Digital Creative Projects – Showcasing Your Skills
In Quarter 3, it’s time to unleash your creativity! You’ll use digital tools like Canva, Scratch, Google Sheets, and Google Slides to design exciting projects such as infographics, animations, and data visualizations.
All your work will be showcased on a Google Site you build and customize yourself. This quarter focuses on combining creativity and technology to create visually appealing and functional digital content. By the end, you’ll have a personalized website filled with your amazing projects, ready to share with the world!
In this lesson, you’ll learn what makes a digital project successful and how to create your own online portfolio using Google Sites. We’ll explore key features like design, functionality, and content, and you’ll set up your Google Site to showcase your work. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a strong foundation to create and share amazing digital projects!
Learning Objectives:
Understand what makes a great digital creative project.
Set up a Google Site to showcase your work.
L1 Terminology Section
Learn these words to help understand today’s lesson:
Digital Project: A project made using technology, like a website, app, presentation, video, or blog.
Website: A collection of online pages with text, pictures, videos, or links. Example: a school website or a blog.
App: A program you can use on a phone, tablet, or computer to do specific tasks. Example: a game or a calculator app.
Presentation: A slideshow used to share information or ideas. Example: a Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation.
Video: A recording of moving pictures and sound, used to explain, teach, or entertain. Example: a YouTube video or a tutorial.
Blog: An online page where someone shares their thoughts, stories, or ideas in written posts. Example: a travel blog or a cooking blog.
Purpose: The reason for doing something or the goal you want to reach.
Audience: The people who will see or use your project.
Design: How your project looks and how everything is organized.
Functionality: How well something works (for example, buttons should work when clicked).
Content: The information, pictures, and videos in your project.
Google Sites: A tool from Google that lets you make your own website.
Homepage: The first page of your website that introduces the site and gives an overview of its content.
Page: A section of your site where you can add specific content, like an “About Me” page or a “Projects” page.
Theme: A pre-designed style for your site that includes colors, fonts, and layouts.
Publish: The process of making your site live and viewable on the internet.
Preview: A tool that lets you see what your site will look like to visitors before publishing it.
Insert: A tool to add items to your site, like text, images, or videos.
Layout: The structure or arrangement of items on a page, like columns, headings, and images.
Navigation Bar: A menu at the top or side of your site that lets visitors move between pages.
Header: The top section of your page, usually containing the title and sometimes an image.
Footer: The bottom section of your page, often used for extra information like copyright or links.
Lesson Outline:
What is a Digital Project?
A digital project is any project created or shared using technology. Examples include websites, apps, presentations, videos, or blogs.
5 Key Features of a great digital project (PACED):
Purpose: Clear reason or goal behind the project.
Audience: Designed with the users/viewers in mind.
Content: Accurate, relevant, and engaging.
Easy to use: Refers to functionality that works well.
Design: Clean, organized, and visually appealing.
Exploring Examples
Discussion Activity:
Examine the following 4 examples of digital projects. For each one, answer these questions:
What makes them stand out?
How do they meet the "5 key features" (Purpose, Audience, Content, Easy to use, Design)?
Examples of Digital Projects:
Website: NASA for Students - Engaging space-themed content designed for students. Organized layout with interactive resources.
App: Scratch Interactive coding app - Encourages creativity and logical thinking.
Presentations: Canva Templates for Presentations - Beautiful, customizable designs to make information stand out.
Blogs: National Geographic Kids Blog - Colorful, interactive blog posts designed to capture students' interest with educational content.
Set Up Your Google Site
Why use Google Sites?
It’s a simple tool to showcase your digital work, with no coding required.
Step-by-Step Setup:
Go to Google Sites.
Click the “+” button to start a new site.
Name Your Site: Title it something like “My Digital Projects Portfolio.”
Customize the Look: Choose a theme and adjust colors or fonts.
Create Your First Page: Add a page titled “Introduction” to describe who you are and what this site will showcase.
Add an Image or Logo: Make it personal by including an image or logo that represents you.
Activity: Showcase Introduction
Task:
Write an Introduction Section on your Google Site. Include:
Your name.
A brief description of what you’ll share in this portfolio.
Why creating digital projects is exciting for you.
Extension Task:
Add another page to your site for your first project. You can leave it blank for now but think about how it might look.
Homework:
Finalize your Google Site setup.
Write a short reflection: “What do you think makes a great digital project, and how will you apply this to your work?” and add it to your site.
Prepare for the mini-test in the next class on L1 Terms and Content.
Comprehension Questions
Why do we use Google Sites for showcasing digital projects?
What should be included on your site’s Introduction page?
