Document Camera Lesson Plans

Language Arts

A typical language arts class can encompass many different aspects of reading and writing. From elementary penmanship to advanced reading comprehension, language arts classes have a need to demonstrate and showcase content. However, using a blackboard or whiteboard, or making transparencies and copies to demonstrate material can be time-consuming and expensive with limited effectiveness. But no matter what the content of your lesson is, an AVerVision Document Camera can be used to increase visualization of your messages by clearly projecting them live on a large screen. Virtually eliminate the need for copies or transparencies by projecting the original document or book page in a single location as the class follows along. Students themselves can use the document camera to present their own work and ideas to the rest of the class, thus increasing presentation skills, creativity and confidence.

Mathematics

Traditional mathematics lessons are typically comprised of a textbook, worksheets and a blackboard or whiteboard. Teachers may put a math problem on the board for the students to solve or work out of their textbook. However, views of the blackboard may be blocked as the teacher works though the problem, or students may have a difficult time following along with their textbook. 3D geometrical objects may be difficult to see from the back of the class. But by using an AVerVision Document Camera, math problems can be projected on a large screen for the entire class to see. Textbook problems and diagrams can be shown in one location, rather than each student trying to follow from the books on their desk. Teachers can work through an algebra equation as the document camera captures and projects every movement of the pencil as the problem is solved providing a large visual interpretation of the correct method to solve the problem and how to check the work.
 

Science

Science classes can encompass a variety of elements and subjects. Whether focusing on one particular discipline, or combining aspects from earth science, to chemistry, to physics or biology, teaching can be challenging without a solid visual representation of the subject matter. Placing science material under an AVerVision Document Camera greatly increases the visual elements of the demonstration. Moving objects such as a worm or an insect can be projected live on a large screen, or the freeze and image capture functions can be used to show the details without the object moving. A teacher can perform a live dissection as the students watch and follow each stroke of the scalpel, or know exactly what each organ is by watching the demonstration on the large screen. Students can follow the correct steps and measurements to create a chemical reaction by following a large projection of the teachers live demonstration, thus increasing understanding as well as safety.

Art & Music

While document cameras are widely used for standard reading and writing curriculum, they can also be effective in teaching music and the arts. Crowding around a table as the teacher paints a picture, or molds pottery can be frustrating for those who cannot get close enough to see the full demonstration. Showing rare pieces of art can be risky if students need to handle it to fully see it. Holding up a flute to show the proper key sequence of a song may not be visible for those in the back of the class. By using an AVerVision Document camera, teachers can actually mold pottery under the camera as the class follows with their own project. Actual pieces of art can be displayed to the class without worry of damage by passing it around. Trumpet students can follow the teacher as each key is played by watching the large screen. Even video of a lesson can recorded and saved to a computer to revisit at a later time.

Social Studies

At times, social studies can be a difficult concept to present visually. But by including an AVerVision Document Camera to add a large visual element to social studies elements, students are able to see the concepts and ideas instead of simply hearing and reading about them. Maps take on a life of their own. Historical documents can be projected on a large screen, showcasing the real importance and emotion they represent. Projecting a large image of the Declaration of Independence, or passages from historical diaries is an effective way to present the true meaning and emotional elements behind their creation. Examples of artifacts such as Native American tools, or primitive pottery and languages can be displayed to the entire class through the document camera so students can see all levels of detail and imagine how they were used. Students can even bring in elements of their own family history to showcase to the class, or project models of historic buildings or scenes.