Using StopMotion Video to Explore Protein Synthesis (Day 2 of 3)
Objective: SWBAT explain the three phases of protein synthesis (transcription, RNA processing, and translation) and protein processing by creating videos to describe the process.
Big Idea: Keep your kids engaged in learning the complex process of protein synthesis using this StopMotion video creation activity!
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1. Ask students to take out their StopMotion Brainstorm document from yesterday's session.
2. Remind students of the location of our supplies for the video session and the technology check in/out process using our computer sign out sheet.
3. Review our classroom studio session expectations.
4. Ask for clarifying questions about their project work.
- Note: Students may ask about additional time to work with the class set of iPads outside of class hours. I always announce and post when the classroom and technology will be available outside of class sessions for the remainder of the week.
4. Tell students to check out their iPad, collect their materials, and move to their lab tables to get to work!
5. After you have checked out devices to each student pair, observe and circulate between the lab groups.
Note: As always, I try to be an observer more than a rescuer during this session. Most groups will be able to problem solve effectively if given the opportunity. If a student group seems to be laboring over a small point, I begin to intervene by asking questions that might prompt them to come up with their own solution. If there are specific tech gurus in the class, I bring them over to the team to discuss logistics related to the app or device. Some typical prompts I use are:
- What do you think about using…?
- What other ways could you show that…?
- Who is going to be in charge of….?
- Have you thought about trying….?
- I'm thinking it might be a good idea to….
6. As the class session proceeds, listen closely to the content students are drawing, making with materials, or narrating onto their film so that you can intervene with guiding questions or references to content support materials such as the Protein Synthesis Check with sample answers.
7. As the class session goes on, you will observe many aspects of project design:
- Students choosing new/alternate materials to use in their film.
- Students experimenting with voiceovers and other strategies to highlight important points in the process of protein synthesis.
- Students discussing next steps within their group and assigning individual group members to specific tasks.
- Students referring to their notes for guidance on the sequencing of events in protein synthesis.
- Students asking other groups for technology hacks, work arounds, or strategies.
- Students coming to you to discuss specific issues their group is experiencing: how to upload, share, or save their work, the meaning of specific terms, working through brain blocks in terms of next steps in project management, ideas for materials or creative ways to show the next step of the process
Enjoy every bit of what you observe! Your students are functioning independently on a complex task involving detailed conceptual knowledge and are doing so collaboratively and with focus and energy.
