ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [ELA2015] (6) 1 :

1 ) Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. [RL.6.1]

[ELA2015] (6) 29 :

29 ) Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. [W.6.9]

a. Apply Grade 6 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres [e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories] in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics"). [W.6.9a]

b. Apply Grade 6 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., "Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not"). [W.6.9b]

[ELA2015] (6) 10 :

10 ) By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the Grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. [RL.6.10]

[DLIT] (6) 34 :

28) Define assistive technologies and state reasons they may be needed.

In conjunction with reading Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, students will explore the world of assistive technologies and how they are impacting our world today. Students will begin by using Wordle.net and create a piece of word art to show their understanding of the main character in the book. They will then explore how assistive technologies influenced our understanding of the main character through reading an informational article about assistive technologies. 

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [DLIT] (6) 34 :

28) Define assistive technologies and state reasons they may be needed.

[DLIT] (7) 34 :

28) Classify types of assistive technologies.

Examples: Hardware, software, stylus, sticky keys.

[DLIT] (8) 33 :

27) Analyze assistive technologies and how they improve the quality of life for users.

Example: Research multiple speech to text technologies and write a persuasive essay in favor of one over another.

What do hearing aids, wheelchairs and prosthetics all have in common? All three are examples of assistive technology that help people with disabilities or the elderly perform daily activities independently or with assistance. In this lesson, students will learn about assistive devices and how innovation plays a key role in the invention process, including raising empathy. Specifically, students will learn how 3D printed prosthetics are changing lives and design their own assistive technology to help others.

Using the invention process, teams will be asked to identify a problem that could be solved through a new assistive device or an innovation to an existing invention. They will then sketch, draw or build an assistive device to share with their classmates in 4 to 5 minutes presentations. Students should receive constructive feedback from their peers, work on any redesigns and present their device to real-life stakeholders. An optional activity for schools that have 3D printers is to allow students to 3D print their final designs.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [DLIT] (6) 34 :

28) Define assistive technologies and state reasons they may be needed.

[DLIT] (7) 34 :

28) Classify types of assistive technologies.

Examples: Hardware, software, stylus, sticky keys.

[DLIT] (8) 33 :

27) Analyze assistive technologies and how they improve the quality of life for users.

Example: Research multiple speech to text technologies and write a persuasive essay in favor of one over another.

In this interactive lesson, students will discover how new apps are improving the lives of people with a disability or illness and helping to raise empathy. Through original student-produced videos via PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, students will learn about individuals who have overcome challenges and went on to help others. Then, students will use their knowledge of the invention process to design their own app which addresses a problem facing their school or community.