Purpose:
The students will create an illustration of a landform using the KidPix program. The students will be required to label their landform. As a class, a display that reviews landform vocabulary will be created.
Curriculum Connection:
Social Studies
Standard 1
Objective 1
Explain why physical geography affected the development of early civilizations.
a. Identify the major physical features of the regions where ancient civilizations flourished.
Standard 2
Objective 1
Explain how physical geography affects economic and cultural expansion.
a. Identify natural resources and physical features that affected expansion.
Educational Technology
Standard 5
Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum.
Materials:
Computer for each student
KidPix (located on the dock on all computers in Jordan School District computer labs)
Landform vocabulary list (pdf)
Prerequisite Knowledge:
Students should have already been introduced to landform vocabulary (pdf).
Procedure:
Place a stickie note on each computer with one of the landform vocabulary words written on it. (Or you could have the students choose which word they would like to illustrate.) Have the students open KidPix on their computers. (This program is located on the dock on all computers in Jordan School District computer labs.) Hint: Ask the students to turn off their computers’ sound before opening the program.
Once in the program, type any key to continue on from the title screen. Depending on the version of KidPix, it will either take you directly to the program, or you may need to type in a student name and click “Go”.
Give the students a brief tour of the program. Have them explore the variety of tools they can use to create their pictures: pencils, stickers, animations, paint brushes, etc. While they explore, ask them to think about tools would be best to create the landform they have been assigned. Creativity is encouraged.
Once the students have had a brief tour, have them get to work creating a picture of their landform. After they complete their illustration, they must use the typing tool to label their picture with their landform vocabulary word and their name.
When students have finished their pictures, have them save their work (I have my students save to their own folder on the school folder) and print. I recommend posting each of the pictures in the classroom so students may see them and become familiar with all of the landform terms.
Technology Tips:
If students make a mistake, they can click on the little shaking head to undo their last action. Warm the students, however, that it will only undo the very last thing they did.
When using the eraser, students should be aware that the big eraser will erase their entire picture. If they only want to erase a portion of the picture, they should use the pencil with the eraser top. The dynamite stick will also erase their entire picture.
Adaptations:
Select easier landforms for certain students.
Extensions:
Have the students create illustrations of several landforms.
Example Project
Download Lesson Plan
Product Information
KidPix is located on the dock on all computers in Jordan School District computer labs. Use this link if your school does not have KidPix to find out more about it.
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