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 Food Chains Discussion Storyboard
Organize a Food Chains Debate Using Storyboards
Plan a simple classroom debate on food chains using your discussion storyboard as a guide. This encourages critical thinking and respectful argumentation among students.
Assign roles for each student in the debate
Choose which students will represent different viewpoints or organisms within the food chain. Clear roles help students focus their research and participation.
Set clear debate rules and expectations
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion, time limits, and how to respond to opposing ideas. Rules keep debates productive and fair for all students.
Use storyboards as visual aids during arguments
Encourage students to reference their storyboard cells when making points. Visuals support their claims and keep the class engaged.
Reflect on the debate as a class
Discuss what students learned from the debate and how their thinking changed. Reflection reinforces learning and builds communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food Chains Discussion Storyboard
What is a food chains discussion storyboard and how does it help in the classroom?
A food chains discussion storyboard is a visual activity where students share and debate ideas about food chains using illustrated storyboards. It encourages students to critique, collaborate, and identify misconceptions while building communication and critical thinking skills.
How can teachers use discussion storyboards to teach food chains effectively?
Teachers can use discussion storyboards by presenting a problem related to food chains, then asking students to represent their viewpoints in storyboard cells. This process helps students analyze different perspectives, justify their thinking, and learn through peer discussion.
What are the benefits of real-time collaboration on discussion storyboards for middle school students?
Real-time collaboration lets students work on the same storyboard together, fostering deeper thinking, teamwork, and improved communication. It also helps students complete tasks more efficiently and learn from each other's ideas.
How do I set up a collaborative storyboard assignment for my class?
To enable collaboration, go to the “Edit Assignment” tab and turn on real-time collaboration. This allows multiple students to contribute to one storyboard, making group work more interactive and engaging.
What are some creative ways to use discussion storyboards in a lesson about food chains?
You can have students add new cells to explain reasoning, create storyboards to address misconceptions, or design their own discussion prompts. These approaches make lessons interactive and help students deepen their understanding of food chains.
More Storyboard That Activities
Food Chains
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