The following is an overview of instructional design and its influence on a unit called

Cicadas and Butterflies. The learning principles that are the undercurrent of this unit are based
on a Constructivist viewpoint, Gardners multiple intelligence theory and Universal Design for
Learning (UDL). These concepts paint a picture of how young children learn. It also
emphasizes using prior knowledge to build upon. Preschool children seem to be on a quest for
understanding the world around them. They are transitioning from an egocentric viewpoint to
developing an understanding that there are many wonders in the world. This is evident when
they see something theyve heard of before and are excited to learn more. They are also learning
that other people have feelings, and those feeling could be different from their own. UDL
involves making learning accessible to all. Technology is utilized to help those with special
needs. The Cast group developed ways to make education accessible to all in order to meet
educational requirements. Some students may need help to hear a story, or type paper.
Computers can read stories or searches through a narrator, and provide voice to text assistance to
type papers. Gardners Multiple Intelligence Theory holds that students have different ways in
which they learn. Some learn best through visual-spatial, kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal,
interpersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, or naturalist intelligence. Gardners theory
challenged an education system the relied on auditory- linguistic learning. It was biased and
inappropriate for many learners.
OBJECTIVE: Using a classroom computer set up for a podcast, the students will
collaborate in groups of three to four to tell what butterflies and cicadas are and their life cycle.
They will also tell how the bugs are the same vs. different from each other. They will do this
after engagement in a variety of whole and small group activities which include internet
searches, videos and live observations of caterpillars. The technology learning tools will be
streaming videos, a time-lapse video and a podcast. There are many other possible extensions.
For example, butterflies can be used to teach symmetry, patterns and counting in Mathematics.
Language skills will also be addressed in this concept. Teachers will focus on vocabulary such
as butterfly names, body parts and read great stories about butterflies for example, The Very
Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carl. Students will journal about their favorite part of the story to
increase writing skills and expression. In art, students will engage in symmetrical paintings or
draw butterflies, caterpillars, and milkweed plants with eggs to discuss color, patterns and why
they like these insects. Students will also learn songs about butterflies and communicate through
interpretive dance. The caterpillar observations, computer engagements, music and books are the
vehicles to promote the end result of learning about the natural phenomenon of butterflies vs.
cicadas. This end result will be shared individually by choice and then collaboratively on a
podcast. After hatching butterflies in the classroom the students can stream a time lapse video on
the entire process. Then students will prepare a way to showcase their findings and surprise their
parents with a podcast.
In conclusion, these activities are inspired by the Constructivist Theory and the Multiple
Intelligence Theory. Students will have plenty of opportunities to explore, observe, build on
prior, and make connections to the subject. Different modalities of learning are considered.
Students will be able to experience the subject matter in a variety of ways. Technology will make

the subject more interesting. By seeing and hearing the information in a new light it will
enhance their observations. The design challenge is deciding on a website to post the podcast
and in getting parent permission for the children to participate in the podcast.