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 Energy Resources Discussion Storyboard
Incorporate formative assessment strategies with discussion storyboards
Formative assessment helps you track student understanding in real time. By combining it with discussion storyboards, you can quickly gauge misconceptions and learning progress as students share and explain their ideas.
Set clear learning objectives before starting the activity
Define what you want students to know or be able to do by the end of the discussion storyboard session. This gives the activity focus and helps students connect their arguments to the lesson goals.
Use exit tickets to gather individual reflections
After the discussion, ask each student to write a quick note about what idea they found most convincing and why. This simple step reveals individual learning and lingering questions.
Provide targeted feedback based on student arguments
Review each student’s storyboard cell and give specific praise or suggestions about their reasoning. This encourages thoughtful participation and deeper understanding.
Adjust future lessons based on assessment insights
Look for patterns in student responses to identify common misconceptions or topics needing review. Use these insights to tailor your next lessons for maximum impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Energy Resources Discussion Storyboard
What is a discussion storyboard and how can it be used in energy resources lessons?
A discussion storyboard is a visual tool where students represent and discuss different viewpoints on a topic, such as energy resources. It helps students express ideas, critique others’ opinions, and deepen understanding through structured conversation and collaboration.
How do I set up a collaborative discussion storyboard for my class?
To set up a collaborative storyboard, enable Real Time Collaboration in the assignment’s "Edit Assignment" tab. This lets students work together on the same storyboard simultaneously, making teamwork and group discussion easy and effective.
What are the benefits of using storyboards for teaching about renewable energy?
Using storyboards for renewable energy lessons encourages critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Students visually organize ideas, challenge misconceptions, and develop stronger problem-solving skills in a student-centered environment.
How can students personalize their characters and arguments in the storyboard?
Students can choose or create a character in the storyboard Creator, edit its appearance, add their name, and write their argument in a speech bubble. This personalization makes participation engaging and helps students take ownership of their learning.
What are some creative ways to use discussion storyboards beyond the basic template?
Teachers can have students add extra cells to justify their opinions, create storyboards to teach correct concepts, or share their own discussion prompts. These variations keep lessons fresh and support different learning objectives.
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