Lesson Plan
Hack Research Blueprint
Students will research a practical life hack, evaluate its effectiveness, and collaboratively create and deliver a polished presentation showcasing their findings and application.
This project builds research, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills by applying them to real-world productivity and wellbeing strategies relevant to 7th graders.
Audience
7th Grade Class
Time
4 sessions × 75 minutes
Approach
Guided, step-by-step team research and presentations.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the full project flow in Hack Research Blueprint.
- Familiarize yourself with slide deck template: Life Hack Showcase Slides.
- Read through Hack Presentation Guide and Presentation Scoring Rubric to clarify expectations.
- Print or distribute digital copies of Hack Reflection Template for session 4.
- Ensure student access to research devices (computers/tablets).
Step 1
Session 1: Introduction & Brainstorm
75 minutes
- Introduce the concept of a "life hack" and its potential benefits.
- Show exemplary hacks using Life Hack Showcase Slides.
- Facilitate whole-class brainstorming: list everyday challenges and possible hacks.
- Form teams of 3–4 and have each team select one hack idea.
- Distribute Hack Research Blueprint and review roles, timeline, and deliverables.
Step 2
Session 2: Research & Outline
75 minutes
- Teams use library/internet to research background, evidence, and steps for their hack.
- Assign roles per [Hack Research Blueprint] (#hack-research-blueprint): researcher, tester, note-taker, presenter.
- Complete the research outline section in the blueprint:
- Origin and evidence supporting the hack
- Materials needed and procedure
- Potential limitations or safety considerations
- Teacher circulates to provide feedback and ensure progress.
Step 3
Session 3: Develop & Practice
75 minutes
- Teams draft a slide deck using Life Hack Showcase Slides template:
- Title slide, problem statement, research findings, demonstration steps, conclusion.
- Follow best practices in Hack Presentation Guide for clarity and engagement.
- Conduct peer-review: teams exchange decks and use the guide to give constructive feedback.
- Revise slides and rehearse delivery.
Step 4
Session 4: Present & Reflect
75 minutes
- Teams deliver 5-minute presentations using their slides.
- Audience and teacher use Presentation Scoring Rubric to assess content, delivery, visuals, and engagement.
- After all presentations, distribute Hack Reflection Template for individual students to complete:
- What went well? What challenges did they face?
- How might they apply this hack or skills learned?
- Facilitate a whole-class discussion to share insights and next steps.
Slide Deck
Life Hack Showcase
Hack Title: [Your Hack Name Here]
Team Members: [Names]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Welcome to the Life Hack Showcase template. Introduce the slide deck and explain that students will plug in their own hack title and team names. Mention the color palette and consistency.
Problem Statement
• What challenge or daily obstacle does this hack address?
• Why is solving this problem important for 7th graders?
Guide students to clearly define the problem or challenge their hack solves. Encourage concise, specific statements.
Research Findings
• Origin or background of the hack:
– [e.g., inventor, cultural roots]
• Evidence supporting effectiveness:
– [e.g., test results, statistics, testimonials]
• Key insights or tips from research
Remind students to cite sources and summarize evidence. Prompt them to include origins, studies, or expert quotes.
Materials & Procedure
Materials Needed:
• [Item 1]
• [Item 2]
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- [Step 1]
- [Step 2]
- [Step 3]
Students list required materials and outline step-by-step instructions. Encourage clarity so anyone could replicate the hack.
[Insert demonstration video or GIF here]
If students have a demonstration video or GIF, they can embed it here. Otherwise, they can include photos or screenshots. Coach them on pacing the demo.
Limitations & Safety
• Potential limitations or challenges:
– [e.g., cost, time, materials availability]
• Safety considerations:
– [e.g., supervision needed, risk factors]
Alert students to consider any risks, limitations, or conditions under which the hack might not work. Safety first.
Conclusion & Application
• Summary of key benefits:
– [List 2–3 takeaways]
• How can classmates apply this hack in daily life?
• Reflection: What did we learn about research and teamwork?
Encourage students to wrap up with a clear summary and recommend next steps for their audience. Prompt reflection on skills learned.
Presentation Design Tips
• Use clear, readable fonts and sizes
• Stick to 2–3 colors from our palette
• Keep text concise; use visuals to illustrate
• Balance text and images; avoid clutter
• Practice pacing and eye contact
Provide best practices on slide design and delivery. Encourage consistency, readability, and engaging visuals.
Project Guide
Hack Presentation Guide
1. Preparing Your Slide Deck
- Start with the Life Hack Showcase Slides template to ensure consistency in design and layout.
