Revolutionary Times – 4533

Summary

After completing our studies on the American Revolution (VS5a-c), the students were challenged with creating video segments that would cover the topics that were studied in our unit. The segments covered topics that included Battles of Lexington and Concord, George Washington, Revolutionary women, and Treaty of Paris. The students created scripts, that were written in first-person, based on the study materials provided to them and facts that they have discovered while doing their own research. The students had to find and create props and costumes that would help the audience recognize the topic they were speaking about. The filming and editing of the final video product was organized and completed by the students in the classroom. This project allowed the kids be creative and show their personalities in their work while expanding their knowledge of the Revolutionary War.

TIPC Ratings

This lesson falls in the Approaching range for Research and Information Fluency. The students used provided resources, as well as internet research to gather and record information about their topic. Students were provided with a topic and had to determine what information to include in a presentation about their topic. Students were encouraged to find unique information that would help make their scripts more interesting. Students assembled their research information into a first person narrative that they read from during their video presentation.

This lesson falls in the Ideal/Target range for Communication and Collaboration. Communication takes place as students are called to present the information on their assigned person, place, or term. They must collaborate with the technicians, announcer, and other students in order to film and share their information. The final product was shared with the other 4th grade classes and online to be used at home as well. Students also reflected on their roles as communicators and collaborators through the use of a Self-Assessment Google Form.

This lesson falls in the Approaching range for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Students use critical thinking skills when deciding which informatiion to present for their one minute of fame on the Flip Cam. Students had to think critically to write an appropriate script that would throroughly cover the topic and plan for any costumes or props that would enhance the presentation. Problem solving occurs throughout this project as students flilm themselves, adjust the camera, speak clearly, and adjust voice volume. The technicians were also challenged with combining the clips together into a class movie with title slides and sound effects that would positively add to the video project. Students reflected on their roles as critical thinkers and problem solvers and set goals for future growth through the self-assessment Google Form.

This lesson falls in the Ideal/Target range for Creativity and Innovation. The students were challenged with writing a creative script and creating their outfits/costumes. Students that had non-living topics, had to be creative when planning their costumes in order to make a connection between their topic and attire. The technicians also had to write a script to create a “talk show” feel to the final product. They also added in sound effects and title slides that added to the movie presentations. The students reflected on the product and process through the use of a Self-Assessment Google Form.