
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.
Getting Started
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.
Post Activity Discussion
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.
More Ideas!
Here are some other ideas to use these discussion storyboards in your lessons.
- Students add another cell on the end of the example you’ve given them to explain whom they think is correct and why.
- Students create a storyboard to describe why a student is incorrect, and then "teach" the concept.
- Students create their own discussion storyboards to share with peers on the current topic.
Template and Class Instructions
(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:
- Find a character in the Creator to represent you. You can choose a character that looks like you or any character you wish!
- Drag the character down to one of the cells. Edit the colors and pose.
- Add your name in the text box below.
- Add your idea to the speech bubble. You may wish to include additional text and images to explain your opinion and why you believe it is correct.
- Remember to work on your cell only and do not disturb your classmates' work.
- Be prepared to present and discuss your opinion further after the storyboard is finished!
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who do you think is correct? | You have selected a person you believe to be correct and explained why. | You have selected the person you believe to be correct. | You have not selected a person you believe to be correct. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
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.
Students Can Collaborate!
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.
Getting Started
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.
Post Activity Discussion
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.
More Ideas!
Here are some other ideas to use these discussion storyboards in your lessons.
- Students add another cell on the end of the example you’ve given them to explain whom they think is correct and why.
- Students create a storyboard to describe why a student is incorrect, and then "teach" the concept.
- Students create their own discussion storyboards to share with peers on the current topic.
Template and Class Instructions
(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:
- Find a character in the Creator to represent you. You can choose a character that looks like you or any character you wish!
- Drag the character down to one of the cells. Edit the colors and pose.
- Add your name in the text box below.
- Add your idea to the speech bubble. You may wish to include additional text and images to explain your opinion and why you believe it is correct.
- Remember to work on your cell only and do not disturb your classmates' work.
- Be prepared to present and discuss your opinion further after the storyboard is finished!
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who do you think is correct? | You have selected a person you believe to be correct and explained why. | You have selected the person you believe to be correct. | You have not selected a person you believe to be correct. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Electricity Discussion Storyboard
Set clear discussion norms before starting the activity
Establishing clear expectations helps students feel safe and respected during discussions. Review rules like listening, taking turns, and responding respectfully to build a positive classroom environment.
Model how to give constructive feedback on peers’ ideas
Demonstrate specific phrases students can use, such as "I agree because…" or "Have you considered…?". Show examples and non-examples to clarify what respectful feedback looks like.
Assign roles to structure group discussions
Designate roles like facilitator, note-taker, and timekeeper to keep conversations focused and inclusive. Rotate roles so every student practices leadership and listening skills.
Use sentence starters to support academic talk
Provide sentence starters such as "I think… because…" or "Can you explain…?". These prompts help all students—especially English learners—participate confidently and stay on topic.
Reflect as a class after the storyboard discussion
Invite students to share what strategies helped them understand others’ viewpoints. Discuss how collaboration improved their ideas and what they might do differently next time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electricity Discussion Storyboard
What is an electricity discussion storyboard?
An electricity discussion storyboard is a visual activity where students share and critique ideas about electricity concepts, fostering collaborative discussion and clarifying misconceptions in a structured and engaging way.
How do I use discussion storyboards to teach electrical circuits in grades 4-6?
To use discussion storyboards for teaching electrical circuits, present a problem, let students add their viewpoints in storyboard cells, and facilitate respectful debate. This method helps students express ideas, correct misunderstandings, and deepen their understanding of circuits.
What are the benefits of students collaborating on discussion storyboards?
Collaboration on discussion storyboards enhances student communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Working together encourages deeper engagement and allows students to learn from each other's perspectives.
How do I enable real-time collaboration for storyboard activities?
To enable real-time collaboration, go to the assignment's "Edit Assignment" tab and turn on collaboration. This lets multiple students work on the same storyboard simultaneously, making group activities seamless.
What are some creative ways to use discussion storyboards in science lessons?
Creative uses include having students add cells explaining who they think is correct and why, construct storyboards teaching a concept, or design their own discussion prompts. These activities boost engagement and critical thinking in science lessons.
More Storyboard That Activities
Electrical Circuits
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