- Focus on one main idea per slide; avoid overcrowding.
- Use large, readable fonts (24 pt or larger) and maintain 2–3 colors from our palette (#C1E1C5, #AED8B9, #9BCFAD).
- Keep text concise—aim for no more than 5 bullet points or 30 words per slide.
- Incorporate high-quality visuals (photos, icons, simple charts) to illustrate key points.
2. Structuring Your Content
- Title Slide: Hack name, team members, and date.
- Problem Statement: Clearly define the challenge your hack addresses.
- Research Findings: Summarize origin, evidence, and key insights.
- Materials & Procedure: List items needed and step-by-step instructions.
- Demonstration: Embed a short video, GIF, or sequence of images showing the hack in action.
- Limitations & Safety: Address risks, costs, or constraints.
- Conclusion & Application: Highlight benefits, real-world uses, and lessons learned.
3. Rehearsal Steps
- Assign speaking roles (e.g., introduction, demonstration, conclusion) so everyone practices public speaking.
- Run through the full presentation at least twice, timing each section to fit within a 5-minute window.
- Record yourselves (video or audio) and watch for pacing, clarity, and filler words.
- Practice transitions between speakers; use verbal cues (e.g., “Now, Alex will show you…”).
4. Peer Review Protocol
- Exchange slide decks with another team.
- Use this quick feedback structure:
• 2 Things That Work Well (e.g., “The demonstration slide is clear and engaging.”)
• 2 Suggestions for Improvement (e.g., “Consider reducing text on slide 4.”) - Focus on clarity, visual appeal, and audience engagement.
- Revise your slides based on peer feedback before the final rehearsal.
5. Engaging Delivery Tips
- Start with a hook: ask a question or share a surprising fact.
- Make eye contact with various classmates; avoid reading directly from slides.
- Use a clear, energetic voice—vary your tone and pace to keep listeners interested.
- Incorporate gestures or move purposefully; keep hands visible and natural.
- Encourage audience participation (e.g., ask classmates to try a mini-demo).
6. Final Technical Checks
- Test your slide deck on the actual presentation device (projector or classroom computer).
- Ensure videos or GIFs play correctly and hyperlinks work.
- Have a backup copy (USB drive or cloud link).
- Check the room setup (audio volume, seating arrangement).
With these steps, your team will be well on its way to delivering a clear, engaging, and polished life-hack presentation that showcases both your research and presentation skills!
Rubric
Presentation Scoring Rubric
This rubric evaluates your team’s life-hack presentation across five key criteria. Each criterion is scored on a 1–4 scale: 4 (Exemplary), 3 (Proficient), 2 (Developing), 1 (Beginning).
| Criterion | 1 — Beginning | 2 — Developing | 3 — Proficient | 4 — Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Accuracy | Information contains significant inaccuracies; key details missing. | Some accurate details but includes errors or omissions. | Mostly accurate and complete; minor omissions only. | Completely accurate, thorough, and error-free. |
| Research Depth | Minimal or no credible sources; little to no evidence. | Limited sources; superficial analysis; evidence is minimal. | Adequate credible sources; shows understanding of evidence. | Extensive use of credible sources; insightful analysis. |
| Slide Design | Poorly organized; text-heavy or inconsistent; distracting visuals. | Inconsistent layout; some clutter; visuals may distract. | Clear and mostly consistent design; visuals support content. | Professional, polished, consistent design; enhances understanding. |
| Delivery Skills | Reads slides; mumbles; no eye contact; poor pacing. | Uneven delivery; monotone or pacing issues; limited eye contact. | Clear voice; good pacing; some eye contact and confidence. | Confident, engaging, excellent pacing; strong eye contact. |
| Engagement | No audience interaction; passive presentation. | Minimal engagement; few interactive elements. | Engages audience; some questions or interaction. | Actively involves audience; uses questions or demos to captivate. |
Total Score: ___ / 20
(Time: 5 minutes per presentation)
Use this rubric during Session 4: Present & Reflect to guide feedback and final scoring.
Materials referenced: Life Hack Showcase Slides, Hack Presentation Guide
Cool Down
Hack Reflection
Use the prompts below to reflect on your experience researching, collaborating, and presenting your life hack. Provide thoughtful, honest responses.
1. What aspects of your research and presentation went well?
2. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them?
3. What did you learn about working as part of a team?
4. Which part of your life hack do you plan to use in your daily routine, and why?
5. Which presentation skill would you most like to improve for next time?
6. How will you apply the research and presentation skills you gained in future projects?
Thank you for reflecting on your learning journey today!