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 Periodic Table and the Elements Discussion Storyboard
Organize a Periodic Table Scavenger Hunt
Engage your students by setting up a scavenger hunt where they search for key facts or patterns in the periodic table. This hands-on activity helps students actively explore elements and their properties while reinforcing learning in a fun, memorable way.
Set clear rules and expectations
Explain the scavenger hunt guidelines, including time limits, teamwork expectations, and respectful collaboration. Clear rules ensure smooth participation and maximize learning for all students.
Assign element-related clues or questions
Prepare a list of clues or questions for students to solve, such as 'Find an element in Group 1 that is a metal' or 'Which element has the atomic number 8?'. These prompts guide students to practice using the periodic table’s structure and information.
Have students work in pairs or small groups
Encourage collaboration by pairing students or forming small groups. Working together builds communication skills and allows students to help each other interpret the periodic table’s details.
Review answers and discuss patterns found
Lead a class discussion to review the scavenger hunt answers and highlight key patterns, such as trends in reactivity or atomic size. This reinforces understanding and lets students share discoveries with their peers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Periodic Table and the Elements Discussion Storyboard
What is a periodic table discussion storyboard and how can I use it in my classroom?
A periodic table discussion storyboard is a visual activity that prompts students to share and critique ideas about the elements and the periodic table. Teachers can use it to spark conversation, assess prior knowledge, address misconceptions, and foster collaborative learning in science lessons.
How does real-time collaboration work with discussion storyboards for science lessons?
Real-time collaboration allows multiple students to work on the same discussion storyboard simultaneously. This feature encourages teamwork, deeper thinking, and efficient completion, making it easy for students to build and revise ideas together.
What are some best practices for facilitating student discussions using storyboards?
For effective discussions, set clear rules, encourage respectful debate, and provide example storyboards. Group students, have them justify their choices, and guide them to use formal English. This promotes critical thinking and communication skills.
How can I adapt the periodic table discussion storyboard for different grade levels?
To adapt for various grades, modify the complexity of the problems and the required depth of responses. For younger students, use simpler questions; for older students, introduce advanced concepts and encourage deeper analysis.
What are creative ways to extend a periodic table discussion storyboard activity?
Extend the activity by having students add extra cells to explain their reasoning, create storyboards showing why an answer is incorrect, or design their own discussion prompts for peers. These methods deepen understanding and peer teaching.
More Storyboard That Activities
Elements and the Periodic Table
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
