IT Around Me: Exploring Technology Through Art
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use different IT tools to show what information technology is and why we use it in different ways?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is information technology?
- What IT tools do we use?
- Why do we use IT differently?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Define information technology.
- Identify and use various IT tools.
- Explain the diverse applications of IT in different contexts.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mystery Tech Box Challenge
A visiting 'tech expert' (perhaps a parent or older student) arrives with a mysterious box filled with everyday objects that use information technology. Students must guess what each object is, how it works, and how it connects to information technology, sparking curiosity and discussion.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.My IT Object
Students create a drawing of a familiar object that uses information technology (e.g., a tablet, a smartphone, a TV). They label the different parts of the object and write a simple sentence describing what it does.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA labeled drawing of a common IT object with a descriptive sentence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Define information technology.Digital Art Explorers
Students will be introduced to a simple drawing program (e.g., MS Paint, Tux Paint). They will use the program to create a picture, focusing on using different tools like the pencil, brush, and color fill.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital drawing created using different tools in a drawing program.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Identify and use various IT tools.IT in Action!
The teacher presents scenarios where IT is used differently (e.g., a doctor using a computer to see X-rays, a teacher using a projector to show a movie, a farmer using a GPS to guide a tractor). Students draw a picture of one of the scenarios and explain how IT is being used in that context.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA drawing of a scenario showing the use of IT in a specific context, with a written explanation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal: Explain the diverse applications of IT in different contexts.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioInformation Technology Portfolio Rubric
IT Object Identification and Description
Assesses the student's ability to identify and represent a common IT object and describe its function.Accuracy and Detail
Accuracy of the drawing and labels in representing the chosen IT object
Exemplary
4 PointsThe drawing is highly accurate and detailed, with all parts correctly labeled and reflecting a sophisticated understanding of the object.
Proficient
3 PointsThe drawing is accurate and includes most of the important parts of the IT object, with labels that are generally correct.
Developing
2 PointsThe drawing has some inaccuracies or omissions, and the labels are not always correct or complete.
Beginning
1 PointsThe drawing is poorly executed and lacks detail, with few or no correct labels.
Explanation Clarity
Clarity and completeness of the sentence explaining the object's function.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe sentence is exceptionally clear, concise, and thoroughly explains what the object does and how it helps us, demonstrating advanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsThe sentence clearly explains what the object does and how it helps us.
Developing
2 PointsThe sentence is somewhat unclear or incomplete in explaining the object's function.
Beginning
1 PointsThe sentence is difficult to understand or does not adequately explain what the object does.
Digital Tool Exploration and Artistry
Evaluates the student's ability to use digital tools for creative expression.Tool Utilization
Variety and skillful use of different drawing tools within the digital art program.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent expertly uses at least three different tools in creative and innovative ways, demonstrating mastery of the drawing program.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent effectively uses at least three different tools to create their digital picture.
Developing
2 PointsStudent attempts to use three different tools, but the usage is limited or not fully effective.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent uses fewer than three tools or struggles significantly with using the drawing program.
Creative Expression
Overall creativity and aesthetic appeal of the digital drawing.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe drawing is exceptionally creative, visually appealing, and demonstrates a strong artistic sense.
Proficient
3 PointsThe drawing is creative and visually appealing.
Developing
2 PointsThe drawing shows some creativity but lacks visual appeal.
Beginning
1 PointsThe drawing lacks creativity and is not visually appealing.
IT Application in Real-World Scenarios
Assesses the student's ability to connect IT to real-world situations.Scenario Depiction
Accuracy in depicting the chosen scenario and the role of IT within it.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe drawing accurately and insightfully depicts the chosen scenario, clearly highlighting the essential role of IT with exceptional detail and clarity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe drawing accurately depicts the chosen scenario and the role of IT within it.
Developing
2 PointsThe drawing shows some understanding of the scenario and the role of IT, but may have minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsThe drawing does not accurately represent the scenario or the role of IT.
Explanation of IT Importance
Clarity and depth of the written explanation about the importance of IT in the depicted scenario.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation is exceptionally clear, insightful, and thoroughly explains the importance of IT in the scenario, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation clearly explains the importance of IT in the scenario.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation is somewhat unclear or incomplete in explaining the importance of IT.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is difficult to understand or does not adequately explain the importance of IT.