Lights, Camera, Action: Mental Health Awareness PSA
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as filmmakers, create a :30 PSA that effectively uses storytelling and persuasive techniques to destigmatize mental health issues, promote empathy, and connect individuals and communities with available resources, while adhering to ethical considerations?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can media be used to destigmatize mental health issues?
- What are the key elements of an effective Public Service Announcement (PSA)?
- How do mental health issues affect individuals and communities?
- What resources are available for people struggling with mental health issues?
- How can storytelling promote empathy and understanding of mental health?
- How can we use persuasive techniques to create a compelling PSA?
- What are the ethical considerations when representing mental health in media?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the impact of mental health issues on individuals and communities.
- Develop skills in storytelling and persuasive techniques.
- Learn how to create a PSA that destigmatizes mental health issues.
- Identify and utilize resources available for mental health support.
- Apply ethical considerations when representing mental health in media.
- Master film production skills including planning, shooting, and editing.
- Effectively use media to promote empathy and understanding of mental health.
- Adhere to time constraints and production timelines to create a :30 PSA
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsPSA Deconstruction & Reconstruction
Students watch a collection of impactful PSAs on various social issues, but one is intentionally low-quality and ineffective. Groups analyze why certain PSAs resonate and others fail, connecting their observations to the project's goal of creating a compelling mental health PSA. This sparks discussion on the power of media and the importance of effective communication.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Mental Health Issue Fact Sheet
Students research various mental health issues, focusing on their prevalence, impact, and available resources. They will create a fact sheet to inform their PSA.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page fact sheet on a chosen mental health issue, including statistics, personal impact stories, and a list of resources.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of understanding the impact of mental health issues and identifying available resources.PSA Storyboard Creation
Students brainstorm and develop a storyboard for their PSA, focusing on narrative structure and ethical representation of mental health. They will outline the key scenes, dialogue, and visual elements.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed storyboard with sketches or descriptions of each scene, along with accompanying dialogue and notes on visual elements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the learning goals of developing storytelling skills and applying ethical considerations.Filming and Editing the PSA
Students will film and edit their PSA, using the storyboard as a guide. They will learn about camera techniques, sound recording, and video editing software.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA fully edited :30 PSA video.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals of mastering film production skills and adhering to time constraints.PSA Reflection and Ethical Analysis
Students reflect on the effectiveness of their PSA and the ethical considerations they faced during the production process. They will write a reflection paper discussing their creative choices and the impact they hope to achieve.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page reflection paper analyzing the PSA's effectiveness and the ethical considerations involved.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers learning goals related to persuasive techniques and ethical considerations in media.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMental Health Awareness PSA Rubric
Content and Research
Assesses the student's ability to research and present information on a chosen mental health issue in an accurate, clear, and ethical manner.Accuracy and Completeness
Accuracy of information, including statistics and resources.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate or incomplete information with little to no evidence of research. Resources are irrelevant or missing.
Developing
2 PointsPresents mostly accurate information, but some details may be missing or slightly inaccurate. Resources are generally relevant.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate information with supporting evidence from reputable sources. Includes relevant and helpful resources.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents comprehensive and accurate information with strong supporting evidence from multiple reputable sources. Resources are highly relevant, detailed, and go beyond basic requirements.
Organization and Clarity
Clarity and organization of the fact sheet.
Beginning
1 PointsFact sheet is disorganized, difficult to understand, and lacks clarity. Key information is missing or obscured.
Developing
2 PointsFact sheet is somewhat organized, but clarity is lacking in some areas. Key information is present but not easily accessible.
Proficient
3 PointsFact sheet is well-organized and easy to understand. Key information is presented clearly and concisely.
Exemplary
4 PointsFact sheet is exceptionally well-organized, visually appealing, and presents information with outstanding clarity and conciseness. Demonstrates sophisticated design principles.
Ethical Storytelling
Inclusion and ethical presentation of a personal impact story.
Beginning
1 PointsNo personal impact story is included, or the story is used without proper consent or ethical considerations.
Developing
2 PointsA personal impact story is included, but consent is unclear, or ethical considerations are not fully addressed.
Proficient
3 PointsA personal impact story is included with proper consent and ethical considerations addressed.
Exemplary
4 PointsA compelling and ethically sound personal impact story is included, demonstrating a deep understanding of sensitivity and respect. The story significantly enhances the fact sheet's impact.
Storyboard Development
Evaluates the student's ability to create a compelling and ethical storyboard that effectively conveys a mental health message.Narrative Structure
Clarity and coherence of the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsStoryboard lacks a clear narrative and is difficult to follow. Scenes are disjointed and do not contribute to a cohesive message.
