OrcaEd: Design an Educational App About Orcas
Created bySamantha Howard
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OrcaEd: Design an Educational App About Orcas

Grade 6English5 days
In this project, students design an educational app about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem. They research orca characteristics, behaviors, and the threats they face. The project culminates in the creation of an app prototype designed to educate others about orcas and their environment. Students will explore the differences between resident and transient orcas, analyze ecological challenges, and design interactive app features.
OrcasSalish Sea EcosystemApp DesignMarine BiologyEnvironmental ThreatsEducational AppOrca Behavior
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an engaging and informative app to educate others about the unique characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the characteristics of orcas?
  • What is the difference between resident and transient orcas?
  • How do orcas communicate?
  • How do orcas hunt?
  • What threats do orcas face in the Salish Sea?
  • What is the Salish Sea ecosystem?
  • What other creatures live in the Salish Sea?
  • How can we design an app to teach others about orcas and the Salish Sea?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to research and identify key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
  • Students will be able to design an engaging and informative app to educate others about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem.
  • Students will be able to effectively communicate information about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem through a digital platform.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Orca SOS

Students receive a cryptic message from a fictional marine biologist studying orcas in the Salish Sea, detailing a concerning new threat to the orca population. They must analyze the message and conduct initial research to uncover the nature of the threat and propose possible solutions, setting the stage for their app development.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Orca 101: Unveiling Basic Characteristics

Students will begin by researching the basic characteristics of orcas, including their physical attributes, social structure, and life cycle. This foundational knowledge will prepare them for more in-depth investigations into their behaviors and ecological roles.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Read articles and watch videos about orca characteristics.
2. Take notes on key information about orca physical traits, social structure, and life cycle.
3. Organize notes into a structured fact sheet with headings and subheadings.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed fact sheet about orca characteristics, including physical traits, social structure, and life cycle.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to research and identify key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Activity 2

Resident vs. Transient: A Comparative Dive

Students will delve into the distinctions between resident and transient orcas, examining their different hunting techniques, communication styles, and dietary preferences. This activity encourages comparative analysis and a deeper understanding of orca diversity.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the differences between resident and transient orcas.
2. Identify key characteristics that distinguish resident and transient orcas (e.g., hunting techniques, communication, diet).
3. Create a Venn diagram to visually represent the similarities and differences between the two types of orcas.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Venn diagram comparing and contrasting resident and transient orcas.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to research and identify key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Activity 3

SOS Orcas: Addressing the Threats

Students will research the threats that orcas face in the Salish Sea, such as pollution, habitat loss, and prey depletion. They will analyze the impact of these threats on orca populations.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Investigate the various threats facing orcas in the Salish Sea (e.g., pollution, habitat loss, prey depletion).
2. Analyze the impact of these threats on orca populations.
3. Write a persuasive essay outlining the threats and proposing solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive essay outlining the threats to orcas in the Salish Sea and proposing potential solutions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to research and identify key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Activity 4

Salish Sea Neighbors: Creature Connections

Students will explore other creatures that live in the Salish Sea, such as salmon, seals, and seabirds. They will learn about the relationships between these species and orcas.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research other creatures that live in the Salish Sea.
2. Identify the relationships between these creatures and orcas.
3. Create illustrated fact cards for each creature, highlighting their relationship to orcas.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of illustrated fact cards featuring different Salish Sea creatures and their relationship to orcas.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to research and identify key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges faced by orcas and other creatures in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Activity 5

App Blueprint: Designing the Orca Experience

Students will brainstorm and outline the content and features of their orca education app. This activity involves creative thinking and planning to ensure the app is both informative and engaging.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm ideas for the app's content and features.
2. Organize the ideas into a coherent app structure.
3. Create a detailed outline of the app, including descriptions of each screen, feature, and content element.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed app outline, including descriptions of each screen, feature, and content element.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to design an engaging and informative app to educate others about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem. ; Students will be able to effectively communicate information about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem through a digital platform.
Activity 6

