Summary
After reading the novel, “Uprising,” and the short story, “A Christmas Carol,” which discussed the plight of the working class during the Industrial Revolution, we wanted our students to continue to explore the concept of “human rights.” The students chose a human rights issue that exists in the modern world, researched that topic, and prepared a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on that particular issue. The students had three main goals in creating this presentation: to inform the audience about the topic of their choice, explain the relevance of the topic in today’s world, and provide the audience with a “call to action.”
TIPC Ratings
Target
Using the “Issues and Controversies” database as a starting point, the students chose their human rights issue and then further refined their research questions to learn more about that particular topic. The students used Popplet to assemble and organize their research in preparation for the creation of their PSA. The students used Popplet to organize quotes, Youtube videos, images, and other media that would help them make their PSA. Students combined this research and synthesized their understanding of their chosen topic and of propaganda techniques in order to make their PSAs. The students displayed their research by creating movies (in Moviemaker and iMove) and then posting these videos to Vimeo. The task in this particular project was authentic because the students’ videos address real issues that are pertinent in the modern world. Many of the student’s videos had “call to actions” that referenced real organization’s webpages or upcoming community service events.
Target
Students used two main digital tools to facilitate communication and collaboration. The student groups used Popplet to organize their research and storyboard their PSAs. Many students chose to use GoogleDocs for this purpose as well. Time for collaboration was provided at school, but the tools allowed the students to collaborate outside of school hours as well. Each pair assigned each other jobs and tasks in order to complete the project effectively. The students completed an in-class reflection (that was a journal entry) on this project, in which they reflected on their research, groupwork, and the creative process.
Target
When creating their Popplets, the students chose videos, images, and media that made their topic compelling and convincing. Then, the students selected the most appropriate digital tools and techniques to “sell” their human rights using various propaganda techniques. Students used specific movie editing effects (black and white, fade, brightness levels), audio techniques (sound effects, tone of voice, style of music), and visual images in order to convey the importance of their human right and create a compelling “call to action.”
Target
The students used Moviemaker and other movie editing software to create meaningful, original work that allowed them to analyze current trends regarding the human rights issue of their choice. Along with providing information on the human rights issue of their choice, the students presented solutions to their problems in the “call to action” portion of the assignment by mentioning a real group, website, or community service event that could be explored for further information. Many students also took risks in creating their PSAs. Some students chose movie editing techniques that were new to them (for example – green screening), while other groups chose “hot topics” in American society that lead to informative class discussions (Ex. Gay Marriage, Muslim garb, etc.).
Student Artifact
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Download Files
H21 Lesson Resources – Human Rights PSAs
Contents:
- Henrico 21 Lesson Plan
- Human Rights Project Assignment Sheet
- Human Rights Project Rubric
- Propaganda Powerpoint
- PSA Critique and Filming Techniques PowerPoint
- PSA Evaluation Graphic Organizer
- Sample Student Popplets
- Sample Student PSA – Buddyball
- Sample Student PSA – Gay Marriage
