Give Science a Voice! Digital Storytelling in the Science Classroom CUE 2010 Palm Springs, California March 6, 2010 Roger Pence, Benicia Middle School

Session Agenda Why Digital Storytelling, Why Now?, Why in Science? Developing a Story to Tell Digital Story Processes Copyright Concerns Resources and Examples Task Aids Time concerns, practical classroom management, and various computer platforms.

Why Digital Storytelling? Or What is it? DS is personally narrated sequence of text and accompanying images and sounds that leads the viewer on a directed journey. Students are surrounded by technology and are used to it. Educators can embrace the tech gadgets and create something that allows for 21 st century skills to be learned/practiced: Collaboration, critical thinking, teamwork, verbal literacy, visual literacy

Why Now?! Using DS to tell science “stories” engages other learners as well (they love to see what each other are doing) Using DS to tell science “stories” engages other learners as well (they love to see what each other are doing) Writing in general is clearly a need of today’s students and DS in science gives an authentic reason to write well. Students today know a good visual product when they see one and will strive to create quality when they know it will be shared with their peers.

Why in Science?! Science is visual, is itself a story, and has many stories of people involved in thinking. Pictures can convey abstract meaning Often the “whole picture” is more complex than the standards being addressed. Gives kids an engaging, challenging and fun way to learn science. Cultivates visual literacy as it relates to science concepts (what makes a particular picture especially effective at telling the story?)

Kids need and like a “hook” Allows for science “factoids” to be placed in context as to where they fit into a bigger picture. (e.g. atomic theories, geologic thought, understanding of chemistry) Gives girls a voice in science Gives an opportunity to “present” without having the pressure of peers when on stage (the product is presented in its final form) Allows for individual style and ownership with respect to otherwise “objective, dry” subject matter.

Pedagogical “hooks” Since science vocabulary is challenging, having students write drafted scripts prior to beginning the DS image gathering process requires research and understanding, and the ability to convey to an audience. Students can demonstrate concept understanding in a creative way. Offers a creative outlet to photograph, compose, and edit to achieve a concrete conceptual goal (e.g. Newton’s first law of motion)

Let’s see some!! KeychainLaika Geologic Time Period Ernest O. Lawrence My Life as a ____________ Plant Common Material

Science Newton’s Laws of Motion Solids, Liquids and Gases in your life The science behind technology Predator/prey relationships from their point of view Survival in a biome A scientist I know Women in science African-Americans, Asians, and Latinos in science Envision a future space mission Research past space missions

More Science Ideas… Science-related legislation Biome studies Stories about geologic processes Stories about water, water resources, water wars in the west, etc. Exploration of new lands What happens to all our old tech stuff? (recycling, hazards, etc.) Ocean exploration Ocean fisheries preservation Opinion pieces about environmental issues: damming a river building a new shopping center that disrupts habitat increasing production at an agricultural site widening a major road selling animal parts like seahorses Science principles at work in your house, kitchen or yard

Mathematics Mathematics’ role in our technological world Use a digital camera to illustrate math concepts Everyday uses of geometry Mathematics of space travel Mathematics of the electoral process History of measurement and engineering

Health Ways to stay healthy Make a PSA about health issues Research an epidemic Design an “Point/Counterpoint” story about Health Care Reform

Computer Technology Make a peer-to-peer software tutorial Research the development and history of computer technology Envision the future of computer technology Research and tell about computer technologies to assist persons with disabilities Report on computers in movie making (C.G.)

Why Digital Storytelling, Why Now? Pedagogical Principles of Digital Storytelling: Why would students be motivated and engaged by digital storytelling? Standards Addressed by Digital Storytelling ISTE Standards: Students: ndards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf ndards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf ndards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf Teachers: ndards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf ndards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf ndards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf Administrators: 09Standards/NETS-A_2009.pdf 09Standards/NETS-A_2009.pdf 09Standards/NETS-A_2009.pdf

Motivation and Engagement DS provides for authentic learning experiences by maximizing the opportunity to create and share one’s voice. DS gives a competitive and compelling voice to typically disenfranchised voices in science, math and technology applications (e.g. girls, minorities, ELL’s, and special needs students) DS provides for “ownership” of student work, increases peer to peer communication, and pride in producing a product. They get really excited about doing it!

Multiliteracies Imagining, planning, implementing and presenting digital stories addresses a huge spectrum of literacies: Self Reflection – recognizing and presenting one’s own thoughts Problem Solving- deciding how best to communicate with the viewer Collaboration- between teacher and student, student to student Communication- learning how to communicate an abstract idea Self-Direction- Finding answers to one’s own questions and challenges

Multiliteracies continued Visual Literacy- what makes images powerful and communicative Writing Literacy- how to economize with words Reading and Research Literacy- finding, sorting, synthesizing information Multiple Intelligences- allowing unique student strengths to shine

Addresses needs and styles of the 21 st century learner Developing digital stories as a vehicle to learn content allows for… Authentic opportunities to collaborate with peers Realistic problem-solving Reasons to communicate effectively Examination and development of personal perspectives “Digital Natives” to use their tech skills in learning

Developing a Story to Tell Personalizing Content Area Concepts Students can draw from their experience Students can relate how they or a family member experienced an issue or concept Students can “put themselves in the subject’s shoes” They can answer for themselves, “Why are we learning this?”

Developing a Story to Tell continued… Developing a Narrative Voice Authentic voice comes from the student writer(s) Chosen narrative language and style reflect the student’s personality No one speaks their story as themselves!

Digital Story Processes

Copyright Concerns Students need to be aware that they may be using copyrighted material. Fair Use in Education Digital Storytelling resources/Fair Use and Copyright for Teachers.pdf Digital Storytelling resources/Fair Use and Copyright for Teachers.pdfDigital Storytelling resources/Fair Use and Copyright for Teachers.pdf Portions of (often 10% of length) of songs Portions of movie clips Usually 5 or less images from one artist/photographer Students can learn to respect others’ original work!

Resources and Sample Ideas for Stories Links on my website: Some student examples from both middle school science and a university digital storytelling class Task Aids Task Aids developed by Roger Pence for use in classroom digital storytelling production. Task Aids

Classroom Digital Storytelling Set-up

Another Set-up…

One More Set-up…

Software for creating digital stories Mac: iMovie (multiple audio tracks) Final Cut Express (supplemental cost) Audacity for supplemental sound recording/editing (free download) Windows: Windows Movie Maker (one audio track) Photostory 3 (Windows XP, free download from Microsoft) Audacity to record both narration and music (free download)

Let’s see how a digital story is really put together! Camtasia movie made on a Mac using iMovie HD (‘06)