Lights, Camera, History: Documentary Film Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as documentary filmmakers, use primary and secondary sources to create a compelling and credible film that explores a historical event and its lasting impact?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do primary and secondary sources help us understand history?
- How do we evaluate the credibility of sources?
- What makes a documentary effective?
- How can film be used to tell a story and convey a message?
- How does historical context influence our understanding of events?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will conduct research using primary and secondary sources to develop a historical narrative.
- Students will evaluate the credibility of sources and use them ethically.
- Students will create a documentary film that effectively communicates a historical event and its significance.
- Students will analyze the impact of historical events using evidence-based reasoning.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"Found Footage: Lost in Time"
Present students with a collection of "found footage" – simulated home videos, newsreels, and personal accounts from a specific historical period. Students analyze the footage to reconstruct the historical narrative and create a documentary that pieces together the story from these fragmented sources.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Historical Hotspot Hunt
Students begin by selecting a specific historical event or topic that intrigues them. They then formulate initial research questions to guide their exploration.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 finalized historical topic and a set of focused research questions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.7 by initiating a research project with self-generated questions.Source Credibility Checkpoint
Students learn how to identify credible sources by evaluating different types of sources for bias, accuracy, and reliability.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 source evaluation chart for two sources, assessing their credibility and relevance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.8 by teaching students to assess the credibility and accuracy of sources.Evidence Locker: Gathering Historical Clues
Students gather relevant information from a variety of sources, practicing effective search techniques and proper citation methods.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 collection of notes and properly cited sources related to the historical topic.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCorresponds to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.8 by focusing on gathering information from multiple sources and using standard citation format.Storyboarding the Past
Students create a storyboard outlining the key scenes and narrative structure of their documentary film, using their research to inform their creative decisions.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 outlining the key scenes and narrative of the documentary film.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIntegrates CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.9 by drawing evidence from informational texts to support the documentary's narrative.Documentary Draft & Feedback
Students produce a first draft of their documentary, incorporating research and storyboard. They then participate in peer feedback to refine their film.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 revised documentary film incorporating peer feedback and improved narrative structure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.9 by using evidence to support the analysis and reflection within the documentary.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioDocumentary Film Project Rubric
Research & Source Evaluation
Focuses on the quality of research, appropriate selection of sources, and critical evaluation of source credibility.Source Variety & Relevance
Demonstrates the ability to find and select a variety of relevant primary and secondary sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsUtilizes a diverse range of primary and secondary sources that are highly relevant and significantly enhance the historical narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsUtilizes a mix of primary and secondary sources that are relevant to the historical topic and support the documentary's message.
Developing
2 PointsUses some primary and secondary sources, but relevance to the topic may be limited or require further development.
Beginning
1 PointsRelies on few sources, with minimal connection to the historical topic; source types may be limited.
Source Credibility & Accuracy
Demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate sources for credibility, bias, and accuracy using the CRAAP test or similar methods.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated evaluation of source credibility, thoroughly analyzing bias, accuracy, and perspective; effectively justifies source selection.
Proficient
3 PointsEvaluates source credibility using established criteria (e.g., CRAAP test) and identifies potential biases or inaccuracies.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to evaluate source credibility, but analysis may be superficial or incomplete; understanding of bias may be limited.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited awareness of source credibility; minimal effort to evaluate sources for bias or accuracy.
Citation & Attribution
Demonstrates proper citation practices to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsImplements flawless citation practices, exceeding expectations in providing comprehensive attribution and demonstrating exemplary academic integrity.
Proficient
3 PointsCites all sources accurately and consistently using a standard citation format (e.g., MLA, Chicago).
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to cite sources, but may contain inconsistencies or errors; some sources may be missing citations.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates poor citation practices; many sources lack proper attribution, raising concerns about plagiarism.
Narrative Construction & Storytelling
Focuses on the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of the documentary's narrative structure and storytelling techniques.Clarity & Focus
Presents a clear and focused narrative that effectively communicates the historical event and its significance.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a captivating and exceptionally clear narrative that maintains a consistent focus on the historical event, enhanced by insightful analysis and compelling storytelling.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and focused narrative that effectively communicates the historical event and its significance.
Developing
2 PointsNarrative may be unclear or unfocused; struggles to maintain a consistent line of reasoning or highlight the event's significance.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks a clear narrative structure; difficult to understand the historical event or its significance.
Storyboarding & Visuals
Demonstrates effective use of storyboarding techniques to plan and organize the documentary's visual elements.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops an innovative storyboard, complemented by exceptional visuals that significantly enhance the narrative and captivate the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a detailed storyboard with clear visuals that effectively support the documentary's narrative.
Developing
2 PointsStoryboard is present but lacks detail; visuals may be underdeveloped or loosely connected to the narrative.
Beginning
1 PointsStoryboard is minimal or missing; visuals are poorly planned or absent.
Evidence-Based Reasoning
Supports claims and interpretations with evidence drawn from research, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills.
Exemplary
4 PointsMasterfully integrates compelling evidence from diverse sources to construct a powerful argument, demonstrating exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
Proficient
3 PointsSupports claims and interpretations with relevant evidence from research, demonstrating sound reasoning and analytical skills.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to support claims with evidence, but connections may be weak or unsupported; analysis may be superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks evidence to support claims; demonstrates minimal reasoning or analytical skills.
Technical Execution & Presentation
Focuses on the technical aspects of film production, including video and audio quality, editing, and overall presentation.Video & Audio Quality
Maintains acceptable video and audio quality, ensuring clarity and audibility throughout the documentary.
Exemplary
4 PointsMaintains exceptional video and audio quality, ensuring crystal-clear visuals and pristine audibility that significantly enhance the viewer's experience.
Proficient
3 PointsMaintains acceptable video and audio quality, ensuring clarity and audibility throughout the documentary.
Developing
2 PointsVideo or audio quality may be inconsistent or distracting; some portions may be difficult to see or hear.
Beginning
1 PointsVideo and audio quality are poor, making the documentary difficult to watch or listen to.
Editing & Pacing
Demonstrates effective editing techniques and maintains appropriate pacing to engage the audience and enhance the narrative.
Exemplary
4 PointsExecutes seamless editing with impeccable pacing, creating a thoroughly engaging experience that propels the narrative forward with a sophisticated sense of timing.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates effective editing techniques and maintains appropriate pacing to engage the audience and enhance the narrative.
Developing
2 PointsEditing may be choppy or inconsistent; pacing may be too fast or too slow, affecting audience engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsEditing is poor; pacing is erratic, making it difficult for the audience to follow the narrative.
Overall Presentation
Presents a polished and professional final product that demonstrates attention to detail and effective communication.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a polished and exceptionally professional final product, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and mastery in effective communication, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a polished and professional final product that demonstrates attention to detail and effective communication.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation may be rough or unpolished; some aspects may detract from the overall impact of the documentary.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is poorly executed and unprofessional, significantly hindering the communication of the documentary's message.