Developing
2 PointsStoryboard has a basic narrative, but coherence is lacking in some areas. Scenes are somewhat connected but may not fully support the message.
Proficient
3 PointsStoryboard presents a clear and coherent narrative that effectively conveys the chosen mental health message.
Exemplary
4 PointsStoryboard presents an exceptionally clear, engaging, and impactful narrative that powerfully conveys the mental health message. Demonstrates sophisticated storytelling techniques.
Visual Communication
Effectiveness of visual elements (sketches, descriptions, camera angles).
Beginning
1 PointsVisual elements are poorly developed and do not effectively communicate the intended scene or message.
Developing
2 PointsVisual elements are basic and partially communicate the intended scene or message.
Proficient
3 PointsVisual elements are well-developed and effectively communicate the intended scene and message.
Exemplary
4 PointsVisual elements are exceptionally creative and effectively communicate the intended scene and message. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of visual storytelling.
Ethical Representation
Sensitivity and accuracy of dialogue; avoidance of harmful stereotypes.
Beginning
1 PointsDialogue perpetuates harmful stereotypes or demonstrates insensitivity towards mental health issues.
Developing
2 PointsDialogue contains some insensitive or inaccurate portrayals of mental health, or includes some stereotypes.
Proficient
3 PointsDialogue is sensitive, accurate, and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes about mental health.
Exemplary
4 PointsDialogue is exceptionally sensitive, nuanced, and authentic, demonstrating a deep understanding of mental health issues. Actively challenges harmful stereotypes and promotes empathy.
Production Quality
Assesses the student's ability to effectively film and edit their PSA within the given time constraints, demonstrating technical proficiency.Technical Execution
Technical quality of filming (camera work, lighting, sound).
Beginning
1 PointsFilming is of poor quality with significant issues in camera work, lighting, and sound. The video is difficult to watch and understand.
Developing
2 PointsFilming has noticeable issues in camera work, lighting, or sound, which detract from the overall quality.
Proficient
3 PointsFilming is of good technical quality with clear camera work, adequate lighting, and clear sound.
Exemplary
4 PointsFilming is of exceptional technical quality with professional-level camera work, lighting, and sound. Enhances the overall impact of the PSA.
Editing and Polish
Effectiveness of editing (transitions, sound effects, music).
Beginning
1 PointsEditing is poorly executed with jarring transitions, inappropriate sound effects, and distracting music.
Developing
2 PointsEditing has some issues with transitions, sound effects, or music that detract from the overall message.
Proficient
3 PointsEditing is well-executed with smooth transitions, appropriate sound effects, and complementary music.
Exemplary
4 PointsEditing is exceptionally creative and seamlessly integrates transitions, sound effects, and music to enhance the PSA's message and emotional impact.
Time Management
Adherence to time constraint (:30 seconds).
Beginning
1 PointsPSA significantly exceeds the time limit or is far too short.
Developing
2 PointsPSA slightly exceeds the time limit or is noticeably shorter than :30 seconds.
Proficient
3 PointsPSA adheres to the :30 second time limit.
Exemplary
4 PointsPSA precisely adheres to the :30 second time limit, demonstrating excellent planning and execution.
Reflection and Analysis
Evaluates the student's ability to critically reflect on their PSA, analyze its effectiveness and ethical implications, and articulate their insights in a well-written reflection paper.Critical Analysis
Depth of reflection on the PSA's impact and persuasive techniques.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection is superficial and lacks analysis of the PSA's impact or persuasive techniques.
Developing
2 PointsReflection provides a basic analysis of the PSA's impact and persuasive techniques, but lacks depth.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection provides a thorough analysis of the PSA's impact and persuasive techniques used.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection provides an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the PSA's impact and persuasive techniques, demonstrating a deep understanding of media literacy.
Ethical Awareness
Thoroughness of ethical considerations and insights gained.
Beginning
1 PointsEthical considerations are not addressed or are superficially mentioned.
Developing
2 PointsEthical considerations are mentioned, but the analysis is incomplete or lacks depth.
Proficient
3 PointsEthical considerations are thoroughly addressed with insightful analysis and clear understanding of potential implications.
Exemplary
4 PointsEthical considerations are examined with exceptional depth and nuance, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of ethical media production and its potential impact. Offers actionable insights for future projects.
Writing Quality
Clarity and organization of the reflection paper.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection paper is disorganized, poorly written, and difficult to understand.
Developing
2 PointsReflection paper is somewhat organized, but clarity and writing quality are lacking.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection paper is well-organized, clearly written, and easy to understand.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection paper is exceptionally well-organized, eloquently written, and presents insightful reflections in a compelling and engaging manner.