Graphic Design

Horns, Wings & Canva Things:Animal Structure Meets Graphic Design

Ms. Osowski & Mrs. Mills - Grade 4

Combining creativity with technology is essential for students to communicate their ideas effectively. Ms. Osowski's and Mrs. Mills' 4th graders recently had the opportunity to showcase their understanding of animal structure by designing vibrant infographics using Canva, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!
A Blend of Creativity and SkillsThe project began with students selecting an animal and researching its structures and functions based on the Massachusetts 4th-grade science standard. They drafted key details about how these structures help the animal survive, grow, or meet its needs. Then, the fun began as they brought their findings to life using Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool.
In Canva, students explored various design features, such as:Layout and Composition: Choosing templates that fit their content while maintaining visual balance.Typography: Pairing fonts to create emphasis and ensure readability.Color Theory: Selecting color palettes that matched the mood or themes of their chosen animal.Visual Elements: Incorporating icons, images, and charts to enhance their infographics.
Each infographic was unique, reflecting the student’s perspective and their growing skills as digital designers.

 

Aligned with MA DLCS StandardsThis project also met several Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards for grades 3–5, including:
Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC)3-5.DTC.a.3: "Use digital tools (local and online) to manipulate and publish multimedia artifacts."3-5.DTC.b.3: "Collaborate through online digital tools under teacher supervision."
Computing and Society (CAS):3-5.CAS.a.3: "Describe the different uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide."
Computational Thinking (CT):3-5.CT.d.1: "Individually and collaboratively, create, test, and modify a program in a graphical environment."

Beyond the StandardsIn addition to meeting curriculum goals, this activity encouraged critical thinking about how to communicate ideas effectively in a visually driven format. It also allowed students to explore how design choices—like font style or color—can influence how their message is perceived.
The Final ProductThe finished infographics were displayed in the classroom. They sparked meaningful conversations about animal structures while showcasing the students' creativity and design savvy.
Why It MattersBy integrating technology into science activities, students gained practical skills in digital design and communication—skills they will use throughout their education and beyond. This project wasn’t just about labeling animals; it was about empowering students to be creators and communicators in a digital world.
We can’t wait to see how these budding graphic designers apply their newfound skills to future projects!


Technology Essential QuestionsHow can visual design elements, such as layout, color, and typography, enhance the way we communicate information?In what ways does using digital tools like Canva help us share ideas creatively and effectively?How do the choices we make when designing graphics impact the understanding and engagement of our audience?

Graphic Design

From Cover to Canva:4th Graders Review Books in Style

In today’s increasingly digital world, combining creativity with technology is essential for students to communicate their ideas effectively. Mr. Duffy's 4th graders recently had the opportunity to showcase their favorite books by designing vibrant book review infographics using Canva, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!

A Blend of Creativity and Skills

The project began with students selecting a book they had recently read and drafting key elements for their infographic. Then, the fun began as they brought these ideas to life using Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool.

Students explored various design features, such as:

Layout and Composition: Choosing templates that fit their content while maintaining visual balance.
Typography: Pairing fonts to create emphasis and ensure readability.
Color Theory: Selecting color palettes that matched the mood or themes of their book.
Visual Elements: Incorporating icons, images, and charts to enhance their reviews.

Each infographic was unique, reflecting the student’s perspective and their growing skills as digital designers.

Aligned with MA DLCS Standards

This project also met several Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards for grades 3–5, including:

Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC)

3-5.DTC.a.3: "Use digital tools (local and online) to manipulate and publish multimedia artifacts."

3-5.DTC.b.3: "Collaborate through online digital tools under teacher supervision."

Computing and Society (CAS):

3-5.CAS.a.3: "Describe the different uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide."

Computational Thinking (CT):

3-5.CT.d.1: "Individually and collaboratively, create, test, and modify a program in a graphical environment."

Beyond the Standards

In addition to meeting curriculum goals, this activity encouraged critical thinking about how to communicate ideas effectively in a visually driven format. It also allowed students to explore how design choices—like font style or color—can influence how their message is perceived.

The Final Product

The finished infographics were displayed in the classroom. They sparked meaningful conversations about books while showcasing the students' creativity and design savvy.

Why It Matters

By integrating technology into literacy activities, students gained practical skills in digital design and communication—skills they will use throughout their education and beyond. This project wasn’t just about reviewing books; it was about empowering students to be creators and communicators in a digital world.

We can’t wait to see how these budding graphic designers apply their newfound skills to future projects!

Technology Essential QuestionsHow can visual design elements, such as layout, color, and typography, enhance the way we communicate information?In what ways does using digital tools like Canva help us share ideas and stories creatively and effectively?How do the choices we make when designing graphics impact the understanding and engagement of our audience?

The Great Polar Bearier Riff

New Episodes Have Dropped

Be sure to check out the Spofford Pond School podcast, "The Great Polar Bearier Riff", featuring new episodes from grade 6.

Students in Ms. Stewart's class have lots of opinions that reflect who they are as people.  Tune in to hear their thoughts, ideas and experiences.  Take a moment to find out just what they believe. (Based on the "This I Believe" website and podcast.)
Here is a glimpse into grade six's "This I Believe" series:
"What Ryder Believes", season 7, episode 37"What Olivia P. Believes", season 7, episode 32"What Charlotte Believes", season 7, episode 31"What Amatu Believes", season 7, episode 23

To listen to all of the episodes in this series, tune into The Great Polar Bearier Riff.

You can also find and listen to our podcast on the following apps:

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In the ever-evolving landscape of education, introducing 6th grade students to podcasting can be a game-changer. Here's a concise look at why learning to podcast is a fantastic experience for young minds:

1. Communication Skills: Podcasting hones students' abilities to express ideas clearly, developing essential communication skills.

2. Creativity Boost: Crafting a podcast involves storytelling, scriptwriting, and audio editing, fostering creative expression.

3. Confidence Building: Podcasting provides a low-pressure environment for students to build confidence in public speaking.

4. Research and Critical Thinking: Creating podcasts encourages research and critical thinking, expanding students' knowledge base.

5. Teamwork Emphasis: Collaboration is inherent in podcasting, promoting teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication.

6. Global Reach: Sharing podcasts online allows students to connect with a global audience, fostering a sense of responsibility and broadening perspectives.

Podcasting isn't just a skill; it's a catalyst for holistic development in 6th-grade students. From communication to creativity, teamwork, and global awareness, podcasting opens doors for confident and forward-thinking individuals. Embrace podcasting in the classroom and unlock a world of possibilities for the young minds of tomorrow.

Podcasting Essential Questions:

How can we infuse classroom curriculum with technology that is easily accessible and simple to use?

How can we use this technology to delve deeper into subject matter?

How does this technology strengthen research, writing and collaboration skills?

How does this technology strengthen speaking and listening skills?