Podcast Project: Voice Your Opinion
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a podcast that uses storytelling and technology to inform and engage listeners about a cause we care about?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What makes a podcast engaging and informative?
- How can we use technology to create and share our own podcasts?
- How can we use storytelling to advocate for a cause?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will learn the basics of podcast creation, including recording, editing, and production techniques.
- Students will develop storytelling skills to effectively communicate information and engage listeners.
- Students will learn how to use technology to create and share podcasts.
- Students will advocate for a cause they care about through their podcast.
- Students will analyze and critique existing podcasts to understand what makes them engaging and informative.
- Students will improve their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through teamwork.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsPodcast Cliffhangers
Students listen to a collection of podcast clips, but each clip abruptly cuts off at a crucial moment. They must then discuss and debate how they think the story continues or how the issue gets resolved, igniting their interest in narrative structure and content creation.Podcast Trailer Challenge
Divide students into groups and assign each group a different podcast genre (e.g., true crime, comedy, educational). Each group creates a very short (1-minute) trailer for their assigned genre, showcasing their understanding and creativity.Podcast Hot Seat Debate
Present students with a controversial or thought-provoking audio clip from a real podcast, then facilitate a debate or discussion about the issue. This encourages critical thinking, perspective-taking, and an understanding of the power of audio to influence opinions.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Storytelling Studio: Crafting Your Narrative
Students will work on crafting compelling narratives for their podcast. They will learn about story structure, character development, and creating engaging openings and closings.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 written script for a short podcast segment, focusing on storytelling techniques.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will develop storytelling skills to effectively communicate information and engage listeners.Podcast Launchpad: Getting Your Voice Heard
Students will learn how to use podcast hosting platforms to distribute their podcast. They will create cover art and write descriptions for their podcast.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 podcast hosting account with cover art and a description for their podcast.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will learn how to use technology to create and share podcasts.Voice for Change: Advocating Through Audio
Students will focus on using their podcast to advocate for a cause they care about. They will research the issue, interview experts, and create persuasive arguments to raise awareness and inspire action.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 outline of how their podcast will advocate for their chosen cause.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will advocate for a cause they care about through their podcast.Podcast Critic: Analyzing Audio Excellence
Students will listen to and analyze different podcasts, focusing on elements like sound quality, storytelling, and engagement techniques. They will write a review of a podcast, discussing its strengths and weaknesses.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 written review of a podcast, analyzing its effectiveness.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will analyze and critique existing podcasts to understand what makes them engaging and informative.Team Talk: Podcast Collaboration
Students will work in teams to produce their podcast. They will learn how to collaborate effectively, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts.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 team contract outlining roles and responsibilities for podcast production.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will improve their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through teamwork.Sound Check: Intro to Audio Basics
Students will explore different podcasting software and hardware options. They will experiment with recording and editing short audio clips.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 short audio clip demonstrating basic recording and editing skills.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will learn the basics of podcast creation, including recording, editing, and production techniques.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPodcast Creation and Storytelling Rubric
Storytelling and Script Writing
Evaluates the ability to craft compelling narratives with clear structure, engaging characters, and impactful messages.Narrative Structure
The organization of the story, including clear beginning, middle, and end.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe script has a well-defined narrative arc with a captivating beginning, detailed development, and a satisfying conclusion.
Proficient
3 PointsThe script contains a clear beginning, middle, and end with good overall development.
Developing
2 PointsThe script shows an emerging structure but lacks full clarity and coherence in parts.
Beginning
1 PointsThe script is largely incomplete or disjointed with missing or unclear sections.
Character Development and Engagement
The creation of relatable and engaging characters or personas in the podcast script.
Exemplary
4 PointsCharacters are well-developed, relatable, and effectively engage listeners through dialogue and actions.
Proficient
3 PointsCharacters are adequately developed and maintain listener interest throughout most of the script.
Developing
2 PointsCharacter development is minimal and only partially engages the audience.
Beginning
1 PointsCharacters are mostly underdeveloped with little engagement with the audience.
Message Clarity and Impact
Clarity and effectiveness of the message or theme communicated through the podcast.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe message is clear and powerful, leaving a significant impact on the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe message is clear and effectively communicated, though with moderate impact.
Developing
2 PointsThe message is somewhat unclear and impacts the audience to a limited extent.
Beginning
1 PointsThe message is unclear or confusing, with minimal impact.
Technical Skills in Podcast Creation
Assesses the use of technology and software in podcast production, including recording, editing, and publishing.Use of Audio Editing Tools
Proficiency in using audio tools to record and edit podcasts, demonstrating skills such as cutting, pasting, and adding effects.
Exemplary
4 PointsShows exceptional skill and creativity in using audio tools for precise editing and enriching the podcast.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates good proficiency in using audio tools for editing and enhancing the podcast.
Developing
2 PointsBasic use of audio tools with some editing skills demonstrated but with limitations.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited use of audio tools with minimal editing evident.
Quality of Final Podcast Production
Overall quality of the podcast, including sound clarity, balance, and technical execution.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe podcast is of professional quality with clear audio, balanced levels, and excellent technical execution.
Proficient
3 PointsThe podcast is of good quality with clear audio and balanced levels, though with minor technical issues.
Developing
2 PointsThe podcast has uneven audio quality and some noticeable technical issues.
Beginning
1 PointsThe podcast has poor audio quality with significant technical problems.
Advocacy and Persuasive Communication
Evaluates how effectively the podcast advocates for a chosen cause and uses audio to inspire action.Cause Advocacy and Support
The strength and clarity of advocacy for a cause, supported by evidence and persuasive techniques.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe podcast passionately advocates for the cause with strong evidence and persuasive techniques that inspire action.
Proficient
3 PointsThe podcast advocates for the cause effectively with clear evidence and logical persuasion.
Developing
2 PointsThe podcast shows some advocacy but lacks strong evidence and full persuasive impact.
Beginning
1 PointsThe podcast minimally addresses the cause with little to no persuasive elements.
Use of Storytelling in Advocacy
The integration of storytelling techniques to strengthen advocacy and engage listeners emotionally.
Exemplary
4 PointsMasterful use of storytelling techniques to enhance advocacy, creating a strong emotional connection with listeners.
Proficient
3 PointsEffective use of storytelling techniques with some emotional engagement of listeners.
Developing
2 PointsBasic storytelling techniques with limited emotional engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal use of storytelling with little emotional impact on listeners.
Critical Analysis and Reflection
Measures the ability to critique and analyze existing podcasts for content effectiveness and production quality.Podcast Analysis and Critique
The depth and insight of analysis and critique of podcasts, including content and sound quality.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an insightful and thorough analysis, highlighting nuanced strengths and weaknesses of the analyzed podcast.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a comprehensive analysis of the podcast with clear articulation of strengths and weaknesses.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis with limited depth in examining strengths and weaknesses.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal analysis with little exploration of strengths and weaknesses.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Assesses teamwork and collaboration skills demonstrated during the podcast production process.Team Communication and Collaboration
Effectiveness of communication and collaborative efforts in the team, including conflict resolution and task sharing.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe team consistently demonstrates exceptional communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe team shows effective communication and collaboration with some successful conflict resolution.
Developing
2 PointsBasic communication and collaboration with occasional difficulties in conflict resolution.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited communication and collaboration with frequent conflict and unresolved tasks.