Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

Meet My Mammal
Software Type: Presentation
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) Science curriculum. It could also be used with older learners or adapted for lower grades. See the section on Extending and Adapting at the bottom of this page for ideas on how to use this same project for different subjects, grades, and skill levels.
Project Launchers
Lesson Accelerator Project Launcher pages contain video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to create this project using specific software applications, as well as a movie showing you what the finished project looks like. They also provide a download of all the example files used in the project, so you can recreate it.
When you've reviewed all the information on this page and would like to go to a Project Launcher, click the application name below that corresponds to the one you'd like to use for the project.
Go to: PowerPoint 2003 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2004 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2007 (PC) - Project Launcher
Go to: PowerPoint 2008 (Mac) - Project Launcher
Go to: StarOffice Impress 7 (PC) - Project Launcher
Description
Students will work individually to create a multimedia report about an animal of their choice. This lesson plan suggests mammals as the topic group, but any grouping (reptiles, insects, birds, etc.) that fit the theme of study could be used. The instructor may want to prepare a list of animals for students to choose from, or leave the choice entirely up to the student.
Goals
To provide students with the opportunity to present facts about an animal, using multimedia presentation software.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Create a new presentation document that uses a specific theme.
  • Create a series of cards/slides to hold research information.
  • Incorporate graphics and text within a presentation document.
  • Present their finished project as a slideshow to their classmates or other audiences.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
If students will be creating a presentation about something other than the gray fox, they will need to choose a topic of study and complete their research before beginning this project.
Materials
  • Access to a computer with presentation software installed.
  • Access to the image and information resources included in the downloadable resource packet that accompanies this project, if they are going to create the example project as demonstrated in the tutorial movies.
  • Access to additional resource materials, as needed, both online and in print.
  • Printer (optional).
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Create 10 slides in a presentation software program.
  • Enter research information in to the presentation document.
  • Present the finished product to the class or other audiences, as determined by the instructor.
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • Has the student created a new presentation document with at least 10 slides?
  • Has the student entered information and graphics relevant to their topic into their presentation?
  • If the student researched their own topic, were the facts presented in an interesting and engaging fashion?
  • Did the student present his or her final project to the intended audience?
Extending or Adapting
Here are some possible ways that this lesson plan might be extended or adapted for different timeframes, grade levels, and skill/ability levels:
  • The subject matter of the presentation can be adapted to meet the needs of the curriculum. For example: Music students may create slides about a specific composer or musical genre.
  • Individual presentations may be combined, with an index slide that links to the different presentations.
  • The type and amount of content can be easily adapted to fit the skill levels of younger students, students with physical disabilities, or language-challenged students. A presentation could be created that contains just images, or the amount of text could be limited to short phrases or sentences. Combining descriptive words with representative graphics is an excellent way for ESL students to strengthen their language skills.