Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Animal Life Cycles, All Around

Content Area: Science
Grade Level(s): 2nd

Content Standard Addressed:

S2L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the life cycles of different
living organisms.
a. Ask questions to determine the sequence of the life cycle of common animals in your area: a
mammal such as a cat, dog or classroom pet, a bird such as a chicken, an amphibian such as a
frog, and an insect such as a butterfly

Technology Standard Addressed: 3 – Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPop.com

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://jr.brainpop.com/science/animals/butterflies/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☒ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Universal Design for Learning can be used to extend and support the learning experiences for all students.
UDL is great for English Language Learners because videos can support these students as they transition into
English. Some software may also be provided in multiple languages. UDL also can support the learning of
students with visual and hearing disabilities. For example, if students are doing research on the computer,
they can use headphones to listen or make the font larger.

Lesson idea implementation:

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 Instructional Software
For the introduction, the teacher will show a BrainPop video on the life cycle of a butterfly to introduce the
topic and build background knowledge. The students will then practice with the concept of life cycles by using
the computer to organize and label the butterfly life cycle they saw in the video. Next, the teacher will model
how to do research on lifecycles by using websites such as netTrekker. The teacher will say, “Now that we
know all about the lifecycle of a butterfly, it is your turn to become the expert on another animal. You can
choose between a cat, dog, bird, or amphibian.”
The students will then research an animal of their choosing from the list provided. They will gather
research on their animal, and then make a presentation on their findings. The students may use PowerPoint,
Prezi, etc for their presentations. The lesson will conclude with the students presenting their presentations to
the class. A rubric will be used to support the students as they create their presentations.
Reflective Practice:
Extending this lesson might involve creating eBooks of the student’s life cycle presentations and uploading
them online for other students and parents to view.
This lesson could also be extended by having an expert come in to talk about life cycles to the students. For
example, a biologist could come in with animals at each stage for the students to see.

Spring 2018_SJB