What is the purpose of choosing a theme for your site?
What steps do you need to follow to create a new page in Google Sites?
What image or logo will you add to your site to make it personal, and why?
Why do you think it is important to plan your site’s layout and design?
What is the first project page you plan to add, and what might it include in the future?
In this lesson, you’ll discover how to design compelling infographics using Canva. We’ll explore how to combine text, visuals, and layout to communicate ideas effectively. You’ll begin creating your own visually appealing infographic to showcase your creativity and enhance your portfolio. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have the skills to transform data and ideas into an engaging visual story!
Learning Objectives
I can identify key elements of effective infographic design by examining examples.
I can practice combining text, visuals, and layout to create simple infographics.
I can research information online to prepare for designing a poster.
Key Terms
Infographic: A visual representation of information or data.
Layout: The arrangement of text, images, and design elements on a page.
Hierarchy: Organizing elements by importance to guide the viewer’s focus.
Typography: The style and appearance of text.
Contrast: Differences in color, size, or shape to create emphasis.
White Space: Empty space around elements for clarity and focus.
Icons: Simple images or symbols used to represent concepts.
Data Visualization: Using charts, graphs, or images to represent data.
Template: A pre-designed layout available in Canva.
Color Palette: A coordinated set of colors used in a design.
Alignment: Arranging elements to create balance and order.
Balance: Equal distribution of visual weight in a design.
Proportion: The size relationship between elements.
Export: Saving your design in formats like PDF or PNG.
Key Ideas
Infographics simplify and visually represent complex ideas or data.
Using design principles helps to create effective and interesting infographics.
Effective infographics use a combination of text, visuals, and layout principles.
Canva’s templates and tools make creating infographics straightforward.
Preparing for design involves collecting relevant and accurate information.
Activity 1: Analysing Infographics
Examine the list of Terms and identify which relate to Design Principles.
Discuss the 3 examples with a partner. Think about:
What makes them interesting?
How do they explain ideas using pictures and text?
Answer these questions with your partner:
How do the designs combine pictures, text, and layout?
What colors, shapes, or fonts make them look good?
How do they make the main idea stand out?
Prepare one thing you noticed about the infographics to share with the class.
Guided Note-taking
Definition of infographic: ________
Explain the Key Design Principles:
Steps to Create in Canva:
Choose a ________.
Add ________.
Customize ________.
Activity: Create a simple infographic design
Objectives: Explore Canva. Create a simple infographic. Give and receive feedback using the Design principles. Improve your design by applying the feedback. Upload to your website.
Open Canva on your computer. Follow these steps:
Pick a template you like.
Add a short title to your design.
Use one icon, one image, and a small amount of text to create an infographic about one of the following:
A school rule.
A favorite activity.
A fun fact you know.
Add a title, text, icons, and colors.
Experiment with colors and fonts to make it look clear and neat.
Choose a design principle to explore with your design. Adapt your design so it shows this design principle.
Save and share your design with a peer for feedback.
Give your feedback to a peer about their work. Refer to the design principles to help give them specific advice that they can use to improve their work.
Make some of the changes suggested by the feedback.
Export your design when you’re done. Save it to your computer then add it to a new page in your website.
Give it a title and explain a little bit about your idea in a paragraph alongside the infographic. Explain the design principle you have explored.
Comprehension Questions
What is an infographic, and why is it useful?
Name three of the design principles that make an infographic effective. Explain why.
Why is it important to use a clear layout in an infographic?
What are the three steps to start creating an infographic in Canva?
Homework:
Objective: Collect information for a poster design on 'Internet Safety Day' (11th February 2025).
Search online for reliable websites about internet safety.
Write down 3-5 important facts, tips, or statistics about staying safe online.
Organize your notes into categories (e.g., tips for students, risks to avoid). These can be sub-titles for your infographic.
Think about how you could show these ideas as infographics (e.g., charts, lists, or icons).
Add your notes to your workbook and bring them to the next class.
In this lesson, you’ll refine and complete your infographic in Canva. We’ll focus on improving the layout, balancing text with visuals, and ensuring clarity in your message. Once your infographic is polished, you’ll upload it to your Google Site with a short explanation to showcase your design and communication skills.
Learning Objectives
Complete and refine a professional-quality infographic in Canva.
Evaluate and improve the design for clarity and visual appeal.
Add the infographic to your Google Site with a descriptive explanation.
Key Terms
Cybersecurity: Protecting devices, networks, and data from unauthorized access or harm.
Digital Footprint: The information you leave online through your actions and activities.
Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to steal personal information through fake messages or websites.
Encryption: The process of converting information into code to prevent unauthorized access.
Visual Flow: The path a viewer’s eyes follow through a design.
Call to Action (CTA): A prompt encouraging viewers to take a specific action.
Key Ideas
Internet safety is about protecting your personal information and being mindful of risks online.
An effective infographic combines data visualization with clear and simple messaging to educate viewers.
Organizing your ideas with a visual hierarchy makes the content easier to understand.
Creating contrast and using icons, charts, or symbols help grab attention and keep designs engaging.
Getting ready: Research Activity
Search online for reliable websites about Internet Safety.
Write down 3-5 important facts, tips, or statistics about staying safe online.
Organize your notes into categories, such as:
Tips for students.
Risks to avoid.
Benefits of staying safe.
Think about how you could show these ideas visually (e.g., charts, lists, or icons).
You will need this information for today’s main activity!
Main Activity: Design Your Internet Safety Infographic
Objective: Create a detailed infographic about Internet Safety Day using Canva.
Prepare Your Design:
Use your research from homework or class time.
Choose 1-2 categories (e.g., risks and tips) to focus on.
Steps to Create in Canva:
Select a template or start with a blank canvas.
Add a title: “Internet Safety Tips” or “Stay Safe Online.”
Include at least:
One chart or graph to show a statistic.
Two icons to represent key ideas.
Short and clear text blocks.
Apply design principles (e.g., hierarchy, balance, alignment).
Explore and Improve:
Test different color palettes and fonts.
Add CTAs like “Learn More” or “Stay Safe Today.”
Feedback and Reflection:
Pair up with a partner to exchange designs.
Provide specific feedback using design principles.
Update your infographic based on feedback.
Final Touches:
Export your infographic as a PNG or PDF.
Upload it to your website with a short paragraph explaining:
The infographic’s purpose.
The design principle you focused on.
Comprehension Questions
What is a digital footprint, and why is it important to manage?
Name two design principles that make an infographic effective. Explain how you used them.
How can icons and charts make an infographic more engaging?
What is a Call to Action, and how could you use one in your infographic?
Homework
Objective: Finalize your Internet Safety Day infographic.
Review your infographic and feedback from today’s lesson.
Make final edits to improve clarity and engagement.
Add a final paragraph to your website page explaining how your infographic supports Internet Safety Day’s mission.
In this lesson, explore animation by creating a short project in Scratch! You’ll learn how to make characters move, control timing, and create sequences. By the end, you'll have a working animation draft that you can enhance and share.
Learning Objectives
I can explain the basic concepts of animation, such as movement, timing, and sequencing.
I can use Scratch to create a short animation.
I can apply coding and design skills to bring my ideas to life.
Key Terms
Animation – A series of images shown quickly to create the illusion of movement.
Sprite – A character or object in Scratch that can be animated.
Backdrop – The background of a Scratch project.
Script – A sequence of code blocks that control a sprite’s actions.
Motion Blocks – Scratch blocks used to move sprites.
Costumes – Different appearances of a sprite that help create animation.
Timing – Controlling when and how fast animations happen.
Loop – A block that repeats actions, useful for animations.
Broadcast – A way to send messages between sprites to trigger actions.
Sequencing – The order in which code is executed, essential for animations.
Key Ideas
Animation is created by changing a sprite’s position, costume, or both over time.
Timing and sequencing are important for smooth and realistic animations.
Loops and broadcasts can help make animations more efficient.
Scratch allows us to combine creativity and coding to make unique animations.
Guided Note-Taking
Complete the following as we go through the lesson:
Animation is created by ______________ over time.
A sprite is ______________.
A loop is useful because ______________.
I can make an animation smoother by ______________.
To trigger an action between sprites, I use ______________.
Activities
After accessing the Scratch website, navigate to Tutorials and work through all of the 5 Getting Started tutorials shown below.
Comprehension Questions (Homework)
Copy the questions into your workbook and answer them using full sentences.
What are two ways to animate a sprite in Scratch?
How does changing a sprite’s costume help create animation?
Why is timing important in animation?
What block would you use to repeat a movement in Scratch?
Describe how broadcasts can be used in an animation project.
In this lesson, you’ll complete a series of Scratch tutorials to develop your skills in animation and interactivity. You will document your learning in your workbook and create a new webpage called "My Scratch Work" on your Google Site. On this page, you’ll explain what Scratch is, summarize what you have learned, and plan a new project using the skills you've gained. In the next class, you will develop this project in Scratch.
Learning Objectives
I can complete Scratch Basics tutorials and document my learning.
I can create a webpage to showcase my Scratch skills and summarize what I have learned.
