This page summarizes the assignments for this unit and provides tools to help students complete them.
Phase 1: Identify and research your topic.
Artifact - Quick Write
A one-page essay describing what you have learned so far about your topic, any ideas you have had so far about turning that topic into a podcast or a film, and why you think your chosen topic will make an interesting podcast or film.
Helpful tools & resources
In your quick one-pager, you should answer these questions:
What is your topic?
Why are you interested in it?
Is there a controversy associated with it that you would like to explore?
Why would it make a good film or podcast?
Please submit your Quick Writes through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Phase 2: Research like a college student.
Artifact - Project Scope
A brief reflection on the topic you have chosen, who your target audience for the podcast / film will be, an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various competing positions, a summary of your own position on the issue, and a list of 10-15 helpful resources you have found so far (properly cited).
Helpful tools and resources
Please submit your project plans through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Phase 3: What makes a good film / podcast?
Artifact - Elements List
A short list of 3-5 elements your group believes are important to consider when creating a podcast or film and why they matter. Please include a preliminary list of the equipment and other resources you will need to create a podcast or film on your topic.
Tools & Resources
What makes a good podcast great? (Lower Street)
What makes a good podcast? 30 tips from 30 podcast pros (Resound)
Documentary filmmaking tips for beginners (Documentary Film Academy)
Please submit your Elements List through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Phase 4: Create your film or podcast.
Artifact - Draft Film / Podcast
Your culminating project for this unit will be a 5-10 minute film or 15 minute podcast created using Adobe Express and/or SoundTrap. The podcast or film should contain a narrative - either fiction or nonfiction - about the topic your group has researched. Please add transcripts and/or captions to make your podcasts and films more accessible for your audience.
When submitting the production, please include a brief (200-300 word) Artists' Statement in which you describe your topic, why you chose it, something you learned during their research or production process that surprised them, and your target audience. These Artists' Statements will be used as the description for your production in the online gallery and printed in the program guide for the festival.
Finally, all projects should contain a credit list of all resources used in the production, and the students who helped create any portion of the project. Citations should be in a format used at the university level, (APA, MLA, or Chicago).
Helpful tools & resources
Adobe Express (link to your school's edition of this software)
How to Make a Documentary (Documentary Film Academy)
Please submit your Draft Film or Podcast through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Phase 5: Peer Review & Final Project Development
Artifact
Students will present their podcast or film to their new group for peer review and feedback, based on this peer review graphic organizer. Groups will provide feedback on the project, which students will use to finalize their film or podcast production.
Helpful tools & resources
Peer Review: Use this Peer Review Google Doc to provide structured feedback to your assigned student group on their projects.
Checklist for Peer Feedback:
Does the project align with the research question?
Are the sources appropriate and cited correctly?
Does the script/outline need more depth or structure?
Is the tone and storytelling appropriate for the intended audience?
Is the transcript and/or captioning accurate and complete?
Does the Artists' Statement clearly identify the target audience of the film or podcast?
Please submit your Peer Reviews through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Final Project Submission: Before submitting your project, verify that
All sources have been cited
The final version is accessible (with transcripts/captions)
You have revised your Artists' Statement if needed.
The project is engaging and ready for presentation to your target audience
As we work on our projects, it's essential that everyone ensures their work is set up for easy sharing with our community. Please double-check that all file sharing settings are configured to allow access to the necessary participants. When sharing videos, make sure to use the .mp4 format for compatibility across platforms. Additionally, follow the proper sharing procedures outlined on the site—this includes ensuring that links are accessible to all team members and that permissions are set to "viewable" or "editable" as needed. By doing this, we can make sure that everyone can engage with and review the work smoothly without any technical issues.
The Big Think: Reflection, Thoughtful Writing, & A Film Festival
Reflection: Please use the Google Slide presentation on the Reflection page to complete your group reflection exercise.
Thoughtful writing: Please write 200-300 word reviews of another group's project. Your review should include the following topics:
What is the podcast or film about?
Who might be interested in watching it?
What is its relevance to our lives / community today?
What did you learn that surprised you?
Please submit your Reviews through the Project Submission page. Remember to set your sharing privileges so that anyone with the link can view your work.
Film Festival:
Adobe Express (again, link to your school's copy of this)