Embedded Files
Official website: http://www.studentcam.org/
C-Span Resources:
C-Span Resources:
01. Issue Guide
Issue Guide Pamphlet Directions (Google Doc)
Issue Guide Pamphlet Template (Google Doc)
Issue Guide Pamphlet Rubric (Google Doc)
02. Research Outline
Research Outline Directions (Google Doc)
Research Outline Template (Google Doc)
Student Example: Example 1
Music Resources
Free Music Archives (Music for Video)
dig.ccmixter.org (Music for Film)
YouTube Audio Library (No Copyright Music)
YouTube (Music for Creators)
Additional Documents
StudentCam Rubric (Google Doc)
Two-Column Script (Google Doc)
Fair Use Laws
Documentary Filmmakers’ Best Practices in Fair Use (American University Center for Media and Social Impact)
Using C-Span footage in your documentary
How Long Will It Take To Make A Documentary?
Students should give themselves at least a few weeks to create their documentary. Below is a suggested time frame. Please keep in mind that many of these steps will overlap as students go through the process.
Topic Selection and Initial Research: (1 week) - see Tips for Getting Started
Research and Scheduling Interviews: (2 weeks)
Conducting Interviews & Shooting B-Roll: (2 weeks)
Write your script: (1 week)
Build your Rough Cut: (1 week)
- Edit interviews
- Find & download relevant C-SPAN clips
- Record Narration
- Add in music, transitions, text and title slides and creditsPolish Final Film & Submit to StudentCam: (1 week)
Research Resources:
Research Resources:
Government Benefits, including Benefits, Grants, and Loans, and other topics related to programs put forth by the U.S. government
U.S. Laws and Regulations, from the U.S. Senate website
Policy Reports from Results For America
A Starting Point: presenting information and perspective on many topics from various political viewpoints
USA.gov: How Laws are Made and How to Research Them:
"The United States Code contains general and permanent federal laws. It does not include regulations, decisions, or laws issued by Federal agencies, Federal courts, Treaties, or State and local governments. New public and private laws appear in each edition of the United States Statutes at Large. Visit the Law Library of Congress to research U.S. code, statutes, and public laws."
"Federal courts do not write or pass laws. But they may establish individual “rights” under federal law. This happens through courts' interpretations of federal and state laws and the Constitution. Research recent decisions of the Supreme Court. Or get information about historic Supreme Court decisions by topic."
Federal agencies with programs:
Examples of federal programs:
Programs, from the CFDA
Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance or OASDI)
Evaluating Federal Programs and Policies:
Government Accountability Office
Program Evaluation Resources, from the EPA
Administration for Children and Families
Institute of Education Sciences
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Personnel Management
U.S. Small Business Administration: Framework and Guidelines for Program Evaluation (2019)
Research Databases:
Research Databases:
Getting Started with Your Research
ProQuest Central Student –Millions of articles from more than 10,000 full-text scholarly journals.
SIRS Discoverer – Selected content for novice researchers, especially elementary and middle school students and educators.
SIRS Issues Researcher – Curriculum-aligned database of content organized by complex issues, ideally for middle and high school students and educators.
eLibrary – General reference aggregation of periodical and digital media content with editorial guidance for novice researchers. Two unique interfaces available.
If you are accessing these databases off-campus, find the login information here (you will be able to access the doc with your school Gmail)
Report abuse