I always save this unit for the end of the year because it involves a lot of cooperation and responsibility. I have tried this unit in the beginning of the year, and I found that 3rd graders mature a lot throughout the year. Natural disasters can be a scary topic for some students. Before beginning the unit, I talk about the region of the country we live in and how most natural disasters do not occur here. During this unit, students will choose a natural disaster that they want to research. I form groups of 3 based on their choices.
The groups research their natural disaster and then create a video newscast about it. They will work together to complete a news script, and then record each scene of the newscast. I create the script with 3 parts, 2 reporters and a person who is interviewed after living through the natural disaster. This is to ensure that each student is on the video, and each child gets a chance to do the recording. For the recording, I have used flip cameras, iPads, and just laptops with a webcam in the past. You can use whatever you have. The students will love recording themselves on any technology that you have.
Not all students are familiar with all of the natural disasters they can choose to report on, so as an introductory lesson, I have students watch short videos about each natural disasters and complete a fill in the blank sheet about the videos as they watch. This is great because students practice getting information from videos, as well as pausing and rewinding when they miss something.
The next step is that students complete a research packet. The research packet is 4 pages, so each student in the group is responsible for one page. I have all students use this website, so that we can go over where to find the information, and students can do the same with their Natural Disasters.
After completing their research. students use the newscast script template to choose their parts and write their scripts. In groups, students get time to practice before recording.
In the classroom, I label a few different areas as News Studio 1-6, or however many groups I have. This way each group is assigned to their own space to practice and record. When students do their, “Live on the scene” piece, I have them record in front of the Promethean board with a picture of damage from their natural disaster in the background. Students film one scene at a time.
After they have filmed their scenes, I will watch them and give them feedback on each scene, telling them if they are done or need to reshoot. This is the form I use for feedback:
When all of the scenes are complete, I edit them with iMovie and put them into one video for all of the students to watch. As students watch each other’s videos, they give feedback in several categories. It does take several weeks. If you only meet with your class once a week for Media, this could take almost an entire marking period. The kids really enjoy it and are engaged throughout the entire process!
Here is a sample of my peer review sheet that I use for the students as they watch each other’s videos!
