So I've done the research , now what?
The creation of documentaries provides students with an innovative way to apply research skills and investigate a topic. They learn how to use the features of this format, including narration, visual imagery, and interviews with alternating viewpoints. Using iMovie, students edit their video and audio footage to effectively communicate their claim and support.
Goal of the Project
Learning Targets:
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) addresses:
- Students will identify the unique features of a documentary.
- Students will use the research process to answer questions about a topic of interest.
- Students will combine information from multiple sources with their own ideas to draft a script for a documentary.
- Students will create a documentary around a central idea, using a variety of features and film techniques.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) addresses:
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Step 1: Watch DocumentaryStudents are asked to watch a documentary individually, with their family, or as a small group. As they are watching, they take note of unique "features" they observe in the documentary.
Listing of possible documentaries _______________________________________________________
Step 3: Student Conduct ResearchStudents begin to research their topics. They can work individually or with a partner. At this point, they also create their claim. Students write a research paper and transfer the information into a script. _________________________________________________________
Step 5: Practice ShootingStudents practice shooting imagery. We also used this time to practice interviewing.
Here is an article on the Art of interviewing. Students are required to have at least two interviews. As they practice interviewing and shooting video, we ask them to think about:
Composing Pictures Powerpoint __________________________________________________________
Step 7: Shoot FootageAfter planning out their pre-shoot script, students begin collecting footage.
Helpful tips for filming:
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Step 9: Celebrate! Film FestivalHolding an after-school film festival is one way to celebrate students' efforts.
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Step 2: Class created definition of "documentary"After all students watch a documentary, we develop a class definition. We use that definition to develop a rubric for this project. Sample Rubric _________________________________________________________
Step 4: Imagery BrainstormThe students identify abstract ideas from their research that they would share in their film. We discuss "powerful images" that filmmakers use to get their opinion, or claim, across to the audience. _________________________________________________________
Step 6: Create ScriptStudents are now ready to create their pre-shoot script using Google Docs. Google docs allows students to work together on a a document at the same time. The document is also shared with the teacher so that progress can be monitored and comments can be added. The Google doc guides students to map out the narration, video and audio (music/sound effects). _________________________________________________________
Step 8: iMovieOnce all footage is collected, students are able to begin editing their footage using iMovie or another video editing program.
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