Lights, Camera, Community: Micro-Documentary Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as documentary filmmakers, ethically capture and share compelling stories about local issues through micro-documentaries to raise awareness and inspire community action?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can storytelling be used to address and raise awareness about local community issues?
- What are the key elements of an effective micro-documentary?
- How can visual and audio elements be used to enhance storytelling in a micro-documentary?
- How can I ensure my micro-documentary is ethical and respects the privacy and perspectives of the individuals and communities involved?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will learn the basics of video production, including storyboarding, filming, and editing.
- Students will develop skills in ethical storytelling and representation.
- Students will produce a short documentary on a local community issue.
- Students will learn to use micro-documentaries to raise awareness and inspire community action.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEpisodic Story Arc Challenge
Students collaborate to develop a short episodic story arc based on a chosen community issue. Each episode focuses on a different aspect or perspective, culminating in a final episode that synthesizes the narrative.'60-Second Soapbox' Series
Challenge students to create a series of 60-second 'soapbox' videos, each addressing a different facet of a local issue. This exercise encourages them to condense complex information into engaging, bite-sized content.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Storytelling Blueprint
Students plan the narrative structure of their micro-documentary.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 comprehensive narrative outline that guides the documentary's content and flow.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of developing skills in ethical storytelling and representation.Community Impact Campaign
Students develop a campaign to promote their micro-documentary and raise awareness about the community issue.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 comprehensive campaign strategy and execution plan for promoting the micro-documentary and its message.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with the learning goal of using micro-documentaries to raise awareness and inspire community action.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMicro-Documentary Portfolio Rubric
Storytelling Blueprint
Assesses the quality and effectiveness of the narrative outline, including clarity, coherence, and ethical considerations.Narrative Structure
Evaluates the clarity, coherence, and logical flow of the documentary's narrative outline.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe narrative outline is exceptionally clear, coherent, and logically structured, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of storytelling principles. It includes a compelling opening, well-developed main segments, and a thoughtful conclusion that effectively conveys the message.
Proficient
3 PointsThe narrative outline is clear, coherent, and logically structured, demonstrating a good understanding of storytelling principles. It includes an effective opening, well-developed main segments, and a clear conclusion that conveys the message.
Developing
2 PointsThe narrative outline shows some clarity and coherence but may lack a consistent logical structure. The opening, main segments, or conclusion may be underdeveloped or unclear, hindering the overall message.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative outline lacks clarity, coherence, and a logical structure. The opening, main segments, and conclusion are poorly defined, making it difficult to understand the intended message.
Ethical Considerations
Evaluates the extent to which the narrative outline addresses ethical considerations related to storytelling and representation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe narrative outline demonstrates a deep understanding of ethical considerations related to storytelling and representation. It proactively addresses potential ethical dilemmas, ensures respect for privacy and perspectives, and promotes responsible storytelling practices.
Proficient
3 PointsThe narrative outline demonstrates a good understanding of ethical considerations related to storytelling and representation. It addresses ethical dilemmas, ensures respect for privacy and perspectives, and promotes responsible storytelling practices.
Developing
2 PointsThe narrative outline acknowledges some ethical considerations related to storytelling and representation but may not fully address potential dilemmas or ensure respect for privacy and perspectives.
Beginning
1 PointsThe narrative outline demonstrates limited awareness of ethical considerations related to storytelling and representation. It fails to address potential dilemmas or ensure respect for privacy and perspectives.
Community Impact Campaign
Assesses the quality and effectiveness of the campaign strategy and execution plan for promoting the micro-documentary and its message.Campaign Strategy
Evaluates the clarity, coherence, and feasibility of the campaign strategy for promoting the micro-documentary.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe campaign strategy is exceptionally clear, coherent, and feasible, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of marketing and outreach principles. It includes well-defined target audiences, distribution channels, and promotional tactics that are highly likely to achieve the desired impact.
Proficient
3 PointsThe campaign strategy is clear, coherent, and feasible, demonstrating a good understanding of marketing and outreach principles. It includes well-defined target audiences, distribution channels, and promotional tactics that are likely to achieve the desired impact.
Developing
2 PointsThe campaign strategy shows some clarity and coherence but may lack a consistent focus or feasibility. The target audiences, distribution channels, or promotional tactics may be underdeveloped or unclear, hindering the overall impact.
Beginning
1 PointsThe campaign strategy lacks clarity, coherence, and feasibility. The target audiences, distribution channels, and promotional tactics are poorly defined, making it difficult to achieve the intended impact.
Execution Plan
Evaluates the practicality and comprehensiveness of the execution plan for implementing the campaign strategy.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe execution plan is exceptionally practical and comprehensive, demonstrating a deep understanding of project management and resource allocation. It includes detailed timelines, responsibilities, and metrics for measuring success, ensuring effective implementation of the campaign strategy.
Proficient
3 PointsThe execution plan is practical and comprehensive, demonstrating a good understanding of project management and resource allocation. It includes clear timelines, responsibilities, and metrics for measuring success, ensuring effective implementation of the campaign strategy.
Developing
2 PointsThe execution plan shows some practicality and comprehensiveness but may lack sufficient detail or clarity. The timelines, responsibilities, or metrics for measuring success may be underdeveloped or unclear, hindering effective implementation of the campaign strategy.
Beginning
1 PointsThe execution plan lacks practicality and comprehensiveness. The timelines, responsibilities, and metrics for measuring success are poorly defined, making it difficult to implement the campaign strategy effectively.