Earth Day PSA

Subjects

Technology, Language Arts

Grades

3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Brief Description

Students develop a short public service announcement (PSA) video to raise awareness about an environmental issue.

Objectives

Students

define the term public-service announcement.
develop ideas for a public-service announcement about an environmental issue.
create props and/or costumes for the announcement.
demonstrate creative thinking and writing skills.
work together in a group to create a 30-second to
one-minute PSA about an environmental issue.
learn about video equipment.

Keywords

Earth Day, public-service announcement, video, environment

Materials Needed

a camcorder
student-researched information about environmental issues from books, magazines, newspapers, and/or online sources
student-selected props and/or costumes for the announcement
pens or pencils
television
videocassette recorder
videocassette tapes
chalkboard and chalk

Lesson Plan

This project should be completed over several lessons. The teacher decides the length of time needed to complete the project; the length of the project depends on the ages and abilities of the students.

Before teaching the lesson:

Learn as much as possible about your video equipment.
Talk to a your school media specialist for tips and suggestions, or consult a print or online source about video production.
Record public-service announcements from television.

Lesson 1

Introduce the term public service announcement. Discuss the differences and similarities between a public-service announcement and a commercial for a product. Ask students what they think goes into making a PSA.
Tell students that they are going to make a 30-second to
one-minute PSA about an environmental issue. Discuss some environmental issues to consider for a PSA. List students' responses on the board. Let the class vote on a topic for the announcement.

Lesson 2

Show examples of PSAs that you have taped. Discuss each one.
Have students brainstorm ideas for their PSA.

Lesson 3

Have students research information about the environmental topic for the public-service announcement.

Lesson 4 to Completion

Have students work together to write the script; choose the cast; make costumes, props, and scenery; and create a list of shots.
Let students practice the PSA, first without the camera, then with the camera.
Note: The teacher should handle the equipment.
Complete the filming of the announcement. Review and edit the tape.

Variations:

Idea 1: If school rules permit, let students assist in filming and editing the announcement.
Idea 2: Let older students work in teams to create the announcement. Provide assistance when needed.