App Storyboard: Visualizing the User Journey

Students will create a storyboard for their app, visualizing the user interface and flow. This activity helps them refine the user experience and ensure the app is easy to navigate.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Sketch out the different screens of the app.
2. Arrange the screens in a logical sequence to represent the user flow.
3. Add notes to the storyboard explaining the functionality of each screen and feature.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA storyboard illustrating the app's user interface and flow.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to design an engaging and informative app to educate others about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem. ; Students will be able to effectively communicate information about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem through a digital platform.
Activity 7

App Prototype: Bringing the App to Life

Students will develop a prototype of their app, using simple tools to create a basic interactive version. This activity allows them to test their design and gather feedback.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a prototyping tool (e.g., simple coding platform or drag-and-drop app builder).
2. Create the basic screens and features of the app.
3. Test the prototype and gather feedback from peers.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA working prototype of the orca education app.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to design an engaging and informative app to educate others about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem. ; Students will be able to effectively communicate information about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem through a digital platform.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Orca App Design Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Research and Understanding

Assesses the student's ability to research orca characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges in the Salish Sea.
Criterion 1

Research Completeness

Extent to which the student researches and identifies key characteristics, behaviors, and ecological challenges of orcas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding with extensive research, covering all key characteristics, behaviors, and challenges of orcas.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding with comprehensive research on key characteristics, behaviors, and challenges of orcas.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging understanding with basic research on orca characteristics, behaviors, and challenges.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows initial understanding with minimal research on orca features and challenges.

Criterion 2

Ecological Context

Understanding of the Salish Sea ecosystem and the relationships between orcas and other inhabitants.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates strong ecological understanding and effectively connects orcas to the wider Salish Sea ecosystem.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows good understanding of the Salish Sea ecosystem and orca relationships with other species.

Developing
2 Points

Displays partial understanding with basic connections between orcas and other sea creatures.

Beginning
1 Points

Limited understanding of ecological context and relations within the Salish Sea.

Category 2

Design and Creativity

Assesses the creativity and planning put into the app design and feature development.
Criterion 1

Creativity

Innovation and creativity in designing app features and content.

Exemplary
4 Points

Displays exceptional creativity with innovative features and engaging content that captivates users.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows good creativity with interesting features and engaging content.

Developing
2 Points

Shows limited creativity with basic app features and content.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal creativity with simplistic features and unengaging content.

Criterion 2

App Structure and Design

Logical organization of the app and clarity of the user interface.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits a well-organized app with a clear and intuitive user interface.

Proficient
3 Points

Displays a coherent app structure with a clear user interface that is generally easy to navigate.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some organization, but app navigation and interface may confuse users.

Beginning
1 Points

Unorganized app structure and confusing interface severely limit usability.

Category 3

Communication and Collaboration

Evaluates the ability to communicate information effectively and work collaboratively.
Criterion 1

Information Communication

Clarity and accuracy in presenting researched information about orcas and the Salish Sea.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers information with clarity and accuracy, greatly enhancing user understanding and engagement.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information clearly and accurately, ensuring user comprehension.

Developing
2 Points

Conveys information with some inaccuracies and lack of clarity affecting user understanding.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to communicate accurate information, leading to significant user misunderstanding.

Criterion 2

Collaboration

Effectiveness in working collaboratively during the app design process.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits leadership and highly effective collaboration throughout the project.

Proficient
3 Points

Participates actively and collaborates well with peers in the design process.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic collaboration with limited participation in group efforts.

Beginning
1 Points

Minimal collaboration effort with little contribution to the group project.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

What was the most surprising thing you learned about orcas or the Salish Sea ecosystem during this project?

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Question 2

How did the different activities, like researching orca characteristics, comparing resident and transient orcas, and investigating threats to orcas, help you understand the complexities of the Salish Sea ecosystem?

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Question 3

What was the most challenging aspect of designing the Orca education app, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 4

If you could add one more feature to your Orca education app, what would it be and why?

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Question 5

To what extent do you agree with the statement: 'I feel confident in my ability to educate others about orcas and the Salish Sea ecosystem.'?

Scale
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Question 6

Which aspect of the app development process (brainstorming, storyboarding, prototyping) did you find most engaging?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Brainstorming ideas for the app's content and features
Creating a storyboard to visualize the user journey
Developing a prototype of the app