I can design a new Scratch project using the skills I have practiced.
Key Terms
Sprite – A character or object in a Scratch project.
Stage – The background area where sprites move and interact.
Script – A sequence of blocks that control actions in a Scratch project.
Event – A block that starts an action (e.g., "when green flag clicked").
Loop – A block that repeats actions multiple times.
Conditional Statement – A block that runs code only if a condition is met (e.g., "if-then").
Variable – A way to store information that can change during the animation.
Broadcast – A way to send messages between sprites in Scratch.
Sound Effect – A recorded or imported sound added to an animation.
Interactivity – Allowing users to control parts of the animation (e.g., using arrow keys).
Glide Block – Moves a sprite smoothly to a specific location.
Hide/Show Blocks – Make a sprite disappear or reappear in the animation.
Costume – Different appearances of a sprite that can be switched during an animation.
Backdrop – The background image of the Scratch stage.
Debugging – Finding and fixing errors in a Scratch project.
Key Ideas
Completing Scratch tutorials helps build animation and interactivity skills.
Documenting progress with screenshots and explanations reinforces learning.
Creating a webpage to showcase work helps organize and present learning.
Planning a Scratch project before starting helps structure ideas and goals.
Scratch projects can combine movement, sound, and user input.
Keyboard and mouse inputs allow for interactive elements in projects.
Looping blocks make animations smoother and more efficient.
"If-then" blocks allow sprites to react to different conditions.
Broadcasting messages helps sprites interact with each other.
Creativity is key when designing a new Scratch project.
Task 1: Complete Scratch BASICS Tutorials
You will complete all of the following Scratch tutorials to improve your skills:
✔ Use Arrow Keys – Move a sprite using keyboard controls.
✔ Change Size – Make a sprite grow or shrink.
✔ Glide Around – Move smoothly across the screen.
✔ Make It Spin – Rotate a sprite with code.
✔ Record A Sound – Add a custom sound to an animation.
✔ Hide and Show – Make a sprite disappear and reappear.
After every tutorial:
Take a screenshot of your code and sprite/s.
Write a short sentence explaining what you learned and how you made Scratch perform the action.
Save all screenshots and explanations in your workbook.
Task 2: Create Your ‘My Animation Work’ Webpage
Once you have completed all tutorials and added them to your workbook, you will create a new webpage on your Google Site called "My Animation Work."
Your webpage must include:
✅ An introduction – Explain what Scratch is and why it is useful.
✅ A summary – Write about what you are now able to do in Scratch because of learning from the tutorials.
✅ Add a screenshot from your favourite tutorial to illustrate your new skills.
Task 3: Planning Your Own Scratch Project
Now that you have learned new Scratch skills, you will plan your own creative project!
Use this checklist to help you generate ideas for your project. Your project must include all of these things.
✔ Move a sprite using arrow keys.
✔ Change the size of a sprite dynamically.
✔ Make a sprite glide smoothly across the screen.
✔ Rotate a sprite using spin effects.
✔ Make a sprite hide and reappear at specific times.
✔ Use "if-then" logic to control interactions.
✔ Broadcast messages between sprites.
On your "My Scratch Work" webpage, write a short project plan. It must include the following headings and descriptions:
🔹 Project Idea (What will your project do?)
🔹 Skills Used (List the Scratch skills you will apply)
🔹 Sprites & Stage (What characters and backgrounds will you need? Are you going to create them or use ones from Scratch library?)
🔹 Interactions (What will the user be able to do?)
🔹 Extra Features (Any special effects or additional enhancements)
🚀 Next class, you will start building this project in Scratch!
Comprehension Questions
How can you make a sprite move using the keyboard?
What block is used to make a sprite glide smoothly across the screen?
Explain how to add a recorded sound to a Scratch project.
List three Scratch skills you have learned and describe how they can be used in a project.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to visualize data by creating charts in Google Sheets. We’ll use real-world examples like surveys or favorite apps to turn data into clear and engaging visuals. You’ll then add your charts and explanations to your Google Site, building a stronger and more organized portfolio.
Learning Objectives
Use Google Sheets to create charts and graphs from a dataset.
Understand how to interpret and explain visualized data.
Organize your Google Site with clear descriptions and improved design.
In this lesson, you’ll review and refine all the work you’ve created during the unit. We’ll focus on improving the design, functionality, and content of your Google Site. By the end of the lesson, your portfolio will be polished and ready to showcase your digital projects!
Learning Objectives
Evaluate and improve the design and content of your Google Site.
Ensure all projects are well-organized and clearly explained.
Finalize your portfolio to showcase your digital skills effectively.