
Turtle vs Duck: Pictorial Storytelling Showdown
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a pictorial story that highlights the differences and similarities between turtles and ducks in terms of their appearance, habitats, diets, and movements?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do turtles and ducks look different and similar?
- What kind of homes do turtles and ducks live in?
- What do turtles and ducks eat?
- How do turtles and ducks move differently?
- How can we use pictures to tell a story about turtles and ducks?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and describe the physical differences and similarities between turtles and ducks.
- Students will recognize and compare the habitats of turtles and ducks.
- Students will identify and compare the diets of turtles and ducks.
- Students will explain the differences and similarities in the movements of turtles and ducks.
- Students will create a pictorial story using drawings to represent the comparisons between turtles and ducks.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsStorytime Adventure: Missing in the Pond
Narrate an engaging story where a turtle and duck must find a way to safely return home through a pond filled with challenges. Students will brainstorm potential solutions, focusing on the skills and attributes of each animal.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Turtle and Duck Detective
In this activity, students will become detectives to explore and identify the physical characteristics that differentiate turtles from ducks. Through guided observations, students will use visual aids to note differences and similarities between these two animals.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 class Venn diagram showcasing the physical differences and similarities between turtles and ducks as observed by the students.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard K.RL.3 by identifying characters (turtle and duck) and their distinct features.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTurtle vs Duck: Pictorial Story Rubric
Content Understanding
Assesses students' grasp of factual differences and similarities between turtles and ducks.Physical Features Identification
Evaluate how well students can identify and articulate the physical features of turtles and ducks.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent accurately identifies and describes more than three physical features of both turtles and ducks and articulates their similarities and differences effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent identifies and describes up to three physical features of both turtles and ducks with clear articulation of similarities and differences.
Developing
2 PointsStudent identifies a few physical features of turtles and ducks but struggles to articulate similarities and differences clearly.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent can identify some physical features but cannot articulate how they are similar or different.
Habitat and Diet Comparison
Evaluate students' understanding and comparison of the habitats and diets of turtles and ducks.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent provides a comprehensive and detailed comparison of the habitats and diets of both turtles and ducks.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent provides a clear comparison with some detail regarding the habitats and diets of turtles and ducks.
Developing
2 PointsStudent provides a simple comparison with limited detail regarding the habitats and diets of turtles and ducks.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent attempts to compare but shows limited understanding of the habitats and diets.
Visual Storytelling
Evaluates students' ability to create a visual story that effectively communicates the topic.Visual Clarity and Creativity
Assess how effectively students use drawings to communicate the differences and similarities between turtles and ducks.
Exemplary
4 PointsDrawings are clear, creative, and effectively communicate the story of turtles and ducks, with detailed elements showing advanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsDrawings clearly communicate the story of turtles and ducks, showing a good understanding.
Developing
2 PointsDrawings communicate some elements of the turtle and duck story, but lack clarity and detail.
Beginning
1 PointsDrawings are unclear and do not effectively communicate the story or elements of turtles and ducks.
Integration of Visuals and Text
Evaluate how well students integrate drawings with textual or oral descriptions.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent expertly integrates detailed drawings with comprehensive textual or oral descriptions, enhancing the storytelling.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent integrates drawings with clear textual or oral descriptions, contributing positively to the storytelling.
Developing
2 PointsStudent attempts to integrate drawings with descriptions, but connections are unclear or underdeveloped.
Beginning
1 PointsLittle or no integration between drawings and descriptions.
Collaboration and Communication
Assess students' ability to collaborate during class discussions and their communication effectiveness.Participation in Discussions
Evaluate student's participation in class discussions on the topic.
Exemplary
4 PointsStudent actively participates and contributes valuable insights during discussions, encouraging peers.
Proficient
3 PointsStudent participates regularly and shares relevant ideas during discussions.
Developing
2 PointsStudent occasionally participates and shares ideas during discussions.
Beginning
1 PointsStudent rarely participates and struggles to share ideas during discussions.