EDU 370 Digital Storytelling Contextual Analysis
My digital story follows the migration and life cycle of a common North American bird, the Swainson's Thrush. The context where it would be viewed is a middle-school science lesson, preferably in late spring. We are studying birds and their life cycles. This project will come after a field trip into a local natural area. The plan is for students to further investigate the birds that live around their home, and choose one to study more in-depth. I will guide their research for a week or two while they discover facts about the bird through observation, books, and internet research. Then each student will create a short but informative digital story covering nesting, migration, identification, and conservation in whatever style they choose that retains factual integrity. The digital story will be an effective method of conveying this information because birds are visual creatures, and this medium will allow students to use a large number of photos or their own drawings. The quick-moving format of a digital story would be an appropriate and more entertaining way of showing information among peers than simply writing or speaking. Also the chronological element of a video would enhance the cyclic aspect of the subject.
Learning objectives:
Students will investigate the bird life in the local environment through observation.
Students will explain life cycles of local birds to their classmates.
Students will explain the effects of climate and habitat on wildlife.
Montana Science Content Standards:
1. Students, through the inquiry process, demonstrate the ability to design, conduct, evaluate,
and communicate the results and form reasonable conclusions of scientific investigations.
3. Students, through the inquiry process, demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, structures
and function of living things, the process and diversity of life, and how living organisms
interact with each other and their environment.
