Complex ideas are simplified into this very versatile app, with assessments built in.
Community Review for BrainPOP Featured Movie
My Take
Brain Pop makes concepts very real for students in an easy to understand format. I was very impressed with the breadth of topics that it offered. Granted, it may not have the depth required for more advanced studies, its application is suitable for students who are just beginning an exploration of the topic. The animations are entertaining and informative, and really breaks down concepts to a simplified form. The quiz at the end of each lesson is an immediate way for students to test their retention, as it provides instant feedback.
How I Use It
I have used it as a way to host a game show of sorts. Here is a part of my lesson plan:
Here is the class agenda for today:
1. Students will be divided into five teams.
2. Students will watch and take notes on a Brainpop video (which will be projected on the screen using the projector via the iPad).
3. Students will then take a quiz on that topic and answer the question in rotating teams, with one representative coming up to the iPad in the front of the class and pressing an answer after discussing it with their group. If one team doesn't get it right, the next team will have a chance to answer it. The scores can be tabulated on the whiteboard.
4. Students will move on to the next topic, and repeat steps two and three.
Here are the topics to be searched on Brainpop in this order (it is not necessary to rush through all of them, just what can be completed in the hour period):
1. Wind
2. Energy Sources
3. Wind Energy
4. Current Electricity
5. Hurricanes
6. Tornadoes
The lesson went well, and my students loved the competition, as well as the ability to receive immediate feedback from the app at a push of a button during the quiz.