Here's the general outline of the project.
Google Docs in Plain English
The Making of a Common Craft Style Video
Behind the Scenes of Filming a Common Craft Video
Session Two: The students received their topics and began gathering information from print and electronic resources. I created and shared this information gathering form with them. I modeled a bit of it here.
Student example - sources of energy
Session Three: Students began to write scripts. I shared this template with them.
Student example - life cycles
Student example - rocks and minerals
Student example - solar system
Session Four: Students began to make props.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
The classroom teachers are appreciative of the work that I have done with the students. They also are seeing the impact of an authentic learning experience such as this. Each classroom had a viewing party, unfortunately my schedule is not so booked, I couldn't be present, but I heard from both teachers and students how successful it was. The students have taken on the role as "experts" on their individual subject. I hear from the teachers that they are imparting knowledge to other students, immediately after the viewing of the videos/presentations as well as following the viewing party. The students are proud of their own work and recognize the hard work of their classmates. I heard that they were studiously taking notes during the videos/presentations. These resources will be there for the next week so they can watch and re-watch them at school and at home. Here's another cool thing, since each of the three classes covered the same same twelve topics, the students have three unique approaches and expressions from which to learn about the subject.
As for me, I am grateful to have been given this opportunity. I want to work on meaningful (and authentic!) projects with the students and I want to be seen as a valuable teaching partner. I have learned quite a bit and have made notes for next year, but on the whole this has been a successful and valuable learning experience for all. Working with me, the students brought a project from beginning to end and developed and practiced solid research skills along the way. I love that the students produced a product that others will use to learn about the subject. I love that my library was a space filled with learning and doing and making.
We are a creation station.
Loved this project! Where did you get a copy of the standards you used? Did kids get a copy?
ReplyDeleteOur standards are online through the DESE. We also have printed copies in our classrooms and libraries. The students got a copy of the learning outcomes for the unit.
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