Integrating Graphics
Into Lesson Plans

Graphics play an interesting role in the integration of technology.  Graphics and images play such an important, subconscious role in youngsters' lives.  They are bombarded with images on TV, on the Internet, in textbooks, and in other print sources.  Within the curriculum, there are many opportunities for teachers to help guide students to become better "makers, observers, and inquirers" of graphics (Norton & Sprague, 57).  We completed two activities in class that integrated the use graphics. Time Capsule Lesson - In this project, we were tasked with researching a historic era and creating appropriate artifacts to represent important symbols of the era.  There were specific requirements for the artifacts that guided us in organizing our research.  Such scaffolding was essential in organizing our research.  As well, the requirements had us look at the different types of graphics (DROET) and apply them.  For example, one of the artifacts we created for the colonial era my group was assigned was an explanative graphic showing how to create soap as done in the colonial era.  The picture to the right shows our finished product--the collection of colonial artifacts.  Project Requirements Matrix Los Alamos Alien Lesson - In this project, we were challenged with a brainstorming activity.  Scientists at Los Alamos Laboratory needed fresh ideas to configure a life form, complete with its identified systems, from sample parts.  This would be a great biology lesson, culminating a unit on life systems and anatomy.  Or, this could be a math lesson, since the life form must be drawn to scale.  Graphics play a supporting role in this activity with the drawn and labeled final product.  This is yet another way to use a representative/explanative graphic.  At the conclusion of this activity, we thought of ten reasons why this was a great project. Top Ten Reasons Why This Is A Fabulous Unit A Colonial Birthday Party - In this lesson that I created as a graphics lesson plan, I followed a similar format as the Time Capsule activity.  Students have been tasked with planning a birthday party for a 13-year old living back in the 1700's.  Students will research different party components, such as food, games, party guests, and then represent their party suggestions using graphics. Lesson Plan and Letter to Parents

Time Capsule Final Product Los Alamos Alien Final Product