This lesson plan outlines a week-long project for 6th grade science students to research famous scientists. Students will be assigned individual scientists to research using approved websites and resources. They will take notes using graphic organizers and then create Prezi presentations to share their findings with the class. The teacher will provide direct instruction on digital citizenship, researching skills, and using Prezi. Students will work independently on their projects but receive support from teachers. Their presentations will be evaluated using a rubric.

1. By
Karen Harris
Prezi Lesson Plan

2. • A -- Analyze the Learners
• S-- State Objectives
• S-- Select Methods, Media, and Materials
• U-- Utilize Media and Materials
• R-- Require Learner participation
• E-- Evaluate and Revise
ASSURE Model

3. • General Characteristics: This lesson plan will be used in a 6th grade
Science classroom. The environment is a middle school setting in
which students are place on teams and they remain with those
students for their core classes. There are 21 students ranging in age
from 11 to 12 years old. This class is composed of 11 girls and 10
boys. It is a well-balanced ethic class, made up of Chinese, African-
American, Indian, Russian, and White Americans. Majority of
students in this class struggle academically. For privacy issues I
will only share that many students do have 504’s or and IEP. At all
times there are two SSD teachers in the room to provide support.
The biggest challenge for these students is the ability to focus and
remain on task. Classes last 42 minutes.
ANALYZE the LEARNERS

4. Next Generation Science Standards
Understandings about the Nature of Science
Science is a Human Endeavor:
*Men and women from different social, cultural, and
ethnic backgrounds work as scientists and engineers.
*Advances in technology influence the progress of
science and science has influenced advances in technology.
State Objectives

5. 1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity
a. Promote, support and model creative and innovative thinking
and inventiveness.
2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate
digital tools and resources to promote student learning and
creativity.
3. Model digital age work and learning
a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of
current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
4. Promote and model digital citizens and responsibility
b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-
centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital
tools and resources
NETS Standards

6. Students will be able to:
Understand what it means to be a responsible digital citizen
Identify relevant sources of information for conducting
research
Collect and organize information from the internet
Select a scientist based on interest and accomplishments
Use technology in order to effectively deliver information
Transfer gathered research into a Prezi Presentation
Participate in sharing their project with their peers
Student Objectives

7. A combination of direct instruction and student centered activities
will be required for this lesson. This will be an independent research
project. Students will be given graphic organizers to use as they
collect research. The teacher will demonstrate and model many
components including how to be a good digital citizen, manipulation
of a website, and the proper use of Prezi. Each student will be
responsible for collecting data about a famous scientist and
developing a Prezi Presentation with the information to share with
the class. There will be one scientist per student. All teachers in the
room will circulate and offer support where it is needed.
Select Methods

8. A computer cart will be reserved for one week. It is a Mac Cart that
holds 25 laptop computers. I will also use my laptop and SmartBoard
for explaning the lesson and demonstrating how to conduct research
and which websites to use along with modeling Prezi. A folder with
free music will be provided to layer into each Prezi.
Select Media

9. Students will need:
Laptop
Headphones
Internet Access
Graphic Organizer for research
Pencil for recording information
Project Rubric
Access to Prezi.com and FamousScientist.com
Select Materials

10. Day One:
To introduce the lesson and spike interest I will share a notebook file
on my favorite scientist Galileo Galilei. I will then preview the
assignment objectives. Prezi will be demoed by showing and online
example. To set clear computer expectations we will have discussion
and think-pair-share so they understand the negative impact of
inappropriate use of technology. It is also important for students to
understand that they are to only use approved websites.
Utilize Media and Materials

11. Day Two:
A rubric will be handed out and I will explain each step while
including student participation. Each student will be assigned a
computer. They will log onto famousscientist.org and the rest of the
period will be spent exploring scientists. I want them to carefully
select one that will be of high interest to them. I will have a sign up
sheet for each scientist that will be entered into a Google Doc.
Students will not be allowed to duplicate scientists.
Utilize Media and Materials

12. Day Three:
The name of the assigned scientist will be revealed to each student.
Graphic organizers will be handed out to record their research
findings. The entire class period will be spent collecting data about
their scientist. They may use FamousScientist.org and do one google
search for their information. Pictures can be collected by using
Images or screen shots.
Utilize Media and Materials

13. Day Four:
Class will begin with a teacher led demonstration on how to use
Prezi. Then a youtube tutorial will be shown. Pictures, text, and
music must be included in presentation. Students must get their
graphic organizers approved before moving on to Prezi. Students
whom are ready, may begin.
Day Five and Six:
These days will be spent on creating the Prezi Presentation while
inspiring music plays in the background. If students are not finished
after day six, the presentations must be finished for homework.
Day Seven:
Students will present their projects to the class by introducing it first
then playing the Prezi.
Utilize Media and Materials

14. • Students will be assigned a computer through Google Docs
• Each student will sign up on a Google Doc to request a scientist
• A rubric will be used as a check list for the project and turned in
• A graphic organizer will be filled out to record research information
• All research information will be entered into Prezi software
• Students will present their project to the class
• Students will turn in a reflection document at the end of this project
Require Learner Participation

15. • Assessing learner achievement: The evaluation that will be used to
assess student learning for this lesson will be using the rubric as a
checklist against the Prezi Presentation to make sure that all
required components are present.
• Evaluating the teacher: At the end of the lesson, students will be
given the opportunity to fill out a reflection to provide teacher
feedback.
• Revision: When the lesson is completely over thoughtful review of
the reflections and project will take place.
Evaluate and Revise