📚 Teacher's Guide

🎯 Arizona State Science Standards

Grade 4: 4.E1U1.5 - Develop and use models to describe the water cycle

Grade 5: 5.E1U1.6 - Analyze and interpret data about Earth's systems

Grades 6-8: 6-8.E1U1.8 - Construct explanations for how water cycles through Earth's systems

High School: HS.E1U1.12 - Develop models of biogeochemical cycles including feedback mechanisms

💻 Arizona Educational Technology Standards

Empowered Learner: Students leverage technology for personalized learning

Knowledge Constructor: Students evaluate information and build knowledge using digital resources

Creative Communicator: Students communicate effectively using digital platforms

♿ Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Multiple Means of Representation: Visual elements (emojis, colors, progress bars), text-based content, categorized topics, text-to-speech for auditory learners, high contrast design, larger fonts and spacing

Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Multiple choice format, hint system, second-chance opportunities, screenshot-able results, large clickable buttons, optional read-aloud feature for students with reading difficulties

Multiple Means of Engagement: Three difficulty levels based on standards (not ability), immediate positive feedback, gamification (water droplet collection), personalized scoring, self-paced learning, choice in audio support, growth mindset messaging

Accessibility Features: Text-to-speech narration, ARIA labels for screen readers, keyboard navigation support, clear visual hierarchy, consistent navigation patterns, sufficient color contrast

👤 Designer & AI Disclosure

Designer: Dana Leonardo

AI Disclosure: This interactive game was co-created using Canva Code AI assistant. The pedagogical framework, standards alignment, question bank design, and UDL considerations were conceptualized by the designer, while AI assisted in technical implementation and interface development.

🎓 Educational Purpose

Purpose: Provide engaging, differentiated formative assessment of water cycle understanding across grade levels

Benefits: Immediate feedback, mastery-based learning, reduced test anxiety, data-informed instruction, student agency

Pedagogical Approach: Scaffolded learning with hints, growth mindset through second chances, metacognitive reflection via performance data

🎮 How the Game Works

1. Student Entry: Enter first name and select difficulty level (Beginning/Intermediate/Challenging)

2. Question Delivery: 10 questions randomly selected from 25+ question bank per level

3. Scoring System:
• First attempt correct: 10 water droplets 💧
• Second attempt correct (after hint): 5 water droplets 💧
• Incorrect after two attempts: 0 droplets, correct answer shown

4. Feedback: Immediate, specific, positive feedback after each question

5. Results: Detailed performance report by topic area with visual progress indicators

📝 Use Cases

�� Pre-Assessment: Identify prior knowledge before unit

• Formative Assessment: Monitor understanding during instruction

• Exit Ticket: Quick check at lesson end

• Review Activity: Test preparation or concept reinforcement

• Differentiation Tool: Students work at appropriate level

• Intervention Data: Screenshot results for RTI documentation

• Station Activity: Independent or small group work

• Home Learning: Practice with immediate feedback

📊 Assessment Details

Questions Per Game: 10 questions

Total Question Bank: 25+ questions per difficulty level (75+ total)

Randomization: Questions randomly selected each play session

Maximum Score: 100 water droplets (10 droplets × 10 questions)

Topics Assessed: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Infiltration, Transpiration, Runoff, Water Distribution, Human Impact, Climate Connections, and more

Data Export: Screenshot-friendly results page for